Printmaking dates back to approximately the 5th century and is the earliest form of mechanical reproduction, allowing an artist to distribute multiple, more or less identical, copies of his or her work. In this article, we discuss the techniques and visual qualities of five different forms of art prints.

Printmaking started ages ago using woodcuts. Art prints using this method were created by drawing a sketch on a block of wood and cutting out all the parts between the outlines which did not need to be inked. Then ink was rolled on to the wood, which would only stick to the raised sections of the block. Finally, the block was pressed onto a sheet of paper to transfer the drawing.

Another form of printmaking is engraving. In a sense, engraving is the exact opposite of a woodcut, in that ink clings to depressed areas on the block. In this case, a block of metal - usually copper - is used, and a special tool is used to scrape a sketch onto the metal. Because a metal plate is very durable, many more copies can be made than with woodcuts.

An intriguing variant on engraving is drypoint. This method involves using a tool to scrape the sketch away, leaving a feathered edge to the block. Drypoint's unique method of preparation results in a visual quality that no other printing process can match. However, since the feathered edges will be worn off of the plate with time, drypoints can only be made in small batches.

Lithography begins by sketching an image onto a solid limestone block with a grease pen or similar medium. When acid is applied, the drawing is literally burned into the block, capturing small details that can be blurred or lost with other printing processes.

Giclee prints require modern digital imaging software and hardware. Jets of finely colored ink are used to reproduce a digital scan on paper. When the colors mix into many different shades, the result is a highly detailed, high resolution print. Landscapes and flower paintings are among the most frequent subjects of giclee prints, because of the richness of the resulting visual images.