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

The oldest method of producing printing forms.

The base material is a block of hard wood.

Various cutting tools are used to cut out the parts of a pre-sketched image which are to appear clear or uninked.

The parts which remain produce the image.

The earliest known woodcuts for reproduction on paper date from the sixth century AD in China.

The Buxheim Christopherus of 1423 is the oldest dated woodcut in Europe.

It is believed that playing cards were printed using woodcuts in the 14th century in Europe.

An illustration made from a highly polished block of wood.

Also known as Wood Engraving.