Promotional Products Glossary (A–Z)

Artwork (print-ready artwork)
The final logo/design file used for production. "Print-ready" usually means high resolution, correct sizing, and in a format suitable for the decoration method.

Art proof / Approval proof
A visual preview showing how your logo will appear (placement, scale, colors). Approval typically signals production can begin.
> Artwork & Proof Approval

Bleed
Extra image area beyond the final cut edge (common in print items like notebooks or packaging). Prevents white edges after trimming.

Brand guidelines
Your rules for logo usage (colors, spacing, placement, fonts). Helpful for consistent merchandise across vendors and campaigns.

CMYK
A four-color printing process (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) used for full-color printing. Some brand colors may not match perfectly in CMYK.

Coated vs. uncoated (papers/materials)
A material finish that can impact how ink colors appear and how details print.

Deboss
A design pressed into a material (often leatherette or paper) without ink, creating an indented effect.

Decoration method
How the logo is applied (screen print, embroidery, laser engraving, etc.).
> Imprint Methods

Digitizing (embroidery digitizing)
Converting artwork into stitch instructions for embroidery machines. Often a one-time setup step.

Drop shipping (multi-address shipping)
Shipping a single order to many recipient addresses (employees, customers, attendees).
> Shipping & Multi-Address

Embroidery
Decorating apparel or fabric items using stitched thread. Best for polos, hats, jackets.
> Imprint Methods

EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)
A common vector logo format.

Full-color (process print)
Printing that uses multiple colors (often CMYK) to reproduce gradients and images.

Gang run
Multiple designs printed in a single production run to reduce cost; may affect turnaround or color matching in some situations.

Heat transfer
A decoration method using heat and pressure to apply graphics onto a product (often apparel).

Imprint area
The printable/decoratable location and maximum size available on a product.
> Artwork & Proof Approval

In-hands date
The date you need items delivered (not just shipped). Critical for events and onboarding.

Kitting
Assembling multiple items into a single kit/package (e.g., onboarding kit, event speaker kit). PromotionalProducts.com offers custom promotional kits/Promo Packs.
> Promo Packs & Kitting

Laser engraving
A decoration method that uses a laser to etch a design into the surface of a product (common on metal drinkware or accessories).
> Imprint Methods

MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
The smallest quantity you can purchase for a specific item. Often impacts pricing and availability.

Next-day shipping
An expedited transit option. Important: it's different from "next-day production."
> Rush Orders & Lead Times

Pantone / PMS color
A standardized color reference system used to communicate specific colors for printing and manufacturing.

PDF (vector PDF)
A PDF can be vector or raster. Many print workflows prefer a vector PDF for logo clarity.

Proof / Mockup
The visual pre-production preview of your logo on the product.
> Artwork & Proof Approval

Production time
The time it takes to customize and produce items after proof approval (distinct from shipping time).
> Rush Orders & Lead Times

Promo Packs (custom promotional kits)
Curated kits assembled and packed for distribution; PromotionalProducts.com offers custom promotional kits.
> Promo Packs & Kitting

Quantity breaks
Price tiers that drop as you order more units.

Raster image
An image made of pixels (JPG/PNG). Can look blurry when scaled up.

Rush order / Rush service
An accelerated production/shipping timeline for eligible items; PromotionalProducts.com highlights rush service options.
> Rush Orders & Lead Times

Screen printing (serigraphy)
Ink pressed through a mesh screen to apply a design, often used for apparel and bags.
> Imprint Methods

Setup fee
A one-time charge to prepare production (screen, embroidery digitizing, etc.).
> Pricing & Setup Fees

Ship date
The date an order leaves the facility.

Vector file
A file built from mathematical shapes/paths (not pixels), so it can scale without losing quality. Adobe provides a clear explanation of vectors and why they stay sharp when resized.

White ink / Underbase
A base layer used under bright colors on dark materials to improve color vibrancy.