process in which an image is reproduced
 

A process in which an image is reproduced on a surface, such as paper. There are five general classes of printing processes: relief printing, which includes letterpress and flexography; planographic printing, which includes offset lithography, screenless lithography, collotype, and waterless printing; intaglio, which includes gravure, steel-die, and copper-plate engraving; stencil and screen printing; and electronic printing, which includes electrostatic, magnetographic, ion or electron deposition, and ink-jet printing.

In relief printing, the printing element consists of a raised surface of type, lines, and dots that are inked. Printing is done by transferring the ink directly from the image surface to the paper. The nonprinting areas are below the printing surface.