In the context of printing and printed materials, "PP" is an abbreviation used to denote the number of pages in a document.
Understanding 'PP' in Printed Pages
When you see "PP" associated with a printing specification or quote, it refers directly to the total count of pages that will be printed. This measurement is fundamental for understanding the scope and cost of a printing job, especially for multi-page documents like booklets, brochures, or magazines.
Key Aspects of 'PP':
- Page Count: 'PP' stands for the total number of individual pages in the document.
- Including Covers: As stated in the reference, when referring to items like booklets, the 'PP' count always includes the covers. This is a critical point, as the covers (front and back) are considered pages within the total count.
- Usage: It is typically shown as a number followed by 'pp', such as "8pp," "12pp," or "32pp."
Why is 'PP' Important in Printing?
Understanding the page count ('PP') is essential for several reasons in the printing process:
- Cost Calculation: Printing quotes are heavily based on the number of pages, paper type, and printing method. The 'PP' count is a primary factor in determining the overall cost.
- Production Planning: It dictates the amount of paper needed, the binding method used (which often depends on page count), and the overall time required for printing and finishing.
- Client Communication: Clearly specifying the 'PP' count ensures that both the printer and the client have a shared understanding of the document's size.
Examples of 'PP' in Practice
Here are a few practical examples of how 'PP' is used:
- Booklet Printing: If a print specification says "16pp booklet," it means the final booklet will have a total of 16 pages, including the front cover, all internal pages, and the back cover. An 8-page internal document with a cover would be 12pp (front cover + 8 internal pages + back cover = 10 pages). This example shows how crucial it is to understand that covers count. Wait, let's re-read the reference carefully: "Will always include the covers when printing a booklet." This means an 8-page internal document with a front and back cover is counted as 10 pages. A 12pp booklet would have 12 pages total, including covers. My example above calculating 10 pages was flawed. Let's correct this. If you have 8 inside pages, plus a front and back cover, that's a total of 10 pages. If you have 12pp, that's 12 pages total, including covers.
- Flyers/Leaflets: While less common for single-sheet items, multi-page folded flyers might be described with a 'PP' count if they are more complex. A standard double-sided flyer is 2pp. A four-panel folded flyer might be 8pp (4 panels on the front side when unfolded, 4 on the back).
- Reports: A document specified as "50pp report" indicates a report containing 50 pages in total.
Illustrative Table:
| Item Type | Description | PP Count (Example) |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Flyer | Standard double-sided leaflet | 2pp |
| Multi-fold Leaflet | Z-fold or roll-fold leaflet (e.g., 3 panels per side) | 6pp |
| Small Booklet | Includes covers | 8pp, 12pp, 16pp |
| Larger Report | Includes covers or is perfect bound | 50pp, 100pp |
Conclusion
In printing terminology, 'PP' is a straightforward abbreviation signifying the total number of pages in a document. It is a fundamental unit of measurement used for quoting, planning, and specifying printed materials, always including the covers when dealing with booklets or similar multi-page bound items.
