What is the difference between embossing and imprinting?

It can be confusing to know the difference, as the wording can often be used interchangeably.  For ordering purposes at ACI, the difference is:

Embossing: (3 Fonts Available)

Embossed leather is leather that has been stamped using heat and high pressure to create a pattern or design in the leather.  The embossing process begins with the creation of a metal die of text, logo, image or artwork.  A heat stamping machine is used to heat a die and with a manual press, stamp a template into the leather. 

Blind embossing: This option is for colorless embossing, leaving an impression in the leather.

Foil leafing can be placed underneath the stamp to add a touch of color. Colors available are: Copper, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Gold, Onyx, Platinum, Ruby, Sapphire, Silver, Topaz

Imprinting: (Available Fonts)

Imprinting or Hot foil stamping refers to the art of adding titles or names to your book.  In years gone by, imprinting was done by heated hand-held tools, using gold leaf.

Now it is done using an imprinting machine which presses heated type onto the surface using gold or silver colored foil.  Computer-generated movable letterpress type is used to form titles and names.

Imprinting does not leave a physical impression into the leather as in embossing.  Available Leathers for Imprinting and Embossing.