In printmaking, which term refers to aligning color plates on the same sheet of paper?

• A. Alignment
• B. Edition
• C. Register
• D. Impression

Answer: (C)

Registration is the process of lining up color plates so they print in the same position on every impression. In color printmaking, multiple plates are often used, each adding a different color. To pull a cohesive image, the sheets and plates must be anchored to the same coordinates, typically using registration marks or a registration system with pins or guides. When registration is correct, the colors line up precisely, and the final image reads cleanly. If alignment is off, colors can appear shifted or fringed around edges. The other terms don’t fit because alignment is a general idea of lining things up, edition refers to how many prints are produced, and impression refers to a single print or the act of printing.