Frequently asked questions and terminology
- Jargon-buster
Copy/ copywriting
The words, or the writing of them, to appear in a piece of literature
Design
When referring to literature, design is the creation of the visual elements including the photographs and images, the colours and the layout of the words – but not the writing of them.
Stock
When talking about literature production, stock has two meanings: the amount of an item of literature being stored, or the type of paper being used to print on.
Paper weight or Gsm
In simple terms the paper weight refers to how heavy or thick a piece of paper is. It’s normally measured in gsm – grams per square meter.
DL or tri-fold leaflet
A DL or tri-fold leaflet is an A4 document folded twice to 1/3 A4. Click here for more information on sizes of different items of literature (link to products we offer/paper sizes page).
A4
A4 is the typical size of a standard piece of business stationery, such as letterhead. Click here for more detailed descriptions of different sizes of literature (link to products we offer/paper sizes page).
Print run
The number of copies being printed at one time or in one order.
Digital print
As the name suggests, digital printing is a relatively recent innovation. The very best digital printing machines produce literature of a very high quality. Digital printing methods tend to be quicker than litho printing (see below). It is an especially cost-effective method of printing small quantities or low volumes.
Litho print
Litho printing is the established form of printing traditional using printing presses. It is still a very popular method of printing – especially for large quantities.
Ready made
Ready made is a TOnMD service option (link to TOnMD service options/Ready made page). It uses the Store’s own pre-designed templates along with pre-written copy, but you can add own your company logo in most cases, some products also allow for some personalisation.
Mix and match
Mix and match is a TOnMD service option (link to TOnMD service options/Mix and match page). It enables the Store’s templates to be personalised by changing the colours and the typeface. In addition to adding your own logo you can also add your own images or choose to use some of those available in the Store.
Made to measure and Made to measure plus
Made to measure is a TOnMD service option (link to TOnMD service options/Made to measure page). It is typically used by larger firms (often with branch networks). It is designed for firms that already have their own literature (and their own brand) and who want to ensure that anything that is produced is consistent with that style or brand. The Made to measure option also allows you to brief our designers to produce literature for you to meet your own requirements.
Management service
The Management service is a TOnMD service option (link to TOnMD service options/Management service page). It is ideal for large and small firms who already have their own suite of literature, who very rarely change it but who don’t want to print large quantities and don’t want to have to Store the literature and run the risk of having to throw stocks away when they go out of date. This service also allows you to personalise with adviser and/or branch details, print small quantities and have them delivered direct to your branches and so saves you the time-consuming and expensive process of managing branch orders and distribution.