Letterpress

Traditional print business

Letterpress is a printing method where raised surfaces are inked and pressed directly onto paper, leaving a characteristic impression.

Before offset printing dominated in the twentieth century, letterpress was the standard technique for books, newspapers, and commercial printing.

The term also refers to matter printed this way, or to text as distinguished from illustrations: The letterpress explains the accompanying photographs.

printing

typography

Arranging letters for display

movable typeReconfigurable printing components
GutenbergPrinting press inventor's name
inkWriting fluid

platen · chase · galley · composing stick · proof · broadside · poster · print shop · roller · registration

craft

artisan

Skilled manual tradesperson

handmadeCreated manually, not mechanically
stationeryCorrespondence writing materials
wedding invitationsFormal marriage ceremony requests

cards · paper · cotton paper · studio · small batch · bespoke · craftsman · tactile · texture · vintage

aesthetic

vintage

Quality from past eras

retroEvoking recent past
tactileOf the touching sense
debossedStamped below surface level

embossed · textured · handcrafted · imperfection · warmth · nostalgic · analog · authentic · artisanal · old-world

Opposites

printing technology

Letterpressdigital printing

File-based ink application

offset printing · inkjet printing · laser printing · lithography · screen printing

production method

Letterpresshandwriting

Manual letter formation

manuscript · calligraphy · word processing · desktop publishing · e-publishing

tactile quality

Letterpressdigital print

Family

letter, letters, lettered, lettering, letterer, press, presses, pressed, pressing

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G