digital printing
File-to-paper technology
Digital printing produces images by transferring digital files directly onto paper, fabric, or other surfaces—bypassing the plates, screens, or cylinders required by traditional printing methods.
The technology enables short runs and customization that would be impractical with offset or screen printing: We used digital printing for the wedding invitations so we could personalize each one.
The term covers inkjet, laser, and other computerized processes.
- inkjetSpray-based printing method
- postersPrinted wall advertisements
- electrophotographyImaging via charged photoconductors
- brochuresPrinted promotional materials
- fine art printsReproduced masterworks on paper
personalization · photo paper · packaging · customization · cost efficiency · high resolution · textiles · printer · quick turnaround · signage · scalability · raster · color management · color gamut · magenta · cartridge · press · output
- pattern printingwoodblock, silkscreen, stencil art, textile design, linocut
- print historymovable type, Gutenberg, letterpress, typesetting, linotype
- graphic designlogo, font, typography, layout, color
- printingletterpress, lithographers, press, typographers, printers
- Book publishingreprinting, typesetting, binding, galley proof, proof copy
- textile printingsilkscreen, woodblock, flat screen, overprint, overprinting
digital printingoffset printing
Indirect commercial reproduction technique
lithography · letterpress · screen printing · flexography · rotogravure
digital printingGutenberg press
First European movable-type device
movable type · hand press · cold type · linotype · monotype
digital printinghandwriting
Manual letter formation
calligraphy · hand lettering · woodcut · engraving · etching