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The Difference Between Digital and Offset Printing

Book Printing

Print-on-demand (POD) is digital printing. Although offset printing offers some more options and a higher quality print, POD printing allows you the convenience of printing a smaller quantity of books. This option is especially good if you’re printing a smaller number of books or you have a smaller budget. Also, if your book doesn’t require color printing, your book will look professional even with POD printing.

Offset printing is a commonly used printing technique where an inked image is transferred (or “offset”) from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to paper. If you need to print more than 750 books at a time or have a children’s or coffee-table book, offset printing is likely your better choice. The initial set-up is more costly than POD, but it is more affordable when printing in large quantities. Also, offset printing gives higher quality four-color printing than POD does. Choose offset printing for large print runs, trim sizes not offered with digital printing, and high-quality children’s and art books.