Lithography is a printing process that involves creating an image on a flat, smooth surface, typically a metal or stone plate, and then transferring that image onto paper or another substrate. The image is created by applying ink to the plate in a targeted way using a variety of techniques, such as using a stylus, chemical etching, or photographic emulsion. Once the ink is applied and the plate is prepared, it is pressed onto the paper, leaving behind an image that mirrors the original artwork. Lithography is a versatile printing process that can be used to create everything from fine art prints to commercial advertising materials.