Not sure what “bleed,” “DPI,” or “CMYK” means? Don’t worry! Here’s a simple guide to common printing terms so you can feel confident about your next print project.

Hey there! Let’s Talk Printing Lingo

Ever felt lost in a sea of printing terms? You’re not alone! Words like “CMYK,” “bleed,” and “GSM” can sound more like a secret code than helpful info. At Joshi Printers, we believe printing shouldn’t be confusing — so we put together this friendly glossary to help you speak the language of print like a pro.

Let’s break it down:

️The Print Terms You’ll Hear (and What They Really Mean)

CMYK

• What it means: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black — the four basic ink colors used in most printing. 
• Why it matters: All printed colors are created by mixing these. If your file is in CMYK, you’re good to go! 

RGB

• What it means: Red, Green, Blue — the colors screens use. 
• Heads up: Designs made in RGB might look different when printed. We’ll help convert them to CMYK for best results. 

DPI (Dots Per Inch)

• Think of it as: Image sharpness. 
• Best for print: 300 DPI is the sweet spot for clear, crisp prints. 

Bleed

• In simple terms: Extra space around your design that gets trimmed off. 
• Why it’s helpful: Prevents weird white edges on the final product. Designers usually add a 3mm bleed. 

Trim Size

• This one’s easy: It’s the final size of your printed item after cutting. 
• Example: A typical A4 flyer = 210mm x 297mm (after trimming). 

Safe Zone

• Picture this: A margin inside your design where important stuff (like text or logos) should stay. 
• Why: To make sure nothing gets cut off during printing. 

Pantone Colors

• What it is: A special color system that ensures colors look exactly the same every time. 
• Useful for: Brand colors or super-specific shades. 

Vector vs. Raster

• Vector: Clean, sharp graphics (like logos) that can be resized without losing quality. 
• Raster: Made of pixels (like photos) — look great, but don’t scale up well. 

Coated vs. Uncoated Paper

• Coated: Shiny or glossy — makes colors pop. 
• Uncoated: Matte and natural — great for writing or a softer look. 

GSM (Grams per Square Meter)

• In plain speak: Paper thickness. 
• Cheat sheet: 
  • 80–100 GSM = regular printer paper 
  • 200–300 GSM = nice flyers or posters 
  • 350+ GSM = sturdy business cards

Why This Matters

Knowing these basics means:

• Fewer surprises when your print job arrives 
• Easier convos with your designer or printer 
• Better results, every time 

And of course, if you ever feel unsure — we’ve got your back!

Still Have Questions?

Just drop us a message or stop by — we’d love to meet you in person!

Visit Us At:
Office No. 01, Sudarshan Apartment, Opposite to Dhande Path Lab, Pune

Or connect with us on social media:

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We’re always sharing behind-the-scenes, design tips, print inspiration, and more. Let’s stay connected!

Happy printing! ️✨