Perforation

A typically perforated stamp in an Azerbaijani miniature sheet

Perforation means lines of punching holes made in any material. It is utilised in producing paper-made objects (like stamps), films, etc.

In philately, there are three types of the cutting of postage stamps that are used for stamp separation, including:

1. Perforation, or cutting rows and columns of small holes.
2. Rouletting, or small horizontal and vertical cuts.
3. Diecutting, or cutting paper to shape using a metal die (used for self-adhesive stamps).