What is letterpress printing?

Letterpress presses an inked raised plate into the paper, leaving a tactile, slightly recessed impression you can feel with your fingertips. It is prized for craftsmanship and a premium, handmade feel.

• Tactile impression: the plate debosses the design into the sheet.
• Best stocks: thick cotton and other heavy, soft papers hold the impression well.
• Ideal pieces: business cards, invitations, and stationery.
• Design tips: bold type and clean line art print cleaner than fine detail or large solid fills.

Digital printing, by contrast, lays ink flat on the surface with no impression, so it suits full color, photos and gradients. Letterpress shows best with simple designs in one or two ink colors on cotton or uncoated stocks.