What does the term "substrate" refer to in printing?

The term "substrate" in printing specifically refers to the surface or material that will receive the printed image. This could include a variety of surfaces, such as paper, cardboard, plastic, fabric, or any other material suitable for printing. Understanding the substrate is crucial as it affects the printing process, the type of ink used, and the overall quality of the final printed product. Each type of substrate can react differently to ink, therefore impacting factors such as color vibrancy, drying time, and durability of the print.

While the other options mention related concepts within the printing process, they do not embody the essence of what a substrate is. For instance, the source of ink pertains to the materials that are used for the print job but does not define the surface itself. Similarly, a design template is more about the creative aspect of preparation, and the printing machine relates to the equipment used in the process, rather than the material that actually bears the printed image.