What is debossing and how does it differ from other finishes?

Debossing is a finishing technique that presses a design down into the surface of the paper or card, leaving a recessed, sunken impression you can feel with a fingertip. It is often used on business cards, invitations, and packaging to add quiet, tactile elegance without extra ink or color.

The key difference from letterpress is that debossing creates a sunken impression, while letterpress presses inked type into the sheet. Because the effect depends heavily on the stock, a proof lets you review how the debossing will look and feel on your chosen paper before production.