There are hundreds of terms used in the printing industry, many of them referring to or designating the same process or end product. To the uninitiated these terms can seem puzzling or contradictory. Today we’re going to talk about a few terms that refer to the size of a printed piece and the paper it’s printed on. These are terms you’re likely to encounter when seeking a quote on a project.
Flat Size: Printing a sheet of paper does not effect its size. However, folding a sheet of paper does change its size. Flat size refers to the size of a document after its been printed (and trimmed if there are bleeds), but before the document has been folded. Flat size is, in essence, the same as Trim Size and the two terms are often used interchangeably.
Trim Size: This term is generally used when a document is printed with bleeds that need to be trimmed away or when images are printed multiple-up on a sheet of paper and need to be cut-down to size. Trim size signifies a document will need to be trimmed after printing to reach its final or pre-folded size.
Folded Size: Brochures, pamphlets, booklets, catalogs, and magazines are examples of pieces where the final size is achieved by folding the printed paper whether with one or multiple folds. For example, an eight page booklet would be printed on two sheets of 8.5” x 11” paper then folded in half. Hence, the final, desired size of the piece is identified by its folded size (5.5” x 8.5”).
Finished Size: This term refers to the final size of the printed piece. In other words, the size of the desired end product regardless of whether additional processes (e.g., trimming, folding, etc.) were required to reach the final size.
Page Size: Simply, the size of the interior pages in a book or other bound document. Frequently, the size of the cover is slightly larger for books and other bound documents. Hence, page size is used to designate the general size of the product.
Cut Size: Paper is manufactured in large sheets or rolls and then cut and packaged for distribution in standard sizes. In the U.S., 8.5” x 11” (letter), 11” x 14” (legal), and 11” x 17” (tabloid) are the most common sizes available. Depending upon certain variables, such as whether a piece is designed to print in full-color or spot colors with bleeds, the quantity desired, etc., will determine whether a printer will use a cut size paper or a press sheet.
Press Sheet: Commercial printers with larger presses (whether digital, offset or both) can accommodate larger sheets of paper called press sheets. Ranging in size from 13” x 19” up to 28” x 40”.
Parent Sheet: This term refers to a sheet of paper on which multiple images are printed before being cut or trimmed to their finished size.
If you have any questions about trim sizes, flat size, or finished size, give us a call (330-597-8560). We’re happy to help you get the most out of your printing project.
