What does the term 'registration' refer to in the context of printing design?

In the context of printing design, 'registration' specifically refers to the process of aligning repeated designs accurately. This is crucial in printmaking, as any misalignment can lead to blurred images, uneven color distribution, or distortions that compromise the overall quality of the printed material. Proper registration ensures that each layer of color or design element is positioned precisely where it should be, allowing for crisp and clear output.

While the other terms mentioned may relate to various aspects of textile production, they do not capture the essence of registration. Washing the fabric, for instance, addresses preparation before printing, while the type of tools used pertains to the printing process itself, and color selection is part of the design phase but doesn’t involve alignment. Hence, the accurate alignment of designs is what registration is fundamentally about in printing design.