Embossing: The textured area is pushed up from behind by a custom made metal block. It leaves the reverse pattern on the other side of the stock in all instances. An economical alternative is a raised clear spot gloss (scodix).

Debossing: The textured area is stamped into the top of the stock by a custom made metal block. It often shows through on the reverse, unless the stock is soft and thick, and the deboss is not too deep. If you do not want it to show through, you must specify this when placing the order.

Registered or blind embossing/debossing: Registered means that the metal block needs to line up perfectly with other elements on the stock. Eg, a printed logo. This works better when there is not too much fine detail which can handle a small margin of error. Blind means that the effect is being done on a plain background and the alignment is not critical. The best results for a blind emboss or deboss are with a light coloured background, as shadows enhance the results. You don’t get the effect of shadows as much on a darker colour.