---
title: "Embossing | Printing glossary | IN TEMPO"
description: "A raised design made by pressing the paper between a male and a female die, so the motif stands up from the surface. Done without ink (blind) or in register with print or foil."
url: "https://www.intempo.fr/en/glossaire/gaufrage/"
lang: "en"
---

[Back to the glossary](https://www.intempo.fr/en/glossaire/)

# Embossing

Also called Blind embossing, debossing (recessed)

A raised design made by pressing the paper between a male and a female die, so the motif stands up from the surface. Done without ink (blind) or in register with print or foil.

![Cross-section diagram of embossing: the paper pressed between a female and a male die, then the raised design it leaves, the motif standing up from the surface and a hollow impression on the reverse.](https://www.intempo.fr/diagrammes/en/embossing.png)

Embossing in cross-section: the paper pressed between two dies, then the relief. Diagram: IN TEMPO, licence [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en). [Reuse this diagram](https://www.intempo.fr/en/reutiliser-nos-schemas/)

## In practice

It needs a board thick and supple enough to take the relief without cracking; a brittle one splits. The relief shows on the reverse too, so the inside of the cover will carry a hollow impression: keep text away from it. On a stock nobody has embossed before, a proof saves a surprise.

## Related terms

- [Foil blocking](https://www.intempo.fr/en/glossaire/dorure-a-chaud/)
- [Print embellishment](https://www.intempo.fr/en/glossaire/ennoblissement/)

## Need us? We are here to help.

We want to know exactly what you need so that we can propose the right solution. Tell us what you are looking for and we will do our best to help.

[Get in touch →](https://www.intempo.fr/en/contact/)