Tile Industry Glossary

Common terms used in tile manufacturing and digital visualization.

3D Tile Visualization

The process of creating a realistic 3-dimensional digital preview of how a specific tile will look when installed in a room. It helps customers see textures and light reflections.

Digital Catalogue

An interactive version of a physical product brochure, often hosted online and searchable. Our software specializes in high-speed, SEO-friendly tile catalogues.

360-Degree Preview

A virtual reality-style viewer that allows a user to rotate and explore an entire room scene. This gives a comprehensive view of the tile's pattern across the floor and walls.

Ceramic vs. Porcelain

Ceramic tiles are made from red or white clay and are kiln-fired. Porcelain is a type of ceramic, but it's made from denser clay and fired at higher temperatures, making it more durable and waterproof.

Grout Lines

The space between tiles filled with grout. Our 3D visualizer accurately renders grout color and thickness to show how the final installation will appear.

PEI Rating

The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) rating measures a tile's resistance to wear. Our digital catalogue allows manufacturers to display these technical details alongside high-res images.

Rectified Edge

A tile whose edges have been precisely cut or ground to a uniform size with sharp, 90-degree corners. This allows for very thin grout lines.

Vitrified Tiles

Tiles made by vitrification process where clay and silica are fused at high temperatures to create a glass-like, non-porous surface. Highly durable and water-resistant.

Full Body Tiles

Tiles where the color and pattern run through the entire thickness of the tile, not just on the surface. This makes chips and scratches less visible.

Glossy Finish

A shiny, reflective surface finish that enhances colors and patterns. Best for walls and low-traffic areas. Our 3D visualizer shows realistic light reflections on glossy surfaces.

Matt Finish

A non-reflective, flat surface finish that provides better slip resistance. Ideal for floors and high-traffic areas. Our visualizer accurately renders the subtle texture of matt tiles.

Carving Effect

A textured surface with raised or recessed patterns that add depth and dimension. Our live carving effect preview shows how light interacts with these surfaces.

Large Format Tiles

Tiles larger than 600x600mm, including popular sizes like 600x1200mm, 800x1600mm, and 1200x2400mm. Fewer grout lines create a seamless, modern look.

Water Absorption Rate

The percentage of water a tile can absorb. Lower rates indicate better quality and durability. Porcelain typically has less than 0.5% water absorption.

Digital Printing

Modern tile manufacturing technique that uses inkjet technology to create high-definition patterns and textures. Enables realistic wood, marble, and stone effects.

Want a professional digital catalogue?

We help tile brands present these technical nuances with crystal clear 3D visuals.