The earliest form of mechanical reproduction is printmaking. Dating back to around the 5th century AD, this revolutionary process gave artists the ability to create multiple copies of a single work. Here we discuss five different forms of art prints, the techniques involved in each and the different visual qualities that result.

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.

Engraving is a another way of printmaking. In some ways, it works exactly opposite to woodcutting. In a woodcut, ink clings to the carved areas on the woodblock. In case of engraving, metal blocks mostly made of copper, are used. A special tool scrapes a sketch on this block. The durability of metal plates allows for multiple copies to be made, something not so possible in woodcuts.

One interesting variation on engraving is called drypoint. Here, the tool used to engrave the sketch leaves a fine, feathered edge. No other printing process creates the same effects as those seen in drypoint art prints. A disadvantage is that drypoint prints cannot be made in large quantities, because the feathered edges on the plate eventually wear smooth and lose their unique quality.

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.

The modern imaging process used in making giclee prints reproduces a digital scan onto paper. In this process high-quality colored ink is sprayed onto the page using jets and resulting in a rich array of varying shades of color as well as breathtaking detail.