colofon

A colophon is a note placed at the end of a book or within the back matter that provides information about its publication and production. In traditional bookmaking, a colophon often appears on the final page or a separate leaf and may record details such as the printer or workshop, place and year of printing, the typeface used, the paper and ink, the edition number, and occasionally information about design or binding. It is distinct from the imprint, which identifies the publisher and appears on the title page; the colophon concentrates on the production process and craft behind the work.

Historically, colophons served as a record of provenance and craftsmanship, especially in early printed books and artisanal editions. Over time, many modern books have condensed or omitted full colophons, placing production details on the copyright or printer’s page instead. Nevertheless, some small presses, artists’ books, and craft publications retain a colophon to acknowledge materials, technologies, and collaborators in a dedicated note.

In the digital era, the term colophon is used for online and electronic publications as well. A web colophon may list information about the platform, software, fonts, hosting, licensing, and contributors, or be included on an About page or in a site’s footer. While the form and location vary, the colophon continues to serve as a concise record of how a work was produced and who contributed to its creation.