Offset printing & digital printing: these are the differences

In this article, we explain the difference between offset printing and digital printing. So you can decide which technique is best for you.

This is how offset printing and digital printing differ

The differences between the two printing processes are no longer as large as they used to be. Nevertheless, the two differ primarily in the technical process.

• Offset printing: This is an indirect flat printing process. The color is not printed directly on the paper, but transferred to a printing plate.
• Then the printed image is placed upside down on a rubber blanket and from there only on the paper. The required colors are achieved by mixing the four basic colors black, magenta, cyan and yellow.
• Digital printing: Laser printing and digital printing are summarized under the term digital printing. You probably know this from home. The key feature is the digital processing of what is to be printed.

Advantages and disadvantages of printing processes

Of course, both methods have advantages and disadvantages:

• In terms of quality, the two printing processes for laypersons cannot be distinguished. Very good and professional results can be achieved with both techniques.
• The main difference is in the cost. Because of the production of the first printing form required, offset printing is more expensive than digital printing. However, the larger the print job, the more economical it becomes.
• This makes offset printing particularly worthwhile for large formats. Large format sheets are also used. This makes it easy to arrange different products.

In the next article, you will read how printing on canvas works.