A two-dimensional art form created by an impression made by a method involving a transfer from one surface to another.

All type of prints come in multiples (except monotypes) to form an edition. Since the late 19th century, artists tend to identify each print with a number and signature. It is common practice for the maker to produce a limited edition of the image, which means there is a fixed quantity. The tools used to create the print are often destroyed once the edition has been completed.

The earliest example of a printmaking technique is woodcut - a type of relief print developed in the Far East. Relief prints are made up of recessed areas, so that the raised parts remaining can be inked and used to create an impression. This type of print is created using wood, linocut and metalcut.

Nowadays, along with relief prints a range of techniques are used to create different type of prints, including the following intaglio techniques (where areas in the plate are incised or chemically etched and when the ink is applied over the metal plate it is retained in the incisions and the paper picks it up in the press to create the impression):

• engraving - a hardened steel tool called a burin is used to cut lines into the surface of a metal plate - the appearance of the incisions depends on the angle and pressure applied
• etching - lines are cut onto a waxy surface which covers the metal plate, which is then placed in an acid bath which bites into the metal left exposed and thus traces are formed
• mezzotint - where the metal plate is roughened and then scraped and polished to different degrees, so that the ink also holds in varies quantities - which can achieve a good range of tone
• aquatint - similar to etching, but a powdered resin is applied in parts making them acid resistant - removing a protective coat leaves textured areas and a number of acid baths are made until the darkest tones are reached