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
Head-to-Head Printing is a common orientation for two-sided documents, where the top of the front side aligns with the top of the back side of the sheet. This arrangement is typical for most printed materials.
Head-to-Foot Printing
Head-to-Foot Printing, also known as Head-to-Toe or Head-to-Tail, is less common than Head-to-Head. In this orientation, the top of the front side of the sheet is placed at the opposite end of the sheet from the top of the back side (see Diagram B).
This arrangement is typically seen in multi-page wall calendars and books that are bound along the top horizontal edge. Additionally, certain business forms consolidated into tear-off pads may also be printed Head-to-Foot.
It’s important to note that while Head-to-Head is the standard for most two-sided documents, there are specific instances where Head-to-Foot is preferred for functional reasons.
Summary
Head-to-head printing and head-to-foot printing are terms used in the printing industry to describe the orientation of the pages on a press sheet. They refer to the direction in which the pages are printed on the sheet, relative to each other.
In head-to-head printing, the pages are printed in such a way that the top of one page is adjacent to the top of the next page on the sheet. This means that when the sheet is folded, the pages will be in the correct order. This is the most common orientation for printing books and pamphlets, as it allows for easy reading and navigation.
In head-to-foot printing, the pages are printed in such a way that the top of one page is adjacent to the bottom of the next page on the sheet. This means that when the sheet is folded, the pages will be in reverse order. This orientation is less common, but it can be useful for certain types of documents, such as calendars or flip books.
Overall, the choice between head-to-head and head-to-foot printing depends on the specific requirements of the project, including the desired layout and the intended use of the finished product.
If you have any questions about printing, feel free to reach out to us at 718-928-6888 or submit our quote request form. We’re here to assist you in any way we can.
Take care!
Jeff @ New York Printing Center
