Quick answer
Digital printing transfers the image straight from a file to paper, so it suits short runs, quick turnarounds and personalised items. Litho (offset) printing uses plates and ink, so it suits long runs, exact spot colours and certain papers, and becomes more economical per copy as the quantity grows.
For a few hundred flyers or business cards needed this week, digital is usually the practical choice. For many thousands of brochures, or when a brand colour must match exactly, ask a printer about litho.
Step-by-step guidance
- Decide on the quantity, finished size, paper and deadline before you ask for quotes.
- Choose digital for short runs, fast turnarounds, proofs and variable data such as names, numbers or addresses on each copy.
- Consider litho for long runs, Pantone spot colours, large solid areas of colour or special papers and finishes.
- Ask the printer for written quotes on both methods at your quantity, since the better-value method changes as the run gets longer.
- Supply a print-ready PDF with bleed and check a proof carefully before approving the job.
What to check
- Whether the printer offers both methods or only one
- How brand colours will be matched (CMYK or spot colour)
- File requirements such as bleed, resolution and colour mode
- Whether a physical proof is available before the full run
Common mistakes to avoid
- Approving a job without checking the proof for errors
- Supplying low-resolution images or files without bleed
- Expecting a screen colour to match print exactly
- Choosing litho for a small run that digital could handle quickly
Related nearby services
NearMe lists 1,898 printing shops across South Africa, with the most in Gauteng (783), Western Cape (360) and KwaZulu-Natal (233). 98% include a phone number, so you can check before you go.
This guide gives general information only. Rules, fees and requirements can change, so confirm details with the provider or the relevant authority. NearMe is an independent directory, not the provider.
Frequently asked questions
Is digital printing lower quality than litho?
Not necessarily. Modern digital presses give sharp results; litho has the edge on exact spot colours and large solid areas.
What is variable data printing?
Printing that changes on each copy, such as names or serial numbers. It is done digitally.
What does bleed mean in printing?
Extra artwork beyond the trim line, so no white edges show after the sheets are cut.