Letterpress 

 

Letterpress printing is a form of relief printing where a raised surface, typically made of metal or wood, is inked and then pressed onto paper. It is one of the oldest printing techniques and was widely used from the 15th century until the mid-20th century, when it was largely replaced by offset printing.

​

In letterpress printing, the typeface, images, and graphics are created in reverse on metal or wood blocks, which are then locked into a frame called a "chase." The chase is then placed on the press, and ink is applied to the raised surface using a roller. The paper is then placed on the press, and pressure is applied to transfer the ink from the type to the paper.

​

Letterpress printing is known for its high-quality, tactile feel and its ability to produce sharp, crisp lines and images. It was used for printing books, newspapers, posters, and other printed materials, and was a major innovation in the history of printing. Today, letterpress printing is still used by some printers and designers for its unique aesthetic, although it has largely been replaced by digital printing technologies.