Printing Lingo: Head-to-Head Printing vs Head-to-Foot Printing

It is extremely common for books, brochures, and other print projects to be created from sheets of paper that have printing on both sides.

Head-to-Head and Head-to-Foot are terms used to describe the relative orientation of the printing on the front and back of two-sided documents. In other words, these terms help clarify the direction in which the two sides "back up" to one another.

In the print industry, the top of a document is referred to as the Head and the bottom of a document is referred to as the Foot.

Head to Head Printing

A document printed Head-to-Head will have the top of the front side placed at the same end of the sheet as the top of the back side (see Diagram A). As you have likely surmised, the vast majority of two-sided documents are printed Head-to-Head.

Head to Foot Printing

A document printed Head-to-Foot will have the top of the front side placed at the opposite end of the sheet as the top of the back side (see Diagram B).

Head-to-Foot (also known as Head-to-Toe or Head-to-Tail) is much less common than the Head-to-Head configuration.

Multi-page wall calendars and books that are bound along the top horizontal edge are examples of documents that must be printed Head-to-Foot in order to function properly. Also, two-sided documents consolidated into tear-off pads, including certain business forms, are sometimes printed Head-to-Foot.

If you have any questions about Head-to-Head printing or Head-to-Foot printing, give Formax a call at 866-367-6221. Or, submit our quote request form. As always, we look forward to assisting you!

Take care! Rick

Easy Quote Form

Or Call 866 367-6221

Filed under

Printing Lingo

February 15, 2018

Tags: Head to Foot Printing, Head to Head Printing, Head to Head vs Head to Foot, Head to Head vs Head to Tail, Head to Head vs Head to Toe, Head to Tail Printing, Head to Toe Printing, What is Head to Foot Printing, What is Head to Head Printing

About the Author

Rick Stallings is the owner of Formax Printing Solutions in St. Louis, MO. Formax provides a complete array of offset and digital printing services. Specialty areas include book printing, full-color printing, laminated printing, map printing and mailing services. If you ever have a printing question or project you would like to discuss, Rick is always happy to help. He can be reached at 866-367-6221 or by submitting our easy quote request form. Rick and the Formax team have been providing worry-free printing and related services since 1985.

Printing Lingo: Head-to-Head Printing vs Head-to-Foot Printing