Digital or Offset: Which is Right for You?

With the improvements in technology today, it’s no surprise that a lot of printing innovations have been made. Surely, businesses and professionals alike are delighted with these improvements. After all, these changes mean savings and quicker print jobs for them. However, it is important to understand that there are print jobs that require the use of traditional printing techniques for quality and economic needs. It is, therefore, important that you understand two of the most used printing services today: offset and digital printing.
- Offset Printing is a traditional technique that makes use of a flat plate where the image is engraved. It is them inked on a price of paper to transfer the image on the paper. There is a modern variation to offset printing today that makes use of a rubber blanket to transfer the image instead of transferring the image directly to the paper.

If you need to print large number of materials, this printing technique may be the best option for you because of its affordability, so the more materials you print, the lesser the cost becomes. Offset printing is also able to produce high quality images at quick turnaround time so you don’t need to worry of missing your deadline.

Another great thing with offset printing is that it will work well with any type of material whether it is wood, plastic, paper, or cloth. So whatever material you want to use in your materials, offset printing will give you high quality print job.

- Digital Printing is a high speed process that gets rid of the many mechanical steps which is common in traditional printing. This includes the processes of making films and plates. A lot of online printing companies today offer digital printing allowing them to produce small print jobs at a faster turnaround time.

What’s great with this printing technique is that you are able to print the same materials without having to produce the plate over and over again. This results in an accurate print job that accounts for less waste and less variations. If you want to produce the same brochures or business cards you have done in the past that would be easily handled by digital printing.

If you are not sure which printing technique to use, here’s what you need to think about:

- Quantity of materials you need to print. Offset printing is ideal for large print jobs which digital printing is best for short runs.

- Kind of printing material you want to use. Among the two techniques, offset printing offers the most flexibility, although options in digital printing continuously expand.

- Turnaround time. If you want quick turnaround time, your best option is to go digital.

- If you want to customize the design of your materials, digital printing will allow you to do that easily and affordably.

A lot of printing companies today offer both printing techniques. You might want to talk with your printer to determine which is best for your print job. You can either go to your local print shop or look for a reliable printer online. With the competition in the market these days, you can easily take advantage of lower printing cost and better quality of print job. Just be sure to hire the best printer appropriate to your printing need and your budget.