Offset vs Digital Printing
Our Instant Quote Calculator automatically updates the printing method based on your specifications. It also displays the make and model of the press we’ll use to produce your books.
| Offset | Digital | |
| Description | Images are inked onto a metal plate, transferred to a rubber blanket, and applied to paper. Offset refers to an image being transferred indirectly via the rubber blanket rather than directly from plate to paper | Images are printed directly from a digital file. |
| Quality | Produces high-quality prints with sharp detailing | Produces high-quality prints |
| Setup | Custom metal plates for each design add to the setup time and upfront costs | Fast setup due to minimal printer calibration time and upfront costs |
| Cost | High setup costs, and the cost per unit decreases as quantity increases | Affordable for small orders of up to 250 copies. Costs are consistent per unit but can be less cost-effective for large print volumes |
| When to use | Best for large print volumes | Best for small print runs and personalised projects |
Reading Book vs Photo-Quality Book Printing
| Reading Book | Photo-Quality Book Printing | |
| Description | For text-based publications containing few or no graphics | For detailed, image-heavy content like photographs and graphics that require rich, vibrant colours |
| Pros | • Cost-efficient due to their low material and setup costs • Lightweight when bound as a paperback • Off-white paper stocks available for easy readability • Suitable for some graphic work like greyscale illustrations and simple line drawings |
• Produces vivid printed colours • Wide range of print specifications • Versatile for a variety of print projects |
| Cons | • Unsuitable for colourful, image-heavy work due to low colour fidelity • Unsuitable for work with high ink coverage due to potential ink transfer • Limited range of print options |
• Less cost-effective process due to material and setup costs • Hardcover binding can increase shipping costs as books will weigh more • Turnaround times may be slightly longer, especially for work with high ink coverage or a special finish |
| When to use | Ideal for text-heavy books: • Novels • Autobiographies |
Ideal for graphic-heavy and photo-based projects: • Art Books • Photography Books |
Bulk Printing
Bulk printing involves printing books in large quantities and shipping them to the author, who is responsible for storage and distribution. The main advantage of bulk printing is the lower cost per unit, especially for large print runs, offering complete control over inventory and shipping. Additionally, it allows for a variety of customisation options. However, it does require storage space, comes with higher upfront costs, and can be labour-intensive due to the need for packaging and shipping. There is also the risk of unsold stock. Ultimately, bulk printing is ideal for those with predictable demand and the ability to manage storage and logistics effectively.
Our Printers and Capabilities
| Offset | Digital (Inkjet) | Digital (Liquid Ink) | Digital (Toner Ink) | Digital (Reel) | |
| Press Types | Heidelberg, Ryobi |
Canon iX | HP Indigo | Fuji, Konica, Richoh, Kodak |
Canon ColorStream, HP Pagewide |
| Technology | A traditional printing method that transfers ink from a metal plate to a rubber blanket before applying it to paper, ensuring precise and consistent results | Uses ultra-fine nozzles to apply water-based inks directly onto paper, producing sharp and vibrant prints with precise detail | It uses HP ElectroInk technology, where tiny pigmented particles are suspended in liquid and precisely placed with electrical fields for sharp, detailed prints | They use electrically charged toner particles to create images on paper using static electricity | Uses web-fed inkjet technology, providing high-quality, long-run printing, similar to the Canon PRO-Stream device and iX system |
| Color Output | Consistent, high-quality printing and can reproduce Pantone colours | High-quality printing similar to Offset and Digital (Liquid Ink) | High-quality printing similar to Offset and Digital (Inkjet) | Delivers consistent colour output, and tints and solid colours may appear differently on uncoated papers | Fast and efficient digital printing, ideal for black-and-white imagery. |
| Best Use | For products with high page counts and high-volume orders (typically over 500 copies) | Ideal for photo-quality prints in small to medium quantities | Ideal for photo-quality prints in small to medium quantities | For general colour printing, but not detailed photos | Perfect for reading books |
As you're familiar with our print methods and services, you're ready to start Preparing For Print.
