First-time users and who are learning the ropes tend to have the same question when ordering printed artwork: what’s the difference between digital print and offset print? While they both are impressive in their own rights, there is quite a bit of distinction, and it’s worth taking a moment to educate yourself on the subject before placing an order!
Digital Print
If you’re ordering less than 300 copies of a CD wallet, J-card, or other printed material, it will likely be printed using our digital press. Digital print works a lot like your home digital printer, wherein rollers apply colored toner to a sheet of paper, and heat fuses the image with the sheet. But unlike your home printer (unless you’re living in an industrial printing facility) our digital press prints at a higher resolution with richer CMYK colors than your typical consumer models. Its inexpensive start-up costs allow for affordable short-runs prints while still maintaining a high quality output.
Offset Print
High volume and high quality, the offset press is the golden standard for the printing industry. Far more complex than digital printing, an offset press requires metal plates with an etched design to apply ink to paper. Offset printing is typically used for larger runs (over 500 pieces), though through a custom quote you can request offset printing for shorter editions. Advantages include sharper and cleaner images, as well as the use of pantone colours allowing for greater colour accuracy. For cassette J-cards, offset print can be paired with our uncoated Cougar™ Super Smooth stock. You may want to consider this option due to it’s ultra high quality resolution and richer colours. Graphic designers and printers should accept no substitute!