Embossing vs. Debossing: 
Unveiling the Art of Textured Printing

What is the embossing process?

Embossing is when you raise the surface of something, creating a three dimensional effect. The process involves pushing an embossed design up from the material using two metal plates- one metal plate is on the top and the other metal plate is on the bottom.

This technique is ideal for thicker materials, like paper and heavier paper stock, and is often used on wedding invitations and high quality marketing materials. With embossing techniques, the embossed design can be barely raised or very raised -- a very raised design is visually appealing and can be achieved via deep embossing. 

A more complex emboss is, of course, often times more expensive to create than a more simple design. If you'd like a combination emboss, multi level embossing, or a repetitive element or recurring pattern embossed throughout a pouch or bag, you can expect to pay a little more than if only one small portion of your card is embossed. 

Choosing between the embossing and debossing process 

Embossing and debossing both have their own advantages, and which you choose ultimately depends on your personal preference and on what you're hoping to achieve with your packaging.

For example, if you'd like to accentuate raised patterns on your business card or card stock, embossing sounds like it's the right choice for you. However, if you'd like to make a lasting impression by customizing both the front and the back of your luxury packaging, it sounds like debossing is what you're looking for. 

Keep it simple

When in doubt, opt for a design that errs on the side of caution. In this case, the more simple the design, the better. Embossing and debossing help drive attention to a single section of your package -- if the entire thing incorporates debossed or embossed designs, it defeats the purpose.