Scoring is another paper-centric word that pops up pretty often. Scoring is simply the process of adding a crease to a sheet of paper or cardstock so that it folds more easily. There are simple, inexpensive hand-held tools made for scoring and then there are also machines (around the size of a paper cutter) that take on larger jobs with less elbow grease. Adding the crease helps to keep the paper and ink from cracking, giving the piece a smooth, professional finish.

Scoring is a big help with all types of projects from a simple bi-fold to the more complicated French folds and accordion folds. People love holding and handling paper, especially when it has some sort of interesting construction or shape. Often a little creativity with the paper folds is an inexpensive way to squeeze a lot more visual interest into your piece without a lot of money. Score!

Often one of the first questions a designer will ask when discussing a new project is “Do you want the piece to bleed?” Huh? Paper can bleed? Should it bleed? The answer is yes! And maybe. Bleeds simply refer to the ink or printing running (aka bleeding) all the way to the edge, rather than leaving a thin white border. Most printing machines can’t print all the way to the edge of a sheet of paper (although the technology is getting close!). So to create say, a flyer with a bleed, you print it on a bigger sheet of paper, and then trim it down the final size you want. Pieces with bleeds often have a more professional look, so for many a project it is definitely the way to go, in spite of the slight increase in production time and costs. But it is worth noting that beautiful pieces can be designed with no bleed required, so definitely keep that in mind, particularly when working with a tight budget.

To bleed or not to bleed?

Pros: definitely a much more professional look, with more design and layout flexibility

Cons: a bit more costly, when you add in the larger paper size and the trimming time