Comparison of Digital Printing and Offset Printing

Digital Printing

Quantity

• Great for low volume

• No negatives, plates and make-ready or setup needed

Cost

• Fixed cost per print

• Cheaper for short-runs but can be expensive for higher print runs

Turnaround

• Quick – no press make-ready required

• Average 24 to 48 hours delivery

• No drying time required – can be passed on to next production process (folding, trimming etc) immediately

Quality

• Hard to tell the difference in appearance between high-end digital printing and offset printing

• Colours may drift in long runs

Colours

• Prints CMYK using toner or inkjet

• No inline Pantone colours or Metallic colours

• No varnishes or coating options

Customization/Variable Data

• Perfect for personalization

• Each piece can be unique

Paper Stock

• Limited stock selection

Proofing

• Perfect representation of final product