In the recent years, it seems that digital printing is taking over offset printing, in terms of technological advances, faster turnarounds and sharper colors. These reasons are the main factors for why digital printing has become the favorite choice of many graphic designers and even print amateurs.
On the other hand, there are also a few benefits in offset printing. It is still the most popular technology when it comes to quality and volume, as it was designed to print high volumes.
Each type of printing methods has its own pros and cons, so read on to understand better and to choose the one that best suits your needs and the type of work you wish to complete.
Offset Printing
Pros:
- Ability to print massive quantities cost effectively
- Best suits for large format prints with higher image quality and resolution
- Can print on a variety of surfaces, like wood, paper, cloth, plastic and even metal. Also. it can be used for different types of printing techniques and textures
Cons:
- The process requires more handwork and time
- Costs more than digital presses, due to special inks and maintenance
- Slower turnaround times
Digital Printing
Pros:
- Faster than traditional printers
- Can print in small quantities – ideal when not needing bulks of material
- More accuracy on each print when compared to the original design
- Each print can be customized, such as name, addresses and even numbers
Cons:
- Although evolved over the years, digital printing quality is still less than offset printers
- Can’t print very large sizes
When considering your options of printing, keep in mind the size and material you want to use, the quantity of prints, the chosen colors and how fast you need it done. This will help you decide which printing process is best for your project.