Digital vs Offset Printing

Digital vs Offset Printing: What's the Difference, and Why Does It Matter for Your Brand?

When it comes to printing your marketing material or business stationery, you've likely heard the terms digital and offset printing thrown around. But what do they actually mean - and why should you care?

At VAST Print + Brand Management, we often get asked about the difference between the two. So let’s break it down in a way that makes sense (no jargon, we promise).

First Things First: What’s the Difference?

Digital printing is like the desktop printer on steroids. It uses toner or liquid ink and prints directly from a file, so there’s no need for printing plates. It’s fast, flexible, and great for shorter runs, large format or projects that need a quick turnaround.

Offset printing, on the other hand, is a more traditional method where the image is transferred—or “offset”—from a plate to a rubber blanket, then onto the paper. It’s ideal for high-volume printing and offers incredibly accurate, consistent colour reproduction.

The Pros and Cons
​(Because Every Job Is Different)

Digital Printing

• ✅ Great for small quantities (think under 500 units)
• ✅ Faster turnaround times
• ✅ Cheaper for short runs
• ✅ Easier to personalise (like variable data printing for direct mail)
• ✅ Large Format (Larger finish size)
• ❌ Colour consistency can vary slightly between runs
• ❌ Limited in terms of paper types and special finishes

Offset Printing

• ✅ Superior colour accuracy and consistency
• ✅ More cost-effective for large quantities
• ✅ Supports specialty inks (like metallics and Pantone colours) and custom finishes
• ✅ Wide range of stock and format options
• ❌ Longer lead times (due to setup)
• ❌ More expensive for low-volume jobs
• ❌ Limited Size (up to A1 Print)

Let’s Talk Colour – Because Branding Matters

One of the biggest differences between these two methods lies in how colour is applied.

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• Digital printing usually uses a CMYK toner or ink set. Great for speed, but colours can shift slightly between runs, especially across different machines or paper stocks.
• Offset printing can also use CMYK, but it shines when using Pantone Matching System (PMS) inks for brand consistency. These are spot colours mixed specifically to match your brand’s style guide.

This is where proofing becomes super important. What looks vibrant on your screen might not translate exactly on paper, especially if you're using different print methods across different jobs.

Wait… Isn't All Printing Done In-House?

Here’s the thing: not all printers are created equal. Some specialise in digital only, others only run offset presses. While many may say they're doing all the work in-house, they often outsource the jobs that fall outside their capabilities.
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That’s not necessarily a bad thing—but it can create inconsistencies in quality, turnaround, or cost, especially if you're not aware of which machine your job is being printed on.

Why Work with VAST?

At VAST Print + Brand Management, we don’t just hit "print" and hope for the best. We work across a trusted network of specialists—digital, offset, large format, and everything in between. That means we select the right press for the right job, every time.
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We manage the entire process—from quoting and proofing through to delivery—ensuring that your colours stay true, your stock choices are right for the purpose, and your deadlines are met.

More importantly, we help protect your brand’s visual integrity across every printed touchpoint.

In Summary...

Have a job coming up and unsure which method is right for you?

​Let’s chat. We’ll help you navigate the options, avoid the pitfalls, and deliver beautifully printed results—every time.
📩 Contact us at VAST Print + Brand Management today. Your brand deserves it.