Letterpress is a relief printing method. Printing is done using cast metal type or plates on which the image or printing area is raised above the nonprinting areas.Ink rollers touch only the top surface of the raised areas; the nonprinting areas are lower and do not receive ink.
The inked image is transferred directly to the page, resulting in type of images that may actually be depressed or debossed into the paper by the pressure of the press. See also printing methods, relief.