Printing

Printing turns approved artwork into physical pages and products. Digital, offset and paper or board screen printing provide different ways to produce your design.

What the process means

Digital printing works from a digital artwork file. Offset printing transfers an inked image through a plate and blanket onto the sheet. Screen printing pushes ink through a prepared stencil. The chosen method should suit the artwork, material and run.

Printed examples illustrating printing

Explore the techniques

A closer look at the processes and the details to prepare for your project.

Digital printing: Artwork file → Digital imaging → Printed sheet

Digital printing

Digital printing produces an image from an electronic artwork file. It avoids the plate-making step used in offset printing, and supports jobs where versions or personalised content change.

For your project

Useful for stationery, documents and personalised pieces. Supply the finished size, page count and approved artwork; the material and quantity help determine whether digital is the suitable route.

Offset printing: Printing plate → Blanket transfer → Printed sheet

Offset printing

Offset printing transfers an inked image from a plate to a blanket and then onto the printing surface. The plate carries the repeated design while the ink is built up on the sheet.

For your project

Useful for repeated artwork across commercial print runs. Keep the layout and colour references approved before production and include the chosen paper, quantity and finishing requirements.

Screen printing: Stencil screen → Ink transfer → Printed surface

Screen printing

Screen printing transfers ink through selected areas of a prepared screen. The blocked areas prevent ink from reaching the surface, while the open stencil defines the image.

For your project

Paper and board screen printing is part of the print capability. Identify the intended surface and artwork area when discussing the job; textile printing is a separate apparel requirement.

Large-format printing: Display artwork → Larger print area → Display graphic

Large-format printing

Large-format printing produces artwork for larger displays. The file must work at the finished dimensions rather than simply enlarge a small layout with unreadable or soft details.

For your project

Used for posters, banners and display graphics. Include the viewing distance and display setting in your brief. Explore the separate large-format page for more application guidance.

Where it fits

  • Business cards and stationery
  • Brochures, catalogues and forms
  • Books and printed documentation
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Start with your project

Share your artwork or reference, finished dimensions, quantity and intended use. Include your delivery location and required date.