Offset and digital are the two main printing techniques for books. They differ in method, cost and ideal print run. In this article we explain the difference clearly, so you understand which technique suits your project.
Digital printing
In digital printing your file goes straight from the computer to the press, without printing plates. There are hardly any start-up costs, so even one or a few copies are affordable. Ideal for small print runs, proofs and print-on-demand.
Offset printing
In offset, printing plates are made that transfer the ink onto the paper via a rubber blanket. Making plates costs time and money (start-up costs), but once the press is running, the unit price is low. That’s why offset is precisely advantageous for large print runs.
The main differences
- Start-up costs: digital low, offset higher (printing plates).
- Unit price: digital flat, offset drops sharply at large quantities.
- Print run: digital for small, offset for large.
- Delivery time: digital often faster to get started.
- Quality: both are high-quality; offset offers slightly more control for large, colour-critical runs.
We print both digital and offset and automatically choose the technique that is most advantageous and best for your print run. In doubt? Ask us for advice.
