A

  • API (Application Programming Interface) – A set of protocols for integrating web to print software with other systems, such as MIS and e-commerce platforms.
  • Anti-Aliasing – A digital technique used to smooth out jagged edges in images and text, resulting in a more polished and professional appearance in printed materials.
  • Approval Workflow – The process of reviewing and approving print designs before production.
  • Automated Print Workflow – A system that streamlines the entire print ordering and production process using software automation.

B

  • Bleed – Extra space around the design to prevent white edges after trimming in the printing process.
  • B2B Web to Print – A web to print solution designed for businesses that need corporate printing services.
  • B2C Web to Print – A web to print platform for direct-to-consumer custom printing.
  • Binding – The process of fastening individual sheets together to create books, booklets, or other multi-page documents. Common methods include saddle stitching, perfect binding, and spiral binding.
  • Budget Control – A system that sets spending limits, tracks expenditures, and manages print budgets across users or departments.
  • Bulk Ordering – A web to print feature that allows users to place multiple print orders simultaneously, streamlining procurement, reducing administrative effort, and ensuring volume-based pricing efficiencies.

C

  • CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) – The color model used in printing for accurate color reproduction.
  • Coating – A surface treatment applied to printed materials to enhance durability or achieve a specific finish, such as gloss, matte, or UV coating.
  • Commercial Print – A professional printing service that produces a wide range of print materials for businesses, organizations, and individuals, often offering advanced printing and finishing options.
  • Cross-Media Marketing – A strategy that combines print and digital marketing using variable data printing.
  • Custom Domains – A custom domain is a web address that reflects your brand, allowing your storefront to appear under your own URL for a seamless, professional look
  • Customer Portal – A personalized online storefront where customers can order and manage print jobs.
  • cXML (Commerce eXtensible Markup Language) – A standardized protocol for automating B2B transactions, enabling seamless communication between web to print systems and procurement platforms.

D

  • Die Cutting – A process that uses a specialized die to cut paper or other materials into specific shapes, commonly used for creating custom packaging, labels, or promotional items.
  • Digital Asset Management – A system for storing, managing, and distributing brand-approved print files.
  • Digital Content Distribution – A web to print capability that enables the electronic delivery of digital files, such as PDFs or branded assets, alongside or instead of physical print fulfillment.
  • Digital Printing – A modern printing method that transfers digital files directly to a press without using plates.
  • Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing – A process that prints designs directly onto fabric using inkjet technology.
  • DNS (Domain Name System) – A hierarchical system that translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses, enabling web browsers to locate and access web servers hosting web to print platforms.
  • Dynamic Templates – Pre-designed layouts that allow real-time customization of print products.

E

  • Ecommerce Integration – Connecting a web to print system with an online store to facilitate print product sales.
  • ERP Integration – The connection between a web to print system and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to streamline procurement, billing, and order management.
  • Expedited Print Services – A fast-tracked printing and delivery option for urgent orders.

F

  • Finishing – The final steps in the printing process that enhance the appearance and functionality of printed materials, including trimming, folding, binding, and coating.
  • Flatbed Printing – A digital printing method that prints on rigid materials like wood, glass, or acrylic.
  • Fonts – Digitally stored typeface designs used in both print and digital content which influence readability and brand identity. Web to print systems often support font embedding and selection within templates.
  • FTP/SFTP (File Transfer Protocol / Secure File Transfer Protocol) – Protocols used to upload and download files between computers and servers. SFTP adds a layer of encryption, ensuring secure transmission of files and other digital assets.
  • Fulfillment Services – A service that includes printing, warehousing, and shipping on behalf of customers.

G

  • GSM (Grams per Square Meter) – A measurement of paper thickness and weight.

H

  • Heat Transfer Printing – A printing method that uses heat to transfer designs onto various materials.
  • Hybrid Printing – A combination of digital and offset printing for high-quality, cost-effective production.
  • HTTP Headers – Metadata exchanged between a web browser and web server that controls communication protocols. In web to print applications, these headers manage authentication, caching, and content delivery.

I

  • Image Resolution – The level of detail in an image, typically measured in dots per inch (DPI); higher resolution results in sharper printed images.
  • Imposition – The arrangement of print files on a sheet to optimize print efficiency.  Also known as “Gang Printing”
  • Inkjet Printing – A digital printing technique that sprays ink onto a substrate.
  • In-Plant Print – An internal printing operation within an organization that manages and produces print materials in-house rather than outsourcing to commercial printers.
  • Integrations – Connections between the web to print system and external software or services, such as a CRM or ERP system, which allow for workflow automation, data synchronization, and other enhanced functionality.
  • Inventory Control – A system that tracks stock levels, manages reorder points, and ensures accurate availability of print materials and consumables in a web to print workflow.

J

  • Job Ticketing – A digital or physical document that tracks a print job’s details and status.
  • Job Routing – An automated process that directs print orders to the appropriate production facility, printer, or supplier based on predefined rules and specifications.
  • JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) – A lightweight data format used in web to print systems for transmitting structured information between applications, commonly used in APIs and integrations.

K

  • Kitting – The process of assembling multiple printed components into one package for distribution.

L

  • Large Format Printing – A printing process for oversized materials such as banners, posters, and signage.
  • Lithographic Printing (Offset Printing) – A traditional printing method that uses plates and rollers for high-quality production.
  • Look and Feel – The visual and interactive design elements of a web to print interface, including layout, fonts, colors, and navigation, all of which impact user experience and brand perception.

M

  • Marketing Procurement – The process of sourcing, purchasing, and managing printed marketing materials, promotional products, and related services to ensure brand consistency, cost efficiency, and streamlined fulfillment.
  • MIS (Management Information System) – Software that helps manage print production, costs, and workflows.
  • Marketing Collateral Printing – The creation of branded materials such as brochures, flyers, and business cards.
  • Multi-Tenancy – A software architecture where a single web to print platform serves multiple clients or organizations while keeping data and configurations separate.

N

  • Native File Upload – The ability to upload original design files (AI, PSD, PDF) directly into a web to print platform.
  • No-Touch Workflow – A fully automated print production system with minimal manual intervention.

O

  • On-Demand Printing – A business model that prints only when orders are placed, reducing waste and inventory costs.
  • Outsourcing – The process of sending print jobs to external vendors or production partners instead of handling them in-house, often to optimize costs, capacity, or specialty printing needs.

P

  • Payloads – A payload is a packaged delivery of order data and print-ready artwork, often sent to production systems or fulfillment partners for automated processing.
  • Personalized Printing – The use of variable data to create custom print materials for each recipient.
  • Preflight Check – A quality control process that ensures a print file meets production standards.
  • Print-on-Demand (POD) – A business model where products are printed only after an order is placed.
  • Profiles – A user management feature in web to print systems that stores individual preferences, contact details, and order history for a personalized experience.

Q

  • QR Code Printing – The process of adding scannable QR codes to printed materials for interactive experiences.

R

  • Raster Image – A pixel-based image format used in digital printing.
  • Registration Marks – Symbols placed on a printed sheet to ensure proper alignment of colors and images during the printing process.
  • Reorder Management – A feature that allows customers to quickly reorder previous print jobs.
  • Reports – Summaries of performance data, order activity, usage statistics, and other metrics generated by web to print systems to support business analysis and decision-making.

S

  • SaaS (Software as a Service) – A software delivery model in which web to print platforms are hosted in the cloud and accessed via the internet. Benefits include greater scalability, reduced IT overhead costs, and regular updates.
  • Sandboxes – A sandbox is a testing environment where developers can safely build and refine storefronts without affecting the live site.
  • Single Sign-On (SSO) – A secure authentication method that allows users to access a web to print system using existing credentials from another platform.
  • SLA (Service Level Agreement) – A documented commitment outlining the expected performance, turnaround times, and support standards for web to print services.
  • Soft Proofing – A digital preview of how a print job will appear before production.
  • Substrate – The material onto which an image or design is printed.

T

  • Template-Based Printing – A system that allows customers to customize pre-designed print templates.
  • Turnaround Time – The time required to complete a print job from order to delivery.

U

  • UI (User Interface) – The part of the web to print system that users interact with directly, including visual elements and navigation features.
  • UV Printing – A digital printing technique that uses ultraviolet light to cure ink instantly.

V

  • Variable Data Printing (VDP) – A process that customizes each printed piece using personalized text, images, or offers.
  • Vector Graphics – A resolution-independent format ideal for logos and scalable print designs.

W

  • Web to Print (W2P) Portal – An online system that allows users to order and customize printed products via a web portal.
  • Wide Format Printing – Printing for large-scale applications such as billboards and vehicle wraps.
  • White Label Web to Print – A branded web to print solution resold by print companies as their own.
  • WMS (Warehouse Management System) – Software that helps manage fulfillment operations, with a heavy emphasis on inventory control.

X

  • Xerographic Printing – A dry-printing technique used in laser printers and copiers.
  • XML (Extensible Markup Language) – A flexible data format used in web to print systems for structuring and exchanging information, often facilitating integrations with MIS, ERP, and procurement platforms.

Y

  • Yield Rate – A measure of print quality, efficiency, and material usage in print production.

Z

  • Zero-Touch Printing – A fully automated process that requires no manual intervention.