With technological advancements in printing industry, we have got a variety to choose from but choosing the right printing method for a job demands some knowledge of the printing techniques. Marketers often get confused between Offset & Digital printing as both are in vogue. Many a times, it is just a matter of choice and on a few occasions, selecting the right one can create a remarkable difference.

Offset & Digital printing come with their own set of advantages & disadvantages. Based on the job requirements, a marketer decides which one to go with. Let’s hop for those benefits that one offers over another.

Quicker turnaround time

Conventional offset printing takes more printing time than the modern digital printing. It is because of the lengthy printing process involved. In offset, the desired print image is burned onto a plate and is then transferred/offset from the plate to a rubber blanket, and then to the printing surface. In contrary, digital printing involves less mechanical steps eliminating the making films and color proofs, manually stripping the pieces together and making plates, thereby offering a quicker turnaround time.

Conclusion: If you want to get a job done earlier or are time-bound for a particular task, choose digital printing.

Specialised printing on a range of surfaces

Anything that is unique from the clutter attracts attention. In an attempt to attract the potential buyers, marketers often choose specialised printing on a range of surfaces including paper, wood, cloth, metal, leather, paper, plastic and many more. Both, digital as well as offset offer specialised printing but offset provides more flexibility.

 Conclusion: If you seek more flexibility, Offset is for you but if you are looking for more surface options,from offset & digital go by digital.

Quantity is a deciding factor

By saying quantity as a deciding factor, we are trying to make it clear that printing costs vary with the quantity of printed materials. For instance, offset printing costs more when the number is less while it turns cost-effective when printing has to be done in larger quantities.

In contrary, the unit-cost goes lower with digital when lower quantities are involved.

Conclusion: Decide by the numbers. If you have to print in larger quantities, choose offset printing & vice-versa.

Colour is Important

Offset printing uses CMYK that is four-colour process. It is expensive but offers great colour on printed materials. However, if you want two-colour print, it becomes more cost-effective. Coming to digital printing, it undoubtedly offers less up-front costs but may or may not provide that accurate colour.

Conclusion: If your priority is getting the right colour, go with offset but if you’re seeking cost-effective printing,from offset & digital choose digital printing.

Customisation matters

 Customised printing is in vogue. Marketers know, when the buyers are given a sense of belonging, they’ll tend to buy that particular product. And digital printing offers the benefit of variable data printing where every piece has a unique name, address, code etc. thereby giving a customized touch every time while offset printing lacks the same.

Conclusion: If you swear by customised products & want to make your buyers feel special, from offset & digital choose Digital printing.