Offset printing is high volume printing technology. In offset printing, the design image is fi rst burned onto a plate, and is then transferred (or offset) from the plate to a rubber sheet, and fi nally to the printing surface. The image to be printed gets ink from ink rollers. Digital printing refers to a method of printing from a digital-based image directly on to the paper. In terms of appearance, one of the most basic differences between digital and offset is that digital presses apply dry toner on top of the paper, while offset uses liquid ink that soaks into it. Sheets printed with dry toner can have a slightly brighter, glossier appearance.

DIGITAL CONS: ● Diffi cult to reproduce some colours accurately and maintain colour consistency● Cannot reproduce metallic inks or foils● Weight and size of paper is limited in most cases● Ink is not absorbed into paper which makes it more susceptible to cracking.● Cannot produce white or light coloured inks on dark paper● Printed pieces cannot be imprinted or printed on with a customers laser printers.

OFFSET CONS:● You cannot print just one copy.● Requires a longer turn around time due to more setup and production steps, and drying time.● Cost of printing low quantites can be more expensive.

Digital

Offset

OFFSET PROS:● Cost-effective in high volume jobs (The unit price goes down as the quantity goes up)● A wider range of materials can be printed on● Higher resolution and no streaks/spots● Allows the most accurate colour reproduction and consistency● White or light inks can be printed on a dark surface of a paper

DIGITAL PROS: ● Shorter turn around times (no drying time for inks)● More cost effective for smaller print runs● You can print out just one copy● The proof will look exactly like the full run● Colours are bright and brilliant● Little set-up time is required● Availability of variable date printing (ie. mailing lists)

Offset

So how do you decide which option to go with? Consider the following when making your decision:

Offset printing has a front-end cost load, which means short runs (low quantities) may have a high per-unit cost. But as quantites increase, the unit cost goes down. Very short runs can be more cost effective with digital printing, while larger quantities are likely to have a lower unit cost with offset printing.

Do you need or want a special paper, fi nish or unusual printing surface or a unique size? The options are getting better for digital, but offset printing still offers the most fl exibility.

Digital presses use four-colour process (CMYK) printing. If you need only black ink or one or two ink colors, offset printing may offer a more cost-effective solution. If you need four-color printing, digital may offer advantages in lower up-front costs. If you are planning to print using the Pantone Matching System, offset printing will give you the best match, since it uses actual Pantone ink. Digital printing simulates the color using a four-color matching process, so some digital printers may offer less accurate colour matching on projects.

PANTONE:

If you need it fast, digital usually offers quicker delivery.

Digital offers more accurate proofs, since what you see is an actual sample of the printed piece, printed using the exact process as the intended run. For offset printing, accurate colour proofi ng can become expensive.

Digital printing offers the most affordable way to customize marketing materials, direct mail pieces, letters, etc., with a name/address or number/code on each printed piece (variable data printing).

QUANTITY:

COLOUR:

TURNAROUND:

PROOFING:

PRINTING MEDIUM:

CUSTOMIZATION:

● Be very specifi c when communicating which stock you want used, which process (digital vs offset) and what sort of fi nishing or coating you want for your fi nal product. Most print centres have samples on hand expressly for this purpose.

● Be sure to request a proof before authorizing the full run. This will confi rm that specifi c intructions were understood and allow you a hands-on preview of the fi nal product, so you can catch any imperfections ahead of time. Files should be sent to the printer when the content and layout has been fi nalized. A hard-copy proof should be used only to approve the fi nal quality of the colour and the stock.