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Print Workflow and Processes: Imposition 101

Print Workflow and Processes: Imposition 101

Imposition 101 – Episode Summary

In this essential episode of The Print University, Ryan McAbee and Pat McGrew demystify the art and science of imposition—how print pages are arranged on a press sheet so they appear in the correct order when folded and trimmed. Whether you’re working in commercial print, packaging, or books, this is foundational knowledge for anyone undergoing printing press operator training courses, prepress automation training (Kodak Prinergy, Esko), or building printing industry training programs for new employees.

The episode explains that imposition is a two-dimensional layout process designed to create a three-dimensional final product. Ryan and Pat discuss terms like folios, work-and-turn, work-and-tumble, sheetwise, and perfecting—key concepts when handling duplex and simplex jobs across analog and digital environments. They also highlight how grain direction impacts folding, quality, and insertability—critical for publication, transactional, and direct mail printing.

The episode walks through the role of imposition software, from manual paste-ups to intelligent automation using AI. Standard features include reusable templates, folding schemes, trim and fold marks, barcodes, and registration systems. The hosts also cover the value of paper optimization, inline quality control, and how designers should collaborate with prepress to minimize costly errors.

Whether you’re working on a 36-page saddle-stitched booklet or a folding carton, getting imposition right is essential to efficiency, accuracy, and profitability in print.

You Will Learn:

  • What imposition is and why it matters in print production

  • Terminology: simplex, duplex, sheetwise, work-and-turn, grain direction

  • How registration marks, fold lines, barcodes, and color bars support production

  • Manual vs. automatic vs. intelligent imposition tools and workflows

  • How folding dummies and templates help reduce errors in bindery and finishing

Who This Course Is For:

Prepress staff, designers, digital and offset operators, finishing teams, and anyone implementing prepress automation training (Kodak Prinergy, Esko) or evaluating lean manufacturing training printing industry

Time to Watch:

Approx. 22 minutes