Lithographic printing is a form of printing that involves the use of a lithographic printing press. It is also known as lithography, planography, or offset printing. Lithography uses a flat printing surface, typically a stone or a metal plate, to create a design or image. The plate is coated with a special ink that is attracted to the areas of the plate that have been treated with a water-based medium. When the plate is pressed onto paper, the ink is transferred to the paper, resulting in a highly detailed image. Other synonyms for lithographic printing include indirect printing, photolitography, offset lithography, and planographic printing.