Offset Printing vs Digital Printing: What is the Difference

Here we will describe the differences between the two printing technologies and demonstrate their advantages and disadvantages. We will also list the factors you should consider when selecting the best process for your project. 

Offset printing is produced on the printer using printing plates and wet ink. This type of printing takes longer to produce because there is more set-up time and the final product must be dried before completion. At the same time, offset printing traditionally produces the highest quality paper on the widest range of paper and provides the highest degree of control over color. In addition, offset printing is the most economical option when producing a large number of prints with a small number of originals.

Today, the vast majority of digital printing is no longer a copy of the original, but is exported directly from electronic files. And now the quality level of digital printing is very close to offset printing. While most of today's digital printing is good, some paper and jobs work better on offset printing.

What is the real difference between digital printing and offset printing?

So what's the difference between digital printing and offset printing? Let's take a look at these two printing methods, and their differences. Then you will know how to choose one or another meaningful method for your next print item.

What is offset printing?

Offset printing technology uses a plate usually made of aluminum to transfer the image to a rubber module and scroll the image onto a sheet of paper. Offset printing is called because ink is not transferred directly to the paper. Because offset machines operate efficiently after set up, offset printing is the best option when you need a lot of printing. It  provides accurate color reproduction and clear, clean professional printing.

What is digital printing?

Instead of using plates like offset printing, digital printing uses options such as toner (such as laser printers) or large printers that use liquid ink. When a smaller amount is required, digital printing can take on a large scale, such as 20 greeting cards or 100 leaflets. Another benefit of digital printing is its variable data capabilities. Digitization is the only choice when each work requires a unique code, name, or address. Offset printing does not meet this need.

While offset printing is an excellent way to produce fine printing projects, many businesses or individuals do not need 500 or more bulk printing, and the best solution is digital printing.