Fine Print

Fine Print Knowledge Center

The online guide to print and design.

Introduction
A Brief History of Printing
PrePress
Planning and Strategy
Design Tips
Color Management
File Submission
Proofing
Materials and Stocks
Inks
Platemaking
Types of Printing
Offset Lithography
Digital Printing
Screen Printing
Gravure
Thermography
Flexography
Letterpress
Large Format
Specialty Printing
3D Printing
Promotional
Security Printing
Green Printing
Types of Finishes
Coatings
Binding
Folding
Scoring
Die Cutting
Embossing
Foil Stamping
Perforations

Term derived from Latin for works made using a movable letter technique prior to the 16th century.

It is estimated that between 27,000 and 40,000 works were produced with this method in the 15th century.

Incunabula usually have no title page, and there is often no reference to the printer, or year.

Since it is assumed that early printers also produced their own type, the origin of incunabula can be determined by comparing the type used.