Digital printing and litho printing are the 2 most common methods of printing. Both produce good quality results and each have their own merits but the methods used are radically different.
Litho is the traditional method using printing plates and wet inks. Digital printing is a modern technique that prints straight from a computer file using dry toner. The process is quick and simple with no set-up or plates required.
Digital printing is quicker and cheaper for short and personalized print runs. Litho becomes more cost-effective on long print runs without personalization.
Key Takeaways:
Cost: Digital print is far more cost effective for short or personalized print runs but litho printing will work out cheaper on much longer print runs.
Speed: No set-up means printing can start immediately when using digital printing. Litho printing requires plates and set-up.
Method: Digital printers use toner which sits on top of the paper. Litho printing uses inks which absorb into the paper.
Materials: Digital printing can struggle with heavily textured papers because they use toner which sits on top of the paper. Litho printing copes much better with textured papers.
Environment: Modern digital presses tend to use less energy than litho presses. Digital printing doesn’t require any water or chemicals. Digital printing uses toner which is often organic. Litho printing has a variety of ink options available – some eco-friendly, some not so.
Colors: Generally, both digital and litho use CMYK colors for full color printing. Many litho presses have more than 4 print stations meaning you can add further spot colors within the same run. Modern digital presses are starting to include 5th and 6th color options where spot colors can be added. For high end prints, litho printing will produce more accurate color than digital printing.
Personalization: Quick, easy and affordable with digital printing. Due to printing plates and set-up, personalization will work out expensive with litho printing.
Quality: Both litho and digital printing offer good quality reproduction that most people would struggle to tell the difference between.
Finishing: Digital printers use toner which is instantly dry (fused) meaning print finishing can start straight away. Litho printing uses inks so the prints need ‘drying time’ before any print finishing can start.
Size: Most digital presses only print up to SRA3 sheets (17.71inch x 12.59inch). Litho presses vary in size, generally from SRA3 up to B1 (39.37inch x 27.55inch).
What is Digital Printing?
Digital printing is a modern way of printing where images or designs are sent directly from a computer to a printer. It doesn’t require any complicated setup, which means it’s quick, efficient, and ideal for smaller batches of flyers or limited edition art prints. Whether it's business cards, flyers, stationery or packaging, digital printing can handle a wide range of materials and finishes.
Most digital printers use dry toner which is transferred onto the surface of the paper by electrostatic charge and fused at high temperature. Digital print is constantly evolving and we are now starting to see inkjet versions of digital presses emerging to the market which have a wider color gamut, faster speeds and better handling of textured papers.
One of the best things about digital printing is how flexible it is. You can easily change the design between prints, making it perfect for personalized ersonalised invitations or custom projects. It also allows for sharp detail and vibrant colors, helping designs come to life.
Because there’s less setup involved, digital printing is great for tight deadlines and last-minute jobs. It’s a popular choice for both businesses and individuals who want professional-looking results, fast turnaround times, and the ability to print just what they need, when they need it.
Process: Printing is direct from digital file. Electrostatically charged toner is transferred to the paper and fused.
Paper: 3.7pt to 20pt.
Speed: Approx 4,000 SRA3 sheets per hour.
Cost: No plates or set-up mean short print runs and personalisation are very cost-effective.
Color Accuracy: Good quality color reproduction. May not be as accurate as litho printing, especially on very light tints or large solids.
What is Litho Printing?
Litho printing (short for lithographic printing or offset lithographic printing), is a long-established method that uses metal plates to transfer ink onto paper via a rubber blanket. Artwork is separated into different color channels (cyan, yellow magenta and black), with each color applied using a separate plate, and the image is built up in layers. The process relies on the basic principle that oil (grease) and water don’t mix, which helps keep the ink in the right places.
Because it involves creating plates and setting up the press, litho printing takes more time to prepare. However, once it's running, it can produce a large number of consistent prints fairly efficiently. It's generally suited to longer print runs, where the initial setup time and cost becomes worthwhile.
While it’s a more manual process compared to newer print technologies, litho printing is still used where uniform results and solid color coverage are critical. It’s a method that’s been relied on for many years and continues to have a place in the printing industry.
Process: Requires printing plates for each color separation. Uses wet ink which is ‘offset’ to the paper via a ‘blanket’.
Paper: 3.7pt to 22pt. Many litho presses can be adjusted to run paper stocks lighter than 3.7pt and heavier than 22pt.
Speed: Approx 15,000-18,000 sheets per hour.
Cost: Plates and set-up costs mean short or personalized print runs are not cost effective. Unit costs become much cheaper when printing long runs (10,000 copies or more).
Color Accuracy: Renowned for high levels of color accuracy and consistency.
Which Printing Method is Right for Me?
Print quality really matters, especially if you're using printed materials to promote your business. In the past, litho printing was known for delivering higher-quality results compared to early digital printing methods. But thanks to modern print technologies, digital printing has come a long way. These days, the difference in quality between the two is often so small that most people wouldn’t notice it—especially for everyday marketing needs.
The majority of our work is produced on digital presses to satisfy customer demand for short print runs and fast turnaround. If you’re unsure about the quality of digital print, order one of our sample packs and see for yourself just how good digital printing really is.
If you have a specific project and would like your job to be litho printed, please get in touch with our team and they will prepare a custom quote for you.
