Preparing a print-ready PDF
Bleed, CMYK, fonts and resolution: four checks that prevent most reprints.
Offset or digital: which suits your job
Quantity, paper and colour accuracy decide it. A short guide with typical break-even points.
Digital printing works like a very good office printer: there is no setup, so the first copy costs about the same as the hundredth. It is ideal for short runs, personalised items and jobs needed in a day or two.
Offset printing uses metal plates and ink rollers. Making plates and setting up the press takes time and paper, but once the press is running, each extra copy costs very little. For runs above roughly 1,000 copies, offset is almost always cheaper per piece.
Offset also handles a wider range of papers, from thin maplitho to heavy board, and can print special inks like metallic gold and exact brand colours. Digital is limited to the sheet sizes and stocks its press accepts.
If your quantity is between 300 and 1,000, ask us for both quotes. For a catalogue that will be reprinted, we often print the first 500 digitally and switch to offset once the content is final.
