Offset vs Digital
Offset vs. Digital Printing: What’s the Difference and Which Do You Need?
When it comes to printing your marketing materials, one of the most common questions we get is: What’s the difference between offset and digital printing—and which is better? If you’re not in the print industry, it can sound a bit confusing at first. But that’s where we come in. At MPX, we help determine the best method for your project based on factors like quantity, turnaround time, personalization, and budget.
Offset vs. Digital Printing: What’s the Difference and Which Do You Need?
When it comes to printing your marketing materials, one of the most common questions we get is: What’s the difference between offset and digital printing—and which is better? If you’re not in the print industry, it can sound a bit confusing at first. But that’s where we come in. At MPX, we help determine the best method for your project based on factors like quantity, turnaround time, personalization, and budget.
What is Offset Printing?
Offset printing is a traditional, high-volume printing method. It uses plates to transfer ink onto a rubber blanket, which then applies the image to the paper. Known for its sharp detail and consistent color, offset is ideal for large runs and projects where precise color matching is essential.
When Do We Recommend Offset?
Offset printing shines when you're printing in high volumes—typically in the thousands. Why? Because the cost per piece drops significantly as the quantity increases, and it offers remarkable consistency across the entire run. It’s a great choice for things like catalogs, magazines, or large quantities of brochures where you want that premium, uniform look.
What is Digital Printing?
Digital printing skips the plates entirely and prints directly from a digital file. This allows for faster turnarounds, greater flexibility, and—most importantly—variable data printing. That means each piece can be personalized with names, addresses, or even unique images.
When Do we Recommend Digital Printing?
We typically recommend digital printing for quantities up to around 2,500 pieces, depending on the type of product. It’s perfect for short runs, test campaigns, or personalized mailers. Plus, today’s digital presses produce excellent color quality—so you don’t have to sacrifice visual appeal for speed or agility.
So, Which Should You Use?
If you need ten thousand brochures for a trade show, offset is likely your best bet. But if you need 500 personalized postcards for a targeted campaign—or 100 flyers printed by tomorrow—digital printing is the way to go.
Not sure? You don’t have to decide alone. Our team is here to recommend the best approach based on your specific needs.