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Adobe Illustrator ®- A leading illustration/graphic software package most commonly used in the MAC® platform, but available in versions for both platforms. Although the normal file extension is .ai, files may be translated into several formats.

Artwork – Any drawing, photo, illustration, or lettering in an advertisement.

Art Proof – Black & white or color artwork submitted for customer approval. Normally, because most orders are time sensitive, the proof is provided via facsimile and the colors are designated for a quick turnaround.

Bitmap (BMP) – A method of defining pixel color and arrangement for an image. Although a smaller file size is a big plus, BMPs are difficult to modify without losing definition. This is why an image is typically converted to bitmap once the artist is satisfied with the image. Examples of bit mapped images include GIF and JPEG file types.

Corel Draw ®- A leading illustration/graphic software package most commonly used in the PC platform. Although the normal file extension for a Corel®. file is .cdr, files may be translated into several formats.

Die-Casting – Injecting molten metal into a molded cavity to form a logo or unique shape . This process enables greater detail than die striking.

EPS - Encapsulated Post Script. A common file format considered one of the most reliable methods for exchanging artwork. To ensure proper viewing, all text must be saved as curves.

Engraving – Cutting or etching a design into a material. An ideal process to use in conjunction with other printing processes For example, one might screen print a large quantity of awards and then personalize them with engraved plates.

Etching – Using corrosive acid on exposed metal to produce a design with high detail and an elegant look.

Four-color Process – Full-color artwork that combines magenta, cyan, yellow, and black. More costly to reproduce, but worth it.

Vector Graphics – An image that uses mathematical statements to define lines and colors in 2-D or 3-D. Although larger in size than a comparable bitmap, vector graphics are much easier to modify. Standard Adobe Illustrator® (.ai, .EPS) and Corel Draw® (.cdr) formats are vector image files.

Overrun – Extra items are manufactured to take anticipated misprinting into account. Customers are only charged for the actual number of items received, which may be greater than what was ordered. The acceptable number of overruns on an order is 10%, but may be as high as 35% on small runs of plastic convention type bags. This is due to the high speed that bags are imprinted.

JPEG - The most commonly readable format in either PC or MAC® platforms. Useful for viewing artwork, but not recommended for creating screens or plates.

Pad Printing – Utilizing a silicone pad to apply an ink image to an item. An excellent process for imprinting small, unusually shaped objects. Commonly used to imprint single color logos on golf balls.

Pantone Matching System ® (PMS) – A universal numbered color scale used to match colors for printing.

Process Colors – Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, and Black used in four-color process printing.

Screen Printing (Silk Screening) – Applying an image to an object by squeezing ink through a stenciled screen. This process allows the ink to actually become part of the material and form a permanent image.

Spot Colors – Colors that are more simple and less expensive than process colors.

PDF - A file format created in Adobe ® Acrobat Reader ®. Great for viewing artwork or documents. The file extension is .pdf

Sublimation – Using heat to transfer the ink from a paper image to an object. Becoming more popular for small runs of mouse pads, t-shirts, and mugs.

TIFF – A common format for the exchange of images between applications. Images are stored as bitmaps. An alternative way of submitting artwork for those unable to create .ai or .cdr files.

Underruns - Extra items are manufactured to take anticipated misprinting into account. Customers are only charged for the actual number of items received, which may be less than what was ordered. The acceptable number of underruns on an order is 10%, but may be as high as 35% on small runs of plastic convention type bags. This is due to the high speed that bags are imprinted.

Embroidery – A design constructed from tightly stitched thread, most commonly used on apparel. Because embroidery is an entirely different process from printing, a skilled designer ensures that stitches are mapped properly to give your logo the correct look.

DPI - This stands for "dots per inch". Manufacturers use this term to set minimum resolution standards for acceptable artwork.

Embossing – Imprinting an image so that it rises above the surface of the object. Normally used on leather, paper and vinyl material.

Die Striking – Pressing an image into soft metal such as brass or gold.

Debossing – Imprinting an image so that it sits below the surface of the object. Normally used on leather, paper, and vinyl material.

Copy – Lettering or type that is included in any form of advertising, including promotional products.