PosterDrops Glossary
Definitions of common terms used by poster collectors, artists, printers, galleries, and marketplaces — abbreviations, editions, printing techniques, materials, conditions and more.
Poster Collecting Glossary
Browse the glossary alphabetically or use the search and category filters to quickly find the term you're looking for.
Artist Edition AE
An edition distributed or retained by the artist, often separate from the primary show or regular edition.
Artist Proof AP
A copy traditionally reserved for the artist outside the primary numbered edition. Modern AP editions are often separately numbered.
Archival
Materials or processes intended to provide long-term stability and minimize deterioration.
Art Print
A print released primarily as standalone artwork rather than to advertise a specific event.
Bleed
Artwork or ink extending beyond the final trimmed edge of a printed piece.
Bootleg
An unauthorized reproduction or production of copyrighted artwork.
Certificate of Authenticity COA
Documentation intended to verify information about the authenticity or origin of an artwork.
Colorway
A version of an artwork distinguished primarily by a different color palette.
Condition
The physical state of a poster, including wear, damage, alterations, restoration, and other characteristics.
Conservation
Practices intended to stabilize and preserve artwork while minimizing unnecessary alteration.
Deckled Edge
An intentionally irregular or feathered paper edge.
Dry Mount
A process that permanently bonds artwork to a backing material using adhesive and heat or pressure.
Edition
A defined group of prints produced as part of a particular release.
Edition Size
The total number of prints intended for a particular limited edition.
Embossed
A raised design or impression created by pressing material from the reverse.
Flat File
A wide, shallow drawer system commonly used to store artwork flat.
Foil Paper
Paper incorporating a reflective metallic or specialty surface.
Foil Stamping
A process that transfers foil onto a surface using pressure and often heat.
Foxing
Brownish spots or discoloration that can develop on paper as it ages or is exposed to certain environmental conditions.
Giclée
A term commonly used for high-quality inkjet fine-art printing.
Gig Poster
A poster created to advertise or commemorate a live musical performance.
Glazing
Glass or acrylic placed in front of framed artwork.
Hand-Embellished
Additional artwork or material applied individually to a print after its primary production.
Hand-Numbered
Edition numbers written individually rather than mechanically printed.
Handbill
A relatively small printed advertisement intended for distribution by hand.
In Search Of ISO
Collector shorthand indicating that someone is looking to acquire a particular item.
Letterpress
A relief-printing process in which an inked raised surface is pressed into paper.
Limited Edition LE
An edition produced with a predetermined quantity.
Linocut
A relief print created from an image carved into linoleum.
Lithograph
A print produced using lithographic printing techniques.
Metallic Ink
Ink containing reflective particles that create a metallic appearance.
Mint
A condition description generally indicating virtually no observable defects. The term should be used conservatively.
Numbered Edition
A limited edition in which individual copies receive edition numbers.
Numbered / S/N S/N
A print that has been both signed and numbered is commonly abbreviated S/N.
OG / Original OG
Collector shorthand sometimes used to distinguish an original issue or printing from later versions. Meaning can vary by context.
Offset Lithography
A commercial printing process in which an image transfers from a plate to a rubber blanket and then onto the printing surface.
Open Edition
An edition without a predetermined fixed production quantity.
Pearlescent
A surface, paper, or ink displaying a pearl-like reflective sheen.
Pigment Print
A digital print produced using pigment-based inks, commonly associated with fine-art printing.
Pinholes
Small holes generally caused by pins, tacks, or similar methods originally used to display a poster.
Printer's Proof PP
A proof traditionally reserved for the printer and separate from the primary edition.
Proof
A print produced for evaluation or retained outside the standard edition, depending on context.
Reduction Print
A multicolor relief print produced by progressively carving the same printing block between color passes.
Registration
The alignment of separate colors or printing layers.
Remarque / Remarqued
A small original drawing or embellishment added individually to a print, typically by the artist.
Reprint
A later printing of previously released artwork. A reprint may be authorized or unauthorized; the term alone does not determine legitimacy.
Restoration
Work performed to stabilize, repair, clean, or improve the condition or appearance of artwork.
Signed & Numbered S/N
A print bearing both the artist's signature and an edition number.
Screen Print
A print produced by transferring ink through a mesh screen using a stencil.
Show Edition
An edition generally produced for sale or distribution in connection with the event represented by the artwork.
Signed
Bearing an artist's signature.
Split Fountain
A printing technique in which multiple ink colors are placed on the same screen and blend during printing, often producing gradual or unique color transitions.
Test Print
A print created while testing screens, colors, registration, paper, or other production variables.
Trimmed
A poster whose original edges have been cut or reduced after production.
UV Glass / UV Acrylic
Glazing designed to reduce the amount of ultraviolet radiation reaching artwork.
Variant
An alternate version of an artwork containing a meaningful difference in paper, color, ink, format, embellishment, or another production characteristic.
Woodcut
A relief print created using an image carved into a wooden block.
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