Digital / Offset Printing: What’s the Difference and Which is Better?

Digital printing vs. Offset printing

Feeling overwhelmed by the many printing options available? Stress not, we’re here to help.

Choosing the perfect printing type is crucial for the success of your campaign. There are a few types to choose from, but this post will focus on digital printing vs. offset printing. We will explain each of the printing methods, how they work and when they’re the best option.

But first, here are some of the things you should consider before deciding on the type of printing:

• The size of the project
• Your timeline and deadline
• The stock you want to print on
• Whether you need an exceptional colour match
• Whether you need to see a sample first
• Whether you need variable data printed on the stock (such as names, addresses, or individual codes)

Offset printing explained

Offset printing, also known as offset lithography, is a widely used technique where the inked image is transferred (or “offset”) from a plate to a rubber blanket, and then to the printing surface. It’s called “offset” printing because the ink is not directly transferred onto the paper.

Here’s a brief overview of the offset printing process:

1. Plate Preparation: An image is burned onto a metal plate using a photographic process. Each colour requires a separate plate.
2. Inking and Dampening: The plate is inked, and a dampening system applies water to non-image areas of the plate to repel ink from those areas.
3. Transfer to Rubber Blanket: The inked image is transferred from the plate to a rubber blanket, which conforms to the texture of the printing surface, allowing for a smoother and more consistent image transfer.
4. Printing onto the Substrate: The image is transferred from the rubber blanket to the paper or other printing surface.
5. Repetition: This process can be repeated multiple times with different plates for multicolour printing, usually using the four-colour process (cyan, magenta, yellow and black).

Offset printers are known for their high image quality and efficiency for larger print runs. It’s commonly used for printing books, newspapers, magazines, brochures, stationery, and packaging.

Digital printing explained

Unlike offset printing, digital printing works by transferring a digital image onto your material directly from digital presses.

Here’s a brief overview of digital printing features:

1. No Printing Plates: Unlike offset printing, digital printing doesn’t require printing plates. Instead, it uses options like toner (like laser printers) or larger printers that use liquid ink.
2. Quick Turnaround: Digital printing has a faster setup time, which means it can provide quicker turnaround times for printing projects.
3. Cost-Effective for Small Runs: With no printing plate and lower minimum quantities, digital printing is cost-effective for small to medium-sized print runs.
4. High-Quality: Digital printers produce high-quality prints with sharp images and vibrant colours. Digital printing is also a great option if you need specialty inks, like fluorescent inks.
5. Customisation: Digital printing allows for easy customisation of print jobs, making it ideal for personalised marketing materials like direct mail pieces, business cards, and flyers.
6. Variable Data Printing: Digital printing can handle variable data printing (VDP), where each piece is customised with different text or images, such as personalised letters or individually addressed envelopes.
7. Eco-Friendly: Digital printing often uses less energy and produces less waste than traditional offset printing, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

Digital printing is commonly used for small-scale printing projects, on-demand printing and materials that require frequent updates or customisation.

We can guide you through the printing process

We handle printing and provide you with personalised recommendations. At Active Mail, we’re committed to providing you with the best possible mailing service. Our experience, passion and knowledge help you make the right choice for your direct mail marketing campaign.

Whether you’re interested in digital or offset printing, Active Mail’s fuss-free, professional and expert advice gets the best results for your job. We guide the decision-making process, leaving you happy with the product, budget and results.

Digital and offset printing: your choice, our speciality

The choice between and offset and digital print depends on the size of your campaign, among other factors. With Active Mail, either method gives you great printing quality in your final product.

If the printing industry seems overwhelming, get in touch to find out how easy we can make it.