What is the difference between Digital and Litho printing?

Digital and lithographic (offset) printing are two different ways of producing printed material, and both have their place in modern commercial printing.

The main difference is how the image is transferred to the paper. Digital printing works directly from a digital file, without the need to make printing plates. This makes it particularly flexible for short runs, quick turnaround, on-demand printing and personalised or variable-data work. Digital presses have also developed considerably in recent years, with improvements in colour accuracy, quality, speed, substrates and finishing.

Lithographic printing, usually referred to as offset printing, uses printing plates to transfer the image to a series of rollers before it reaches the paper. Although this involves more preparation, offset printing is highly efficient for medium and longer runs and can offer a wide choice of papers, inks, coatings and specialist finishes. Modern offset presses are also highly automated and can produce very high-quality results at considerable speed.

There is therefore no simple rule that digital is better for small quantities and litho is better for large quantities. The most appropriate process depends on the quantity, paper or substrate, colour requirements, finishing, turnaround time, personalisation and overall cost of the job. In many modern print businesses, digital and litho work alongside each other rather than competing directly.

For a more detailed comparison of the two processes, including quality, cost, run lengths, colour, paper and finishing, see our guide What is the difference between Digital and Litho printing?.