Printmaking describes the process of making artists' original prints - on no account to be confused with commercially published reproduction prints which (even though they may be signed and numbered) are merely copies of existing artwork and therefore of little intrinsic value.

Traditionally, an original print involves the artist preparing a plate, block, stone or stencil which is then inked by hand, or using a hand-operated press, on to high quality paper. The artist is thus able to take a number of impressions of a particular print. This is called an edition; the prints then being individually titled and signed by the artist.

At the same time, they are usually numbered (eg "5/20", identifying the fifth print in an edition which will not exceed 20 prints) before the plate, block or stencil is finally destroyed.