You might have a piece of history sitting right at home. No, not the family heirloom sitting on the mantelpiece, gathering dust. It’s your printer. The humble printer is one of the most important inventions in history and our civilization wouldn’t be the same without it. No, really. Thanks to this revolutionary invention, ideas have spread like wildfire throughout the centuries, changing the world. In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn about 12 types of printing, what these printing methods should be used for and how print can outperform certain digital channels to promote your business.
Think about it: Anything branded has been printed with branding. Candy wrappers, juice cartons, billboards, books, posters, car decals, apparel, magazines—if you look around, you’ll see that printing is used everywhere. That’s why printing can be a powerful driver of brand awareness, making it an important part of your marketing.
Key takeaways:
- Printing, originating with woodblock printing in ancient China and revolutionized by the invention of the printing press, has played a pivotal role in spreading knowledge and ideas and advancing civilization.
- There are many types of printing, from traditional methods like letterpress printing to modern digital approaches like 3D printing and LED UV printing, each suited for specific purposes and materials.
- Despite the rise of digital marketing, printing remains effective for brand awareness, offering higher consumer engagement and retention compared with digital channels.
- Printing methods vary in their advantages, from the vibrant colors of sublimation printing on fabrics to the fast production of laser and flexographic printing for office documents and packaging.
- Leveraging the right printing techniques can amplify brand visibility, create memorable marketing materials or add a tactile, high-quality touch to wedding or business stationery.
What is the history of printing?
The history of printing spans centuries, evolving from simple techniques to today’s sophisticated, high-speed and advanced printing technologies. Printing has been pivotal in spreading knowledge and ideas and advancing civilizations.
Source: Woodblock prints via Depositphotos
One of the earliest forms of printing dates all the way back to 200 AD in China, with the invention of woodblock printing. This technique involved carving characters or images onto wooden blocks, applying ink onto the surface and then pressing the block onto printing paper or fabric to transfer the ink.
Fast-forward to 15th-century Europe, where the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg made it possible to rapidly reproduce books and newspapers, revolutionizing the way people shared information and ideas spread. This led to an explosion of knowledge and advancements in science, religion, philosophy and politics.
Source: An old printing press via Depositphotos
Printing has had a monumental impact on civilization, accelerating human progress by improving communication and education and spreading knowledge and ideas across the world. We wouldn’t be where we are today if it weren’t for printing.
The power of printing in a digital age
Despite its impressive history, you might be wondering why printing is still around in the digital age. The simple answer is, it’s still around because it’s still effective. Print advertising is effective even compared to digital channels. Eighty per cent of consumers act on print ads, while just 45% act on digital ones.
Printing is also more effective for brand awareness, as it leads to higher levels of brand recall than digital channels. People seem to find it easier to remember something tangible that they held in their hands than something they saw on a screen. And it’s not just older generations who appreciate printing: 92% of those aged 18 to 23 find it easier to read print than digital content.
The global print advertising market is expected to reach $36.74 billion by 2028.
Different approaches to printing
There are two main types of printing: physical printing and digital printing. Traditionally, physical printing involved putting images and text on a wooden or metal plate, covering the printing plate with ink and then pressing the plate onto material like paper so it would transfer across. As you’ll see, variations of that basic approach to printing are still in use today.
Unlike traditional printing types, digital printing—an umbrella term that refers to various digital printing techniques—doesn’t require a printing plate because digital files are sent directly to the printer.
12 common types of printing
Now that you know the printing process is divided into physical and digital printing types, let’s take a deeper look at 12 popular printing methods and what to use them for. Which printing method you use depends on what you’re printing and printing onto. Each method produces a different look and comes with its advantages and disadvantages.
1. Inkjet printing
Think of an inkjet printer as an artist with a palette of color inks. The tiny droplets of ink are sprayed onto the paper, creating a colorful mosaic that forms your image.
Source: Inkjet printer via Depositphotos
Inkjet printing is a great option if you want high-quality framed photo prints.
Best for:
- High-quality photo prints
- Vibrant color documents
Advantages of inkjet printing
Inkjet printing has excellent color reproduction and is perfect for capturing subtleties in color, ideal for printing photographs. Expect sharp images and smooth color transitions. Inkjet printers are also affordable to buy to print at home.
Disadvantages of inkjet printing
While the initial purchase of an inkjet printer is relatively cheap, ink cartridges can be pricey. And although the prints produced are high quality, inkjet printing isn’t the fastest printing method.
If your print project is time-sensitive but doesn’t require vivid color, it’s best to avoid inkjet printing. Try laser printing instead.
2. Laser printing
Laser printers draw an image onto an electrically charged drum using a beam of light. Toner (a kind of dry ink) then sticks to the charged areas, heats up and fuses onto the paper, printing your digital file.
Source: Laser printer via Depositphotos
Best for:
- Office documents
- Reports
- Anything that doesn’t require vivid color
Advantages of laser printing
Laser printing is an incredible time-saver. You can print many copies quickly and still get crisp, sharp text. Laser printers excel at producing clear and precise black-and-white prints. What’s more, laser printing costs less per page compared to an inkjet printer.
Disadvantages of laser printing
Although cheaper per page, laser printing has limited color reproduction compared to inkjet printing. Plus laser printers are more expensive to buy than inkjet printers.
3. LED UV printing
LED UV printers use ultraviolet light to instantly dry and cure the ink as it’s applied to the surface. This doesn’t just speed up the printing process but also allows for printing on different materials.
Source: LED UV printer via Depositphotos
LED UV printing produces high-quality prints with vivid colors that give marketing materials a premium feel. This printing method can even emboss areas of your print to give it some texture.
Best for:
- Posters
- Brochures
- Magazines
- Stationery
Advantages of LED UV printing
Because the UV light instantly dries the ink, LED UV printing means you can turn around print jobs faster. With this type of printing, you’ll have high-resolution prints with fine details. It’s also suitable for printing onto different materials including plastics, wood prints, stone, silk and metal prints. This printing method uses less power, so it’s more environmentally friendly, too.
Disadvantages of LED UV printing
LED UV printing is more expensive than other printing techniques. And UV-printed dishware and water bottles generally aren’t dishwasher or microwave-safe.
4. Sublimation printing
Sublimation printing uses special inks that turn into a gas when heated, which is then absorbed by the fabric and solidified when the ink cools down, printing a vivid image. This technique is ideal for printing designs onto fabrics and clothing.
Source: Sublimation printing via Depositphotos
Sublimation printing gives you brilliant, fade-resistant colors that become one with the material.
Best for:
Advantages of sublimation printing
Sublimation printing is great for producing durable, vibrant colors on fabrics with a surprisingly quick turnaround. Its dry inks also minimize waste and reduce environmental impact.
Disadvantages of sublimation printing
The sublimation technique is limited to printing on polyester or polymer-coated items, meaning it isn’t a versatile printing method. Plus, as there’s no white ink in sublimation printing, this method can only be used for printing on white or light-colored materials.
For printing on darker fabrics, screen printing is a better option.
5. Screen printing
Screen printing pushes ink through the small openings of a mesh screen, printing the design onto the material through a stencil. Each color is applied separately, layer upon layer, to create the final print.
Source: Screen printing machine via Depositphotos
Screen printing can be used to print onto different materials, but it works great with fabrics.
If you want to create your own custom T-shirt, our comprehensive guide to T-shirt design will take you through the entire process.
Best for:
Advantages of screen printing
Screen printing is affordable when printing in bulk and it works on darker materials, unlike sublimation printing. Screen printing produces bold, vibrant colors and a durable design that’s able to withstand washes if done professionally.
Disadvantages of screen printing
The screen printing process can be more time-consuming and isn’t cost-effective for small runs. Because a new stencil is needed for every new color, this method isn’t suitable for intricate, multi-colored designs, but it is ideal for bulk printing simple designs with one or two colors.
6. Offset lithography
Besides being a tongue twister, offset lithographic printing (or offset printing for short) is the printing method that’s used to print newspapers and magazines in their thousands. The text and images are put on metal plates and then transferred onto rubber rollers, which are pressed onto the paper. The more you print the more cost-effective this printing method is—so it’s perfect for printing in bulk.
Source: Lithography machine via Depositphotos
Best for:
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- Books
Advantages of offset printing
Offset printing produces consistent, high-quality prints. What’s great is that it can also print on rougher surfaces like canvas or cloth.
Disadvantages of offset printing
Offset printing is time-consuming to set up, isn’t as accessible as other printing methods and isn’t affordable for small print runs.
7. Letterpress printing
Letterpress printing is one of the oldest traditional printing methods. It was one of the most popular printing techniques from the 15th to the 18th century when more modern methods were developed. This technique was used for printing newspapers until the development of offset printing.
Source: Letterpress printing via Depositphotos
Letterpress printing is when raised elements (text and images) on a rubber or metal plate are then inked and pressed onto paper. This creates deep impressions on thick paper, adding a tactical dimension to a print.
When you want to nod to tradition or make a statement with a touch of vintage charm, letterpress printing is the perfect choice. Think wedding invitations, business cards or anything else that deserves a tactile and luxurious feel.
Best for:
- Wedding invitations
- Business cards
- Projects with a tactile quality or vintage aesthetic
Advantages of letterpress printing
Letterpress printing produces prints with an artisanal, timeless and elegant aesthetic. This method offers a unique tactical quality and is perfect for leaving a lasting impression (pun intended).
Disadvantages of letterpress printing
It takes a lot of time to create the printing plates and set up the press. And since each color needs to be applied separately, it can be expensive to print a design with multiple colors.
8. Flexographic printing
Ever wondered why the wrapper of your favorite chocolate bar looks so enticing? The modern equivalent of letterpress printing, flexographic printing uses flexible printing plates with raised elements that wrap around rotating cylinders.
Source: Flexographic printing via Depositphotos
Flexography is a fast and efficient printing process that’s great for printing on uneven surfaces and materials like cellophane, cardboard, plastic and metallic film—perfect for printing high-quality labels and packaging.
Best for:
Advantages of flexographic printing
Flexographic printing is well suited to mass-producing labels and packaging quickly, thanks to its ability to handle printing on different textured materials.
Disadvantages of flexographic printing
A flexographic printing press takes plenty of time to set up, especially if there are multiple colors to print. Because of that, it’s not a good choice for small print jobs.
9. 3D printing
A 3D printer works off a digital file and uses materials like plastic or resin to print an object layer by layer. This modern printing technique can create complex objects like car parts, furniture and prosthetics. 3D printing makes it possible to create a product prototype affordably and quickly.
Source: 3D printing via Depositphotos
Need a personalized phone case or a miniature model of the Eiffel Tower? With 3D printing, your imagination is the limit.
Best for:
- Product prototypes
- Custom-made items
- Consumer products
- Architectural models
- Film props
Advantages of 3D printing
Perfect for prototyping, if you want to make a small 3D model quickly and cheaply, 3D printing is a great solution. And because you only print what you need with 3D printing, waste is limited.
Disadvantages of 3D printing
Even though 3D printing is fast and affordable for small one-off jobs, it’s time-consuming when printing larger objects. And it’s not cost-effective for mass production.
10. Large format printing
Large-format printing produces bold, high-resolution prints that dominate the space they occupy. As the name suggests, it’s the printing method used for traditional advertising in the form of large billboards and banners that grab the attention of passersby.
[IMG: https://depositphotos.com/photo/3d-printer-86499792.html
Alt text: 3D printer types of printing]
Source: 3D printing via Depositphotos
Large-format printers use rolls of material, like paper or vinyl, to create oversized prints. The process is similar to what your home printer does but on a much bigger scale.
Best for:
- Banners
- Murals
- Billboards
- Building wraps
- Bus wraps
- Wallpaper
- Floor displays
Advantages of large format printing
Large-format printing is the ideal solution for traditional outdoor advertising. With a fast production process, this method creates durable prints on a wide range of materials, including vinyl and canvas.
Disadvantages of large format printing
Large-format printing can be difficult to get exactly right while large-format printers have a higher cost than standard inkjet or laser printers.
11. Rotogravure printing
This printing method, also known as gravure, involves engraved cylinders with tiny cells that hold a specific amount of ink. As the cylinders rotate, the ink is transferred to the surface, creating a print with remarkable detail and consistency.
Source: Rotogravure printer via Depositphotos
Best for:
- Magazines
- Newspapers
- Packaging
- Postcards
- Decorative prints
Advantages of rotogravure printing
Rotogravure printing produces exceptional detail and color depth, making it a great choice for printing high-end publications, packaging and decorative prints. It consistently delivers high-quality prints across large quantities and can turn around big print jobs quickly.
Disadvantages of rotogravure printing
Rotogravure printing takes a while to set up and comes at a higher cost than other types of printing.
12. Engraving
Engraving is a form of artistic printmaking where designs are cut (or engraved) on a metal plate with a sharp tool. The plate is then covered in ink and pressed onto a material like paper. Traditional engraving creates a sophisticated, detailed look and is often still used for wedding invitations.
Source: Laser engraving machine via Depositphotos
Today, with laser engraving, it’s possible to etch designs on everything from pens to metal business card holders. Engraving can be used to promote your brand, create a unique custom gift or design high-end wedding stationery.
Best for:
- Invitations and cards
- Wedding stationery
- Personalized stationery
- Engraved metal business card holders
Advantages of engraving
Engraving produces intricate designs with a unique and sophisticated aesthetic, while laser engraving makes it easy to personalize items without breaking the bank. And because engraving is a durable form of printing, your engraved design is made to last.
Disadvantages of engraving
Traditional engraving and laser engraving can be time-consuming because of the intricacy of the technique. It can also be difficult to produce consistent results with larger print jobs.
Make your mark on the world
Now that you’re familiar with the common types of printing and what they’re best suited for, you should know which printing methods to use to promote your business.
Depending on what you want to achieve and what method you use, printing can be a process that requires technical know-how to get right. The good news is that we have plenty of expertise in the different types of printing and can handle the printing for you.
Print types FAQs
How many different types of printing are there?
There are 12 main types of printing, including inkjet, laser, sublimation, screen printing, offset lithography, flexographic printing, LED UV printing, 3D printing, letterpress, engraving, rotogravure and large-format printing. Each printing method is suited for specific applications, such as photo prints, packaging, apparel or advertising materials.
Which methods are best for printing packaging?
Flexographic and rotogravure printing are the most appropriate techniques for bulk printing high-quality packaging or labels because the rotating cylinders make printing on different surface textures easier.
How do I choose the best printing method for my business?
To select the best printing method for your business, consider your budget, the material you’re printing on, the quantity needed and the desired quality and aesthetic. For example, screen printing is great for printing onto fabric in bulk, while large-format printing is best for large-scale prints, like billboards and posters.
What are the advantages of digital printing?
Digital printing methods, such as inkjet and laser printing, offer flexibility and don’t require costly setup processes like printing plates. Digital printing is ideal for small to medium runs and projects requiring quick edits or high-quality imagery.
