Everything you need to know about printing techniques, explained by our own printing house. How is your book actually printed? The printing technique determines the quality, price and delivery time. In this category of the knowledge base we explain the main printing methods, from digital to offset, so you understand which choice suits your print run and budget.
Topics in this category
Which printing techniques are used?
Two processes sit side by side in book printing. Digital printing works straight from the file, without printing plates. That makes small runs affordable and means a single copy is possible. Offset printing starts with plates: setting up costs time and money, but beyond a certain number the price per copy drops well below digital. Where that tipping point lies is covered under offset vs digital printing.
For you as the customer, the technique makes almost no visible difference in the finished book; what matters is the run, the price and the delivery time. More important is that your colours are right: screens show RGB, printing uses CMYK, and that difference explains most colour surprises. There is more on that under supplying files. For a technical overview of the processes, see the article on printing.