This is the traditional relief printing method where ink is applied to the raised surface of type or engravings. The inked surface is then pressed forcefully into the paper to transfer the image. It leaves a distinct tactile impression or bite in the paper stock, which distinguishes it from flat printing methods like lithography.
We're running the wedding invitations on the letterpress to get that deep impression in the cotton stock.
The heavy impression or bite prized by current designers was actually considered poor craftsmanship by historic printers, who aimed for a kiss impression that barely indented the sheet.
Do not mix it up with
- Intaglio: Letterpress prints from the raised surface, while intaglio prints from ink held in recessed grooves.
Related terms
Bite
A blank spot on a printed sheet caused by an obstruction between the type and the paper.
Impression
A single print run of a publication from the same setup, or the physical pressure applied by the press.
Platen
A flat metal plate that presses paper against an inked typeform to create an impression.
Handpress
A manually operated printing machine that applies pressure to ink and paper.