Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Color Bar • UV Coating • Creasing

Trapping

Term from Printing Services industry explained for recruiters

Trapping is a printing technique that prevents gaps or white spaces from appearing between colors when printing materials like brochures, packaging, or business cards. It's like creating tiny overlaps between different colored areas to make sure everything lines up perfectly, even if the printer shifts slightly during production. When someone mentions trapping experience on their resume, they're showing they understand how to ensure high-quality, professional-looking printed materials without obvious errors or misalignments.

Examples in Resumes

Managed color trapping processes for high-end packaging projects

Implemented automated trapping solutions that reduced production errors by 50%

Trained junior designers in proper trapping techniques for premium print materials

Typical job title: "Prepress Technicians"

Also try searching for:

Prepress Operator Print Production Specialist Digital Prepress Technician Print Production Artist Graphic Prepress Technician Print Production Coordinator

Where to Find Prepress Technicians

Professional Associations

• Printing Industries of America
• SGIA - Specialty Graphic Imaging Association
• Idealliance

Online Communities

Job Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle color trapping for a complex packaging project with metallic inks?

Expected Answer: A senior candidate should explain how different materials and ink types require different trapping approaches, and discuss how they would adjust settings based on the substrate and printing conditions.

Q: Tell me about a time when you improved a print shop's trapping workflow.

Expected Answer: Look for answers that demonstrate leadership in implementing automated trapping solutions, training staff, and creating standardized procedures that improved efficiency and reduced errors.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors do you consider when setting trap sizes?

Expected Answer: They should mention paper type, ink coverage, printing press capabilities, and how different color combinations might require different trap settings.

Q: How do you handle trapping for small text or intricate designs?

Expected Answer: The candidate should explain approaches for delicate work, including when to adjust or disable trapping for fine details, and how to ensure text remains readable.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the purpose of trapping in printing?

Expected Answer: They should explain that trapping prevents gaps between colors by creating small overlaps, ensuring a professional finished product without white spaces showing through.

Q: Can you explain the difference between spreads and chokes?

Expected Answer: Look for basic understanding that spreads make lighter colors expand into darker ones, while chokes make darker colors contract, both helping prevent misregistration issues.