You might be learning that printing is in your company’s best interest. However, understanding whether offset printing or digital printing works best for your brand is the next step. Both methods come with their own perks and offer greater advantages and cost savings in the right application. So, if you’re hoping to compare offset printing vs. digital printing to decide which one is best for your brand, this article will help you clear everything up. We’ll cover descriptions and benefits of each before breaking down the comparisons and leading you in the right direction for your next print campaign.
Offset printing is the traditional printing process that transfers or “offsets” ink from plates to rubber cylinder blankets (printing rollers) to the paper or printing surface. Initially created as an inexpensive way to replicate and reproduce artwork, it turned into one of the best processes for printing materials in bulk.
There are quite a few benefits of offset printing, including:
Related Content: Heatset vs. Coldset Printing: Which Method is Right for You?
Digital printing is essentially just like printing using a high-end office printer. The image and overall design are uploaded and printed using inkjets or lasers without the need for printing plates. This process is best for smaller printing runs.
The benefits of digital printing include:
The key difference between offset printing and digital printing is the specific use case. Offset printing is the best option for low-cost bulk printing orders, while digital printing is frequently used for smaller printing runs. For larger orders, offset printing is most cost-effective, while digital printing is most cost-effective for smaller orders. If premium prints are your end goal, offset is the way to go.
Breaking down each of the unique features of offset printing and digital printing further helps you decide which process works best for your business and project needs. This comparison chart compares the two printing options side by side so you can see the exact specifications and align them accordingly.
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Offset Printing vs. Digital Printing |
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Feature |
Offset Printing |
Digital Printing |
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Best For |
Large volume printing (1,000+ pieces), high-quality materials, magazine prints, catalogs, printing packaging |
Smaller volume printing (under 1,000 pieces), personalized materials, quick turnaround projects, test prints |
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Print Quality |
Extremely high quality, great colors, sharper prints, consistent quality and premium appearance |
Good quality for most applications, photos and graphics, but limited to CMYK color process |
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Cost |
Lower price per unit, cost-effective for high volume prints and campaigns, expensive for small quantities |
Higher price per unit, more affordable for low volume printing, can get expensive for high volume projects |
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Turnaround Time |
1-2 weeks — needs time for initial file prep, review, plate setup, print, post-production assembly and delivery |
24-48 hours for printing, depending on the number of pieces needed, and extra time for prep and delivery |
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Customization |
All pieces are customized accordingly and identical in bulk groups; exact color-matching is available |
Pieces can be varied and customized, exact color-matching isn’t an option |
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Paper Options |
Wide variety of stock papers, textures, and specialty finishes |
Limited options and specialty additions |
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Minimum Order |
Larger volume orders; most companies that use Signature Graphics for offset printing start at around 25,000 pieces to get the best bulk deals and discounts |
No order minimum; capabilities cap out once you get in the high hundreds |
To decide whether offset printing or digital printing is best for your brand, it comes down to quantity, quality and specific personalization needs for your project.
Offset printing is the best choice for businesses that need bulk printing of a design, large volume orders or high-quality, premium prints. While offset printing can be the most affordable option for bulk prints, it can be more expensive for smaller runs since it takes more time at the beginning to create a specific design plate.
Digital printing is the best choice for businesses that need smaller quantities printed—usually under 1,000 pieces—where high-quality design isn’t as necessary. While digital printing can be the most cost-effective option for smaller print runs, it can be the most expensive option for larger runs.
If you’re searching for a great offset printing partner for bulk orders, our team at Signature Graphics can help you get started. We offer turnkey services and a la carte options with design, print, assembly and delivery, so you can sit back and let the experts handle any or all parts of the printing process. If you need high-quality printing and expert assistance every step of the way, we’re here to help. If you have any questions, contact us directly. Otherwise, if you want to find out more, get started below.
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