I'm not a printer - What do all these numbers and terms mean?
- taychoffman
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
If you are not a printer, reading something like “12pt C1S 5/0 CMYK + PMS heavy/flood” may feel like reading another language - we get it!
Print has tons of shorthand, acronyms, and industry-specific terminology that can look confusing until you know what you’re looking at. This guide breaks down the most common terms you may come across when placing a custom print order, using clear language and real examples.
Whether you’re ordering presentation folders, business cards, posters, or packaging, this quick-reference glossary will help you feel confident about what you’re asking for and what you’re getting.
PRINT VOCAB
CMYK
CMYK = Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, BlackThis is the standard full-color printing process used by most printers (including your home printer). Colors are created by layering these four inks.
We print CMYK using our KM-1 digital press, which produces high-quality, vibrant results.
When you’ll see it:
“4 Color Process”
“Full color”
“4/0” or “4/4”
PMS / Pantone
PMS = Pantone Matching SystemThese are pre-mixed, exact ink colors, like brand-specific reds, blues, or greens. PMS inks give you perfect consistency, especially for logos and brand materials.
Traditionally, PMS inks run on an offset press, but our KM-1 can digitally match many Pantone colors extremely accurately.
When you’ll see it:
“PMS 186” (for example)
“Spot color”
“1/0,” “2/0,” etc.
4/0
“4 color on the front, zero color on the back.” This means full-color CMYK on one side only.
“One side” includes:
Front cover
Back cover
Pockets
4/0 printing on the outside and inside pockets.
4/4
“4 color on the front, 4 color on the back.” This means full-color CMYK on both sides, including the entire inside panel.
“Two sides” includes:
Front cover
Back cover
Pockets
Inside panels
Light–Medium Coverage
The design covers roughly 50% or less of the piece. Examples:
Logo + text
A corner graphic
Small photos
This keeps more of the paper’s natural white showing.
Heavy / Flood Coverage
“Flood” means the entire sheet is printed, usually with a solid color (blue flood, black flood, red flood, etc.).
This is when most of the piece is fully inked with very little to no white showing.
For example:
A full black presentation folder
A red business card background
A completely colored inside panel
1/0
One PMS color (or black) printed on one side.
1/1
One PMS color printed on both sides.
2/0
Two PMS colors printed on one side.
This pattern continues — the first number always tells you how many colors on the front, the second how many on the back.
Bleed
Bleed is the extra ⅛ inch of artwork that extends past the cut line. Why? So there’s no accidental white edge if the cut is slightly off. If your design goes to the edge, it must include bleed.
PAPER VOCAB
12pt / 14pt / 16pt (etc.)
These numbers refer to paper thickness, typically used for coated stocks.
Higher number = thicker paper
Common for presentation folders, postcards, business cards
80# / 100# / 130# (etc.)
These numbers also refer to thickness but are typically used for uncoated papers (text or cover weights).
C1S
Coated 1 Side means the paper has a semigloss coating on one side, with the back uncoated.
“One side” includes:
Front cover
Back cover
Pockets
Great for when you want a glossy exterior but writable interior.
C2S
Coated 2 Sides means Semigloss coating on both sides of the sheet.
Includes:
Front cover
Back cover
Pockets
Inside panels
Best for full-color designs or rich flood coverage on the inside.
Opaque Smooth
An uncoated, smooth paper. Feels natural, bright, and writable. Often used for letterheads, stationery, or when you want a softer aesthetic.
Linen
An uncoated, textured stock with a woven, fabric-like pattern.Very popular for premium, traditional, or formal branding.
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