It is a run of prints in which the number of copies is finite.

The length of the run may have been restricted by the break-down of the printing matrix or by the conscious destruction of the matrix.

Normally the prints in such a run are numbered to show how many copies have been made. (See the next question).

Many factors lead to the limitation of an edition, these include:

·A marketing decision in which the publisher believes that only a certain number of copies will sell, or a belief that rarity will make the work more collectable.
·A practical factor intervenes, such as a limited supply of a rare paper.
·Technical complexity prohibits the making of many copies.
·The printing matrix is very fragile and will only deliver a few copies.
·A financial restriction applies. So, whilst the unit cost goes down on a larger run, the total cost increases. Some prints are very expensive to make.