Envelope Terms – Glossary
The Priority Envelope Glossary offers a comprehensive look at the terminology commonly used in envelope design and production. Whether you’re new to envelope customization or a seasoned professional, understanding terms like window placement, flap styles, paper grades, and sealing methods is essential for making informed choices. This resource simplifies the technical jargon, giving you a clear understanding of the various options available for your custom envelope projects. With insights into everything from materials to production processes, our glossary helps you confidently select the right envelope features to meet your business or personal needs.
Bang-tail:
A style of envelope with a perforated coupon attached to the body of a return envelope. This portion must be torn off before the envelope is sealed. Used for remittance envelopes, order envelopes and other direct
Bar-Code:
See POSTNET.
Baronial:
A type of envelope recognized by large pointed flap.
Basis Weight:
See Substance Weight.
Blank:
A die-cut sheet of paper before it is folded into an envelope.
Bleed:
An image that extends beyond the edge of the page or envelope.
Blind Emboss:
A raised design stamped into paper without foil or ink, must be done before the envelope is folded to prevent the design from debossing onto the back of the envelope.
Bond:
A grade of writing or printing papers, often used for letterheads and matching envelopes. Characterized by strength, rigidity, relatively low opacity.
Booklet:
A large open side envelope used for catalogs, annual reports or brochures.
Brightness:
The light reflecting property of a paper. The more light it reflects, the higher its brightness. A bright sheet offers the best print quality and appearance.
Bulk:
Thickness of a sheet of paper in relation to its weight. A high bulk paper lacks compactness; a low bulk paper is compact, with less air space between its fibers. High bulk papers offer a heavier feel to the touch, but a lower mailing weight.
Business Reply Envelopes (BRE):
Specially printed envelopes that may be mailed without prepayment of postage. The postage and fees are collected from the permit holder when the mail is delivered back to the sender. Also see FIM and/or PostNet.
