Digital vs. Offset Printing –
What’s the Difference?
Our USA board book factory offers two printing methods that include digital and offset printing. We’ve listed their differences, and when it makes sense to choose one over the other for your next print project.
What is Digital Printing?
Digital printing is a modern printing method where a digital image is sent directly to the printer using digital files such as PDFs or graphics from software such as Illustrator and InDesign. Think of your inkjet or laser printer at a large scale. There is no need for printing plates which saves money and time.
Benefits of Digital Printing
- Perfect for single book orders or when you need a few copies up to 50
- Full Color for various design possibilities
- Quick turn-around
- Environmentally friendly with less carbon footprint
- Image quality has a slight to minimal grain texture
What is Offset Printing?
Offset printing has been in existence for over a century. Newspapers, magazines, postcards are printed on an offset press. In offset printing, ink is transferred from a plate to a rubber sheet and then rolled onto the printing material. Great for high volume and yields unparalleled color results.
Benefits of Offset Printing
- Perfect for large quantity printing from 1,000 on up
- Higher quality and better color representation
- Consistent image quality and greater definition and sharpness of small details especially text
- Most economical and cost-effective method for producing a high-quality print for resale
- Image quality has a very smooth matte press coating or high gloss UV Coating
Questions?
Not sure what is best for you? Please contact us if you have more questions about which direction would be the most beneficial and cost-effective for your mass production project.