embossing

Creating raised designs

Embossing is the process of creating raised designs on a surface by pressing from behind or using dies.

Paper, leather, metal, and fabric can all be embossed: The wedding invitation featured elegant embossing.

The technique produces texture you can feel—letters, patterns, or images that stand out from the material.

The opposite process, creating indented designs, is debossing.

bookbinding

spine

Column of vertebrae

blocking · gilding · lettering · tooling · case · endpaper · binding · jacket · signature · headband

leatherwork

tooling

Industrial machinery preparation

  • saddleMounted rider's seat
  • beltStrap securing trousers
  • walletSmall case for currency

holster · carving · stamping · tanning · cowhide · bridle · strap · journal · mallet · beveler

papercraft

cardstock

Rigid paper material

  • stencilCutout pattern for painting
  • stylusPointed implement for marking
  • vellumPrepared calfskin for writing

folder · die · template · texture · relief · pattern · invitation · stationery · letterhead · certificate

metalwork

chasing

Following to catch

relief · plate · foil · seal · armor · jewelry · hallmark · coin · medal · trophy

braille

dots

Small circular marks

  • cellsBasic biological units
  • slateFissile metamorphic rock
  • stylusPointed implement for marking

Perkins · tactile · accessibility · labeling · signage · elevator · handrail · packaging · medication · thermoform

Categories
Opposites
surface relief direction

embossingdebossing

Stamping designs inward

indenting · intaglio · impressing · recessing · sinking

material removal vs. displacement

embossingengraving

Carving into hard surfaces

incising · carving · etching · chasing · chiseling

Family

embossings

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G