DESCRIPTION The name of the printed piece you need the quote for (e.g., book, brochure, catalog?).

QUANTITY How many do you need. It is a good idea to list 3 quantities, as the unit pricing is better once the press is running.

NUMBER OF PAGES This is different from how many sheets of paper. A single piece of paper has two sides and therefore is two pages.

TRIM SIZE FOLDED The size of the printed item once folded. (Example: if you fold a letter to fit an envelope, the folded size is the "trim size" folded, or 3 2/3 x 8 1/2" from the 8.5 x 11" original size.)

FLAT/SPREAD SIZE This is the flat and final trimmed size of the printed item before folding. (Example: an 8 1/2 x 11" 4-page brochure spread out as a 2-page "spread" would be 17 x 11".) Printers require the width as the first dimension given.

TEXT STOCK A lighter weight stock. If there were not a separate cover, then would be the only paper used (i.e. a "self cover") or if there is a separate heavier cover printed then this would refer to the inside paper.

COVER STOCK Heavier card type stock and also used for the outside 4 pages of your printed item, should it be different from the text. If it is not, then your printed item is a "self cover".

CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) is for process printing, such as color photos and Pantone inks also known as spot color, or PMS stands for Pantone Matching System. (Note: always count on a slight variation of color from paper to paper and press to press.)

BLEEDS The ink prints to the very edge of the paper. When using "bleeds" you must allow for the art to extend 1/8" beyond the page border.

CAMERA READY ART This is art or copy on a layout board or paper output to be photographed.

SCANS Scanning is the process that records your images as a digital file from your photograph.

HALF TONES A black and white photo shot with a camera.

DIE CUT A "steel rule" die is manufactured, which is composed of thin pieces of steel that will be used to stamp a line or rule on the printed materiel. To die cut is to cut the printed piece almost like a cookie cutter.

SADDLE STITCH Two staples added to the center of the piece on the fold line.

PERFECT BIND A squared off edge and glued pages define this bindery type.

PERFORATE Creation of holes either by die or a bindery rolling process for tear outs or coupons.