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Offset & Digital Printing Services

Whether you need 50 copies or 50,000, we offer both offset and digital printing to match your project’s volume, timeline, and budget. Every job is produced in-house at our Irwindale, CA facility — no outsourcing, no delays.

Offset vs. Digital: Choosing the Right Method

The printing method you choose affects cost, quality, turnaround, and flexibility. Offset printing uses plates and rotating cylinders to transfer ink — ideal for large runs where per-unit cost drops dramatically. Digital printing sends files directly to press with no plates needed — perfect for short runs, variable data, and fast turnaround.

Below is a detailed look at both methods so you can make the best choice for your next project.

PLATEINK

Offset Printing

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Offset printing uses custom-made plates and rotating cylinders to apply ink to paper. Each ink color has its own cylinder set, which means higher upfront setup cost but significantly lower per-unit cost at scale. It supports the widest range of paper stocks, Pantone spot colors, metallic inks, and delivers the highest color fidelity and consistency across thousands of impressions.

Min. Quantity
500+ recommended
Turnaround
5–10 business days
Color Options
CMYK, Pantone (PMS), metallics

Ideal For:

  • Books & catalogs (500+ copies)
  • Magazines & periodicals
  • Brochures & marketing collateral
  • Packaging & labels
  • Stationery with Pantone colors
  • Large-volume business cards
  • Annual reports
  • Any project over 500 units
FILE

Digital Printing

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Digital printing requires no plates — toner or liquid ink is applied directly to the sheet in a single pass using data transferred electronically from your file. This eliminates setup costs, enabling lower minimums, faster turnaround, and the ability to print variable data (unique names, codes, addresses) on each piece.

Min. Quantity
No minimum
Turnaround
Same-day to 3 business days
Color Options
CMYK process color

Ideal For:

  • Short-run booklets & flyers
  • Prototypes & proofs
  • Variable-data mailings
  • On-demand reprints
  • Event programs & menus
  • Business cards (small batches)
  • Personalized marketing pieces
  • Rush orders & same-day jobs

Offset vs. Digital at a Glance

Compare both printing methods to find the best fit for your project.

FeatureOffset PrintingDigital Printing
Setup CostHigher (plates required)None / minimal
Unit Cost (Large Run)Very lowModerate
Unit Cost (Short Run)HighLow
Minimum Quantity500+1+
Color OptionsCMYK, Pantone, metallicsCMYK
Paper VarietyWidest selectionGood selection
Turnaround5–10 daysSame-day to 3 days
Best ForLarge runs, precise colorShort runs, fast turnaround

Frequently Asked Questions About Printing

Everything you need to know about offset and digital printing.

What is the difference between offset and digital printing?

Offset printing uses custom plates and cylinders to transfer ink, making it cost-effective for large runs (500+). Digital printing sends your file directly to press with no plates, making it ideal for short runs, variable data, and fast turnaround. Both produce professional-quality results.

Which method is cheaper?

It depends on quantity. For large runs (500+ copies), offset printing is significantly cheaper per unit because the plate setup cost is spread across many copies. For short runs (under 500), digital printing is more economical because there are no plate or setup fees.

Can you match Pantone colors?

Yes — with offset printing. Offset uses dedicated ink stations for each color, allowing precise Pantone (PMS) spot color matching, including metallics and fluorescents. Digital printing uses CMYK process color, which can simulate many Pantone colors but is not an exact match for every shade.

What is the minimum order?

Digital printing has no minimum — we can print as few as one copy. Offset printing is most cost-effective starting at 500 copies, though we can run smaller quantities if Pantone or specialty inks are required.

How fast can I get my order?

Digital printing offers same-day to 3 business day turnaround depending on the job size. Offset printing typically takes 5–10 business days due to plate production and press setup. Rush options may be available — call us to discuss your timeline.

Do you handle design and prepress?

Yes! We review every file for print-readiness, check color accuracy, bleed, and resolution, and provide a digital proof before printing. If you don’t have a design, we can help with layout and file preparation.

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Ready to Start Your Print Project?

Get a free quote on offset or digital printing. No minimum order for digital, competitive pricing for large offset runs — all under one roof in Irwindale, CA.

Get a Free Quote(626) 960-4081

12921 Ramona Blvd, Ste I, Irwindale, CA 91706 · Mon - Fri: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM