What is offset printing?

Offset printing, or offset lithography, transfers ink from a metal plate onto a rubber blanket and then onto the paper, rather than printing directly. That indirect path is what gives offset its clean, consistent results, and its economics reward volume.

• How it works: ink moves from plate to rubber blanket to paper for a smooth, even transfer.
• Quality: excellent detail and highly consistent color across a run.
• Cost curve: the per-unit price drops sharply on larger runs, making it the standard for high volumes.