Key Terms and Definitions

This glossary defines technical terms, Photoshop terminology, and production method concepts used throughout the Bulk Made user manual.

B.1 Key Terms and Definitions

Bulk Made Terms

Batch Processing The automated process of applying multiple designs to multiple templates in a single operation, generating dozens or hundreds of mockups without manual intervention.

Concatenation The method of combining file names from PNG designs, PSD templates, and processing settings to create systematic output file names (e.g., “Square-Wood_WoodenCoaster_Setting3.jpg”).

Mockup A realistic product image showing how a design will look on a physical product. Bulk Made generates mockups by placing designs into product photography templates.

Output Folder The user-selected location on the computer where all generated mockup JPG/PNG files are saved after processing.

Processing The automated operation where Bulk Made opens each PSD template, replaces the smart object with each PNG design, applies settings (resize mode, processing type, quality), and saves the result as a JPG or PNG file.

Processing Type Pro Plan effects that simulate real production methods (engraving, printing) to create realistic, production-accurate mockups. Examples: Wood Engraving, Slate Engraving, Sublimation Print.

Reference Library A collection of test mockups processed through all available settings, printed/engraved as real products, and used to identify which setting best matches your actual production equipment.

Resize Mode The method Bulk Made uses to fit a design into a template’s smart object. Options: FIT, FILL, STRETCH, NO RESIZE. Each mode handles aspect ratio differences differently.

Settings (Numbered) The numbered processing intensity options available for each Processing Type (e.g., Wood Engraving Setting 1, Setting 2, etc.). Settings are numbered rather than named because every production setup produces unique results.

Substrate The material or surface on which a design is engraved or printed (e.g., wood, slate, glass, ceramic, metal, fabric).

B.2 Photoshop Terminology

Core Photoshop Concepts

Adobe Photoshop CC Adobe’s professional image editing software, subscription-based (Creative Cloud). Bulk Made requires CC 2019 or later. “CC” stands for Creative Cloud.

Aspect Ratio The proportional relationship between width and height of an image, expressed as a ratio (e.g., 1:1 for square, 3:2 for landscape, 16:9 for widescreen). Matching aspect ratios between designs and templates prevents distortion.

Canvas The working area in Photoshop where images are created or edited. For Bulk Made designs, the canvas should be sized to the design’s footprint edge (minimal empty space around the design).

CMYK Color Mode A color model used for print production (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). Not recommended for Bulk Made—use RGB instead for accurate on-screen color representation.

DPI (Dots Per Inch) A measurement of image resolution. Higher DPI = more detail and sharpness. Bulk Made requires 300 DPI minimum for professional-quality mockups.

Layers Separate, stackable elements in a Photoshop file. Each layer can contain different content (images, text, effects) and can be edited independently.

Layers Panel The Photoshop panel (usually on the right side) that displays all layers in the current document. Smart objects are identified by a small page icon in the layer thumbnail.

PSD File Photoshop Document format. Native Photoshop file format that preserves layers, smart objects, and editing capabilities. Bulk Made uses PSD files as mockup templates.

Resolution The amount of detail in an image, measured in pixels per inch (PPI) or dots per inch (DPI). Higher resolution = sharper, more detailed images. 300 DPI is the professional standard.

RGB Color Mode A color model used for digital displays (Red, Green, Blue). Recommended for Bulk Made for accurate color representation in mockups intended for online stores and digital use.

Smart Object A special Photoshop layer that preserves the original image data and allows non-destructive editing. Smart objects can be scaled, rotated, and distorted without losing quality. Bulk Made requires templates to have at least one smart object.

Transparent Background An image background with no color or content, allowing underlying layers to show through. In Photoshop, transparency is indicated by a checkerboard pattern. Bulk Made designs (PNG files) must have transparent backgrounds.

Smart Object Details

Smart Object Content The actual image data stored inside a smart object. Bulk Made replaces this content with your PNG designs during processing.

Smart Object Icon A small page icon that appears in the bottom-right corner of a layer thumbnail in the Layers panel, indicating the layer is a smart object.

Embedded Smart Object A smart object whose content is stored within the PSD file itself (as opposed to linked smart objects, which reference external files). Bulk Made works with embedded smart objects.

Double-Click to Edit The standard method of editing smart object content manually. Double-clicking a smart object layer opens its content in a new window for editing. Bulk Made automates this process.

File Formats

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) An image format that supports transparency. Required format for Bulk Made designs. PNG files preserve transparent backgrounds and maintain high quality without compression artifacts.

JPG/JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) A compressed image format ideal for photographs and web use. Default output format for Bulk Made mockups. Does not support transparency but creates smaller file sizes than PNG.

TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) A high-quality image format often used in professional printing. Not supported by Bulk Made for design input.

AI (Adobe Illustrator) Adobe Illustrator’s native vector file format. Not supported by Bulk Made—designs must be exported as PNG.

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) A vector image format. Not supported by Bulk Made—designs must be rasterized and exported as PNG.

B.3 Production Method Terminology

Engraving Methods

Laser Engraving A production method that uses a focused laser beam to etch designs into materials (wood, slate, glass, metal, leather). The laser removes or burns material to create permanent marks.

Rotary Engraving A mechanical engraving method using a rotating cutting tool to carve designs into materials. Less common than laser engraving for personalized products.

Engraving Depth How deeply the laser or tool cuts into the material. Deeper engraving creates more visible, tactile results but may take longer and require more power.

Burn Marks Darkened or charred areas created by laser engraving on wood and other organic materials. Burn intensity varies based on laser power, speed, and material type.

Frosted Effect The white, translucent appearance created by laser engraving on glass. The laser roughens the glass surface, scattering light and creating a frosted look.

Printing Methods

Sublimation Printing A printing method that uses heat to transfer dye onto materials (fabric, ceramic, polymer-coated substrates). The dye becomes part of the material, creating permanent, vibrant prints.

UV Printing A printing method that uses ultraviolet light to instantly cure (dry) ink as it’s printed. UV printing works on a wide variety of substrates (wood, metal, glass, acrylic, ceramic) and produces durable, high-quality results.

Direct-to-Substrate Printing Printing directly onto a product surface (rather than printing on transfer paper first). UV printing and sublimation are both direct-to-substrate methods.

Ink Saturation The amount of ink applied to a substrate. Higher saturation creates richer, more vibrant colors but may increase drying time or cost.

Substrate Interaction How ink or engraving interacts with the material’s texture, color, and properties. Wood grain, slate texture, and ceramic gloss all affect the final appearance of designs.

Material Terms

Wood Grain The natural pattern of fibers in wood. Wood grain affects how engraving and printing appear—designs may look different on light vs. dark wood, or smooth vs. textured grain.

Slate Texture The natural rough, layered surface of slate stone. Slate engraving creates high-contrast results due to the material’s dark color and texture.

Substrate Tone The natural color of the material (e.g., light wood, dark wood, white ceramic, clear glass). Substrate tone affects how prints and engravings appear—darker substrates may require different settings than lighter ones.

Polymer Coating A thin coating applied to some substrates (mugs, mouse pads, ceramic tiles) to enable sublimation printing. The coating allows dye to bond with the surface.

Production Settings

Laser Power The intensity of the laser beam, measured in watts. Higher power creates deeper, darker engraving but may burn or damage delicate materials.

Laser Speed How fast the laser moves across the material. Slower speeds create deeper engraving; faster speeds create lighter marks.

Print Resolution The level of detail in a printed design, measured in DPI. Higher resolution produces sharper, more detailed prints.

Pass Count The number of times a laser or printer goes over the same area. Multiple passes create deeper engraving or richer color but increase production time.

Quality & Testing Terms

Production-Accurate Mockup A mockup that realistically represents how the final product will look after engraving or printing. Bulk Made’s Pro Processing Types create production-accurate mockups by simulating real material interactions.

Test Batch A small batch of mockups (typically 5–10) processed with different settings to identify the best match for your production equipment before running a full batch.

Reference Product A physical product that has been engraved or printed using your actual equipment, used to compare against mockups to verify accuracy.

Safe Zone The area of a design where critical elements (text, logos, important details) should be placed to avoid being cropped by FILL resize mode or template edges. Typically 10–15% inset from design edges.

B.4 Technical Terms

File & Folder Terms

File Extension The suffix at the end of a file name that indicates file type (e.g., .png, .psd, .jpg). File extensions help computers and software identify how to open and process files.

File Path The complete location of a file on a computer, including drive, folders, and file name (e.g., C:.psd).

Folder Permissions Security settings that control whether users and programs can read, write, or modify files in a folder. Bulk Made needs read/write permissions for input and output folders.

Output File Naming The systematic naming convention Bulk Made uses to name generated mockup files, combining PNG name, PSD name, and processing settings.

Performance Terms

Processing Speed How quickly Bulk Made generates mockups, typically 2–5 seconds per mockup. Speed depends on computer specs, file sizes, and processing complexity.

Disk Space Available storage space on a computer’s hard drive or SSD. Bulk Made requires at least 10 GB of free space for comfortable batch processing.

RAM (Random Access Memory) Computer memory used for active tasks. More RAM allows faster processing and handling of larger files. 8 GB minimum, 16 GB+ recommended for Bulk Made.

SSD (Solid State Drive) A fast storage device with no moving parts. SSDs significantly improve Photoshop and Bulk Made processing speed compared to traditional hard drives (HDDs).

Software Terms

Plugin A software add-on that extends the functionality of a host application. Bulk Made is a Photoshop plugin that adds automated mockup generation capabilities.

Extension Another term for plugin. In Photoshop, plugins are accessed via Window > Extensions menu.

CCX File The file format for Photoshop plugin installers. Bulk Made is distributed as a .ccx file that users double-click to install.

Authentication The process of verifying a user’s identity (username and password) to grant access to the plugin. Bulk Made requires internet connection for initial authentication.

Subscription A recurring payment model where users pay monthly or annually for continued access to software or services. Bulk Made uses a subscription model (Standard or Pro plans).

Common Abbreviations

• CC – Creative Cloud (Adobe’s subscription software platform)
• DPI – Dots Per Inch (resolution measurement)
• PPI – Pixels Per Inch (resolution measurement, often used interchangeably with DPI)
• RGB – Red, Green, Blue (color mode for digital displays)
• CMYK – Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black (color mode for print)
• PNG – Portable Network Graphics (image format with transparency)
• JPG/JPEG – Joint Photographic Experts Group (compressed image format)
• PSD – Photoshop Document (native Photoshop file format)
• UV – Ultraviolet (as in UV printing)
• RAM – Random Access Memory
• SSD – Solid State Drive
• HDD – Hard Disk Drive
• GB – Gigabyte (storage/memory measurement)
• MB – Megabyte (file size measurement)