# Colophon

> Source: https://www.infinitelibrary.ai/glossary/colophon

Last updated: 2026-09-06
Category: Manuscript & structure
Also called: A note on the type

A colophon is a brief note at the end of a book naming the typefaces, paper, printer and design — a tradition that dates to the first printed books.

## Definition

A **colophon** is a short statement about how the book was made. In the earliest printed books it was the only place the printer's name, city and date appeared, before title pages existed; the word is Greek for "summit" or "finishing touch". Today it is the last page of the back matter — or a few lines on the copyright page — describing the **typefaces** used, sometimes the paper, the binding, the printer and the designer.

Some publishers keep the tradition deliberately: Alfred A. Knopf's *A Note on the Type* has appeared in its books for a century, and many small presses and fine printers include one as a mark of care.

A colophon is not required, but readers who notice typography love them, and a note that names the faces and the setting system is the honest way to credit the craft that went into the pages.

## Related

- [Back matter](https://www.infinitelibrary.ai/glossary/back-matter)
- [Typesetting](https://www.infinitelibrary.ai/glossary/typesetting)
- [Copyright page](https://www.infinitelibrary.ai/glossary/copyright-page)
- [LaTeX](https://www.infinitelibrary.ai/glossary/latex)
- [Chapbook Maker](https://www.infinitelibrary.ai/formats/chapbook-maker)
- [Poetry Book Maker](https://www.infinitelibrary.ai/formats/poetry-book-maker)
- [Book Publishing Glossary — 59 Terms Defined](https://www.infinitelibrary.ai/glossary)
- [Bindery — the Claude-powered book studio](https://www.infinitelibrary.ai/bindery)

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