Issue 2 · Summer 2026

Glossary

Key terms from the web to print industry

P
Publicly ListedA company whose shares are traded on a public stock exchange, providing transparency through regulated financial reporting.Promotional ProductsBranded merchandise and giveaway items used for marketing, events, and corporate gifting, including pens, bags, drinkware, tech accessories, and novelty items.Product ConfiguratorAn interactive tool that allows customers to customize product specifications (size, material, quantity, finishing) and see real-time pricing and 3D previews.Print-on-Demand FulfillmentPrint-on-demand fulfillment is a business model where print products are produced and shipped only after an order is received, eliminating the need for pre-printed inventory. Orders are routed to the nearest production facility, printed, finished, and shipped directly to the end customer, often within days.Print on DemandPrint on Demand (POD) is a business and fulfillment model where products are manufactured and printed only after a customer places an order, eliminating the need for inventory investment and enabling the sale of customized, low-quantity, or niche products economically.Print MIS/ERPPrint MIS/ERP (Management Information System / Enterprise Resource Planning) refers to specialized software that manages the core business operations of a print company, including estimating, order management, production scheduling, inventory, invoicing, and business intelligence. These systems serve as the operational backbone connecting sales, production, and finance.Print MISPrint Management Information System - full-featured software that manages estimates, orders, scheduling, production, inventory, and billing for print businesses.Print APIA Print API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of protocols and tools that allows software applications to programmatically submit orders, retrieve pricing, track jobs, and integrate with print production systems without manual intervention.Prepress & Workflow AutomationPrepress and workflow automation refers to software systems that automate the file preparation, preflight checking, imposition, color management, and job routing stages of print production. These tools reduce manual intervention, minimize errors, and accelerate time from order to press.Premium QualityA market positioning focused on superior materials, printing quality, and finishing, typically commanding higher price points.PreflightThe quality assurance process of examining digital files before printing to identify and resolve potential problems that could affect print quality or production efficiency.PostersLarge-format printed sheets designed for display, advertising, decoration, or information purposes.Postcards & CardsPrinted cards including postcards, greeting cards, invitations, thank-you cards, and event cards used for personal and business communication.Photo SoftwareWhite-label and consumer software platforms for creating photo products including photo books, prints, calendars, and gifts.Photo PrintsPhotographic prints produced from digital images on photo paper, acrylic, glass, aluminium, or other substrates.Photo GiftsPersonalized gift products featuring customer photographs including mugs, calendars, phone cases, puzzles, cushions, and blankets.Photo CardsPersonalized greeting cards and announcement cards featuring customer photographs, commonly ordered for holidays, birthdays, and life events.Photo BooksCustom-printed bound books created from personal photographs, available in hardcover, softcover, and layflat formats.Personalized GiftsCustom-made gift products featuring personal text, photos, or designs, including engraved items, printed gifts, and bespoke keepsakes.Pens & Writing InstrumentsCustom branded pens, pencils, and writing instruments used as promotional giveaways and corporate gifts.PackagingCustom printed boxes, cartons, sleeves, and packaging materials used for product presentation, protection, and branding.PDF/XPDF/X is a family of ISO standards defining subsets of PDF specifically designed for reliable graphic arts and print production file exchange, ensuring files contain all necessary elements for accurate reproduction while prohibiting features that could cause output problems.
S
Sustainability FocusA commitment to environmental responsibility through eco-friendly materials, carbon reduction, certifications (FSC, B Corp), and sustainable production practices.Subscription ModelA business model where customers pay recurring fees for ongoing access to products or services rather than one-off purchases.Sublimation PrintingA printing process that uses heat to transfer dye onto polyester fabrics and polymer-coated substrates, producing vibrant, all-over, permanent prints.Strong BrandA company with high brand recognition, strong market positioning, and established customer trust in its operating markets.StorefrontsIn web to print, storefronts are branded e-commerce websites that allow customers to browse, customize, and order print products online. These can be public-facing retail sites or private portals for specific organizations, often white-labeled for resellers or franchises.StationeryBranded business stationery including letterheads, envelopes, compliment slips, notepads, notebooks, and folders.Soft ProofingSoft proofing is the process of viewing a digital simulation of how a printed piece will appear on a calibrated monitor, allowing designers and customers to preview color accuracy, layout, and overall appearance before committing to physical production.Shopify IntegrationConnecting web to print or print-on-demand services with the Shopify e-commerce platform to automate order routing and fulfillment.Screen PrintingA traditional printing technique that pushes ink through a mesh stencil onto a substrate, ideal for high-volume apparel and promotional product decoration.SMB FocusA platform designed primarily for small and medium-sized businesses, typically offering simple self-service ordering, low minimums, and accessible pricing.
W
WooCommerce IntegrationConnecting web to print or print-on-demand services with WooCommerce (WordPress) stores for automated order processing and fulfillment.Wide Language SupportA platform available in many languages, enabling it to serve customers in their native language across multiple markets.White-Label SolutionsWhite-label solutions in web to print are platforms, storefronts, or fulfillment services that operate entirely under a reseller's brand. The end customer interacts with the reseller's identity while the underlying technology and production are provided by a third-party vendor.White LabelWhite label refers to products or services produced by one company but rebranded and sold by another company under their own brand identity, allowing resellers to offer complete solutions without manufacturing capability while customers experience a consistent brand experience.Web2PrintWeb2Print is a category of platforms that enable the online ordering, customization, and management of print products. These solutions connect customers to print production through web interfaces, handling everything from design and ordering to prepress automation and fulfillment.Web to Print SoftwareWeb to print software is a category of platforms that enable the online ordering, customization, and management of print products. These solutions connect customers to print production through web interfaces, handling everything from design and ordering to prepress automation and fulfillment.Web to PrintA technology that enables customers to design, customize, and order print products directly through a web interface, streamlining the ordering process and enabling mass customization.