A sequence of lines containing information that may be read by a scanner.

A sequence of squares containing information that may be read by a scanner.

A three-dimensional image (width, height and depth). Tilting  

Ink that becomes visible when exposed to infrared light (with a wavelength of approximately 980nm).

A security feature that is integrated in the background printing and consists of structures that are modulated in terms of direction and angle. When the feature is photo-copied, the structures become visible (or invisible).

A series of numbers and/or letters that uses different font sizes.

Ink containing optically variable pigments that generate a noticeable colour change (shift), depending on the angle of view and/or incidence of light. Aurora uses optically variable inks in specific colour combinations to create distinct colour shifts. Aurora consists of multiple colour pairs designed together.

An image and/or text created during the paper production process by varying the density of the paper. A barcode watermark consists of lighter and darker vertical lines (bands).

Black ink that penetrates the paper and appears as red on the opposite side of the substrate.

  An inkless relief feature that can consist of shapes,symbols,numbers and/or letters. Blind embossing is a tactile feature that can be applied onto paper and/ or polymer substrates by pressure or by heating which will deform the substrate. The result is a tactile feature in paper and/or polymer that can be checked by: Feeling Tangible elevations and recesses in the substrate. Tilting Above elevations and recesses can be made visible by using oblique light.

A laser-generated optically variable image, composed of vertical lines.

A transparent window in a synthetic or hybrid substrate.

An image and/or text created during the paper production process by varying the density of the paper. The combination watermark consists of a single-tone and multi-tone watermark.

A text or image that fits together seamlessly if you hold the ends of the substrate together.

A vertical strip (made of a synthetic, metallic or other material) added to the substrate during paper production. This strip is continuous.

An image and/or text created during the paper production process by varying the density of the paper. This type of watermark consists of lighter and darker diagonal lines, and is designed to reinforce the corners (and edges) of paper banknotes and ID documents.

An optically variable feature composed of grids that diffract light. This allows various images and effects to be generated, including colour changes (shifts) as well as 2D and 3D images.

Perceptible relief (in the form of shapes or symbols) added for the benefit of the visually impaired. Domino has the appearance of a domino: it consists of six sets of embossed dots. Denominations are differentiated by multiple sets of dots.

A synthetic material containing an optically variable feature composed of grids that diffract light. This allows various images and effects to be generated, including colour changes (shifts) as well as 2D and 3D images.

Cotton or synthetic fibres of different colours that are added to the pulp during paper production, causing them to become embedded at different depths and positions.

Fine (complex) shapes comprising interwoven continuous lines, arranged in geometric patterns.

Optically variable security feature, created using a combination of offset and inkless intaglio printing. When viewed under different angles, a hidden image is revealed, changing gradually its colours.

Minute fluorescent particles that are added during paper production.

An optically variable feature composed of grids that diffract light. This allows various images and effects to be generated, including colour changes (shifts) as well as 2D and 3D images. A hologram consists of a 2D or 3D image.

A synthetic material containing an optically variable feature composed of grids that diffract light. This allows various images and effects to be generated, including colour changes (shifts) and 2D as well as 3D images. The laminate contains a photograph and/or biographical data.

An inkless printing technique whereby foil is stamped onto a substrate under high pressure, using a heated stamp.

An optically variable feature composed of grids that diffract light. This allows various images and effects to be generated, including colour changes (shifts) and 2D as well as 3D images. An Identigram contains a photograph and/or biographical data.

When checking a document with the use of infrared light, text and/or images in or on the substrate become either visible or invisible, depending on the technique used (reflection or absorbtion).

Perceptible relief created by means of relief embossing on a polymer substrate. The image thus created looks/feels like traditional intaglio.

A printing technique that uses engraved or etched printing plates to create a relief image on the substrate. Intaglio may be recognised by the perceptible relief of the image, and the feathering of the ink.

ICE – Intaglio Contrast Effect An image printed with special inks by intaglio over the metal coated area of the polymer banknote. The element has an optically variable colour effect: the colours of the image become more contrasting when looking at the banknote at a very sharp angle.      

An integrated decoding lens, in the form of a film or a transparent window, for example.

Hidden data that remains constant, for example a country name, a document type or an image. This data can be made visible with the aid of a decoding lens.

Hidden variable data, including the holder's name or date of birth, or the document number. This data can be viewed with a special decoding lens.

Hidden variable data, including the holder's name or date of birth, or the document number. This data can be viewed with a special decoding lens.

Hidden variable data, including the holder's name or date of birth, or the document number. This data can be viewed with a special decoding lens.

Ink containing semi-opaque pigments that become visible/invisible, depending on the angle of view and/or light. An iridescent ink that simultaneously displays five different colours, in vertical strips, arranged side by side.

Ink containing semi-opaque pigments that become visible/invisible, depending on the angle of view and/or light.

A security feature that displays different information, depending on the angle of view (incidence of light). Jasper displays optical effects achieved through dynamic embossing.

An optically variable feature composed of grids that diffract light. This allows various images and effects to be generated, including colour changes (shifts) and 2D as well as 3D images. A Kinegram consists of a high-quality 2D image.

Mechanically created perforations.

A hinge, used to fix a synthetic biographical data page to a document (booklet).

Ink containing small metal particles that are added to achieve a metallic effect. Copper creates a gold sheen while aluminium generates a silver effect.

An optically variable feature composed of grids that diffract light. This allows various images and effects to be generated, including colour changes (shifts) and 2D as well as 3D images. A micro DOVID is very small, and only visible at high magnification.

Microscopic laser perforations that, in combination, create text or an image.

Small letters, numbers and/or images that are barely perceptible with the naked eye, but become visible at low magnification (under a loupe).

Small letters, numbers and/or images that are just perceptible with the naked eye, and become clearly visible at low magnification (under a loupe).

An image and/or text created during the paper production process by varying the density of the paper. This type of watermark consists of lighter and darker sections, with different parts of the spectrum.

Small letters, numbers and/or images that cannot be seen with the naked eye, but become visible at high magnification (under a microscope).

A stripe with comparative large storage capacity, containing information that may be read by a scanner.

A security feature that displays different information, depending on the angle of view (incidence of light).

Ink containing optically variable pigments that generate a noticeable colour change (shift), depending on the angle of view and/or incidence of light.

A wide (though no wider than 18mm) vertical strip with a transparent window featuring a continuous security thread on both sides, usually with microprint.

Ink that emits light following exposure to a light source (ambient or UV light).

Ink that changes colour when exposed to UV light. Once the (UV) light source is switched off, the colour change (shift) remains visible for some time before the ink returns to its original colour.

Round, rectangular or hexagonal pieces of synthetic material, metal or paper that are added in or on the paper during production. They may include optically variable features, fluorescent features or microtext.

A hinge, used to fix a synthetic biographical data page to a document (booklet).

A security feature that is integrated in the background printing and consists of structures that are modulated in terms of direction and angle. When the feature is photo-copied, the structures become visible (or invisible). An anti-copy feature that consists of a regular pattern created by means of hot foil stamping. Usually takes the form of a security thread.

A security feature that is integrated in the background printing and consists of structures that are modulated in terms of direction and angle. When the feature is photo-copied, the structures become visible (or invisible). This anti-copy protection comprises a number of parallel lines with small deviations, creating a 3D effect.

Cuts or holes made in a surface such as paper or foil, to make the paper or foil split when subjected to pulling forces.

A security feature that is integrated in the background printing and consists of structures that are modulated in terms of direction and angle. When the feature is photo-copied, the structures become visible (or invisible). This anti-copy security feature consists of a line pattern comprising short lines that generate a moire effect in the form of a word. 'False', for example.

A security feature that is integrated in the background printing and consists of structures that are modulated in terms of direction and angle. When the feature is photo-copied, the structures become visible (or invisible). This anti-copy security feature consists of a regular line pattern in the background printing. The pattern creates a moire effect when copied.

An image that is partially printed on both sides of the substrate. When the register is viewed under transmitted light, the two parts fit together seamlessly to create a single shape or pattern.

The binding of a document (booklet) with the use of binding wire.

An image applied to a synthetic material, and created by varying the density - and occasionally the colour - of the printed layers. The image has the appearance of a traditional watermark.

A printing technique whereby ink is pressed through a screen, onto the substrate. Screen printing may be recognized by the sawtooth-shaped edges of the printed image. It is often used on uneven surfaces or synthetic substrates.

An image and/or text created during the paper production process by varying the density of the paper. This type of watermark is either light or dark (positive or negative).

An optically variable ink that changes colour and brightness, giving the impression of dynamic movement.

An optically variable ink changes colour and brightness, giving the impression of dynamic movement. A bright ring can be seen moving around a central point of the image.

This anti-copy protection is based on latent image technology and provides a change in colour and design, depending on the angle of view and/or incidence of light. When viewed normally the design appears a uniform colour but when viewed under different angles, a different pattern in multiple colours can be seen.

The binding of a document (booklet) with the use of staples.

A printing technique that uses a multi-colour print plate image. The use of templates ensures the colours don't bleed.

A strip printed on a synthetic substrate, giving it the appearance of a traditional security thread.

Ink that changes colour in response to a source of heat or cold. Once the heat source has been removed, the colour change (shift) remains visible for some time before the ink returns to its original colour.

A vertical strip (made of a synthetic, metallic or other material) added to the substrate during paper production.

A fully transparent window in hybrid Durasafe substrate (paper - polymer - paper).

An image created by laser perforations, carried out under different angles. The image changes depending on the angle of view.

Perceptible relief (in the form of shapes or symbols) added for the benefit of the visually impaired. Touch consists of raised dots created by means of relief embossing.

A security feature that is added to glued/stapled passport photos. It consists of tank tracks, which are applied using a (manual) press. Perforations are often added between the tracks.

An anti-copy feature that consists of transparent intaglio, added to a reflective, gold or silver-coloured image by means of Intaglio printing. The Intaglio is only visible if the substrate is tilted so that the background becomes reflective.

Transparent ink that becomes visible/invisible, depending on the angle of view and/or light.

A character that does not form part of a standard font family.

Ink that is invisible to the naked eye and that becomes visible when irradiated with Ultra Violet (UV) light. This can consist of text, a pattern or an image.

An optically variable feature comprising a window made of security foil, embedded in the paper. The foil displays different patterns, depending on the lightness/darkness of the background.

A one-sided window, cut out of hybrid Durasafe substrate (paper - polymer - paper). As the window is created in the paper layer, the underlying polymer layer becomes visible.

An image and/or text created during the paper production process by varying the density of the paper.

A vertical strip (made of a synthetic, metallic or other material) added to the substrate during paper production. A strip that is intermittently visible on one side of the substrate (so-called windows).