Both methods produce good books. They differ in how the job is set up, and that changes the cost at different quantities.
How they work
- Digital printing sends your file directly to the press. There are no plates, so setup is low.
- Offset printing transfers ink from metal plates. Making plates and setting up the press takes time and money, but each copy afterwards is cheap.
Comparison
| Digital | Offset | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup cost | Low | Higher |
| Cost per copy at low quantity | Reasonable | High, because of setup |
| Cost per copy at high quantity | Stays fairly flat | Falls as quantity grows |
| Reprints | Simple, small runs possible | Usually a full new setup |
| Page count | Any even number | Fits sheet folds best (multiples of 8 or 16) |
Where the crossover is
It depends on pages, size, paper and colour. There is no universal number. Ask for quotes at two quantities, for example 300 and 1,500, and look at total cost and cost per copy.
Rule of thumb
Not sure? Request a quote and ask us to price both.