Need a printing term

[Bobbigirl]

What is the term for the following:

I have one flyer design. But I want 4 different "looks" printed. Each one will have just a different photo with a different accent color (which is the headline type).

So when mailed, 2 customers might not receive the same flyer.

Is there a printing term for this?

[jimking]

variable data

[doubting_thomas]

It depends on how it's being printed, at least at this shop. The Master, or Shell,
would contain the common elements. The Imprint would contain the 4 specific
sets of elements for each mailer. That would be if the same person is to receive
each of 4 versions. Variable data would be the term used if it was printed
in the same pass with specific personal information and the graphic elements
together. At least that's what we say here.

[Logo-Mechanix]

The term I use for that is a disaster in waiting, seriously though I would make sure to convey what you want in the clearest way you can and keep your fingers crossed.

[jimking]

It depends on how it's being printed, at least at this shop. The Master, or Shell,
would contain the common elements. The Imprint would contain the 4 specific
sets of elements for each mailer. That would be if the same person is to receive
each of 4 versions. Variable data would be the term used if it was printed
in the same pass with specific personal information and the graphic elements
together. At least that's what we say here.
I'd agree with you but the varialbe data thing is busting loose in printing these days. Yes you normally would create a shell and do surprints etc. but now you have digital presses and software that allows the printer and client to customize not just text but graphics as well. My thinking is if the term now is popular and the printed pieces are custom, the client or whomever will understand the term instead of the master or shell.

[doubting_thomas]

What is this digital press you speak of? :D Agreed that the blanket term is
a good word for it. I was just flinging another bit of lingo out there.

[jimking]

What is this digital press you speak of? :D Agreed that the blanket term is
a good word for it. I was just flinging another bit of lingo out there.
The Kodak iGen is an example. Also, the Indego press. This is the hot thing going in printing these days. As far as software I saw a demonstration of a piggyback program for Indesign that will swap out any and all text and every graphic in the design to target individuals. In this demonstration there were 10,000 variables.

[budafist]

We used to have business cards like that. 3 different kinds each to help showcase our work a bit better. Thing is, those business cards went in a flash because every time we met someone, they wanted 1 of each kind. Which isn't a bad thing of course, since the more business cards you can get rid of the better right? Nowdays it's hard enough getting people take 1 card!