The moment people decide to publish a book and want to convert their digital manuscript into a paper version, they almost always talk about “printing a book.” Books can be printed, but they can also be digitally printed, and this is something completely different! These terms are often used interchangeably without people being aware of it. But what exactly is the concrete difference between the two?
Have a book printed (offset printing)
This is a traditional and widely used printing method performed on offset printing presses. Printing a book (and other printed matter) involves applying an image to an aluminum plate. This plate is moistened; all parts of the plate that do not have an image on them absorb this moisture. Next, ink is applied; wet parts of the plate repel ink. The ink is ultimately pressed onto a rubber blanket. Large sheets of paper are now inked in the correct manner.
Have a book printed (digital printing)
When printing, the image is built up electronically. This is then fixed onto the page by a toner or inkjet in combination with heat.
What are the biggest differences?
- Usage of Color:
There are two color methods that can be used: CMYK and PMS, or a combination of the two. CMYK (or full color) stands for cyan, magenta, yellow, key (black). This is a system where base colors combined with black create a large number of colors. You can create an enormous number of colors with this method, but not all of them. This is the technique most commonly used in printing. PMS are the colors you are likely familiar with from color swatches. Every specific color has its own code. When “printing,” both CMYK and PMS can be used. If a specific color is very important, such as for corporate identity printing, then printing with PMS colors is chosen. - Personalization
With printing, the design must remain exactly the same throughout the entire run. With digital printing, it is possible to make a small change to each copy. For example, a name for a personalized mailing. - Print Run
With printing, you face higher setup costs. This is due to setting up the color towers, making the plates, etc. For smaller print runs, this is not very cost-effective, which is why printing will be significantly more expensive than digital printing for low volumes; this is possible starting from a print run of just 1. However, for higher print runs, printing becomes cheaper than digital printing.
Bookadew
Since we work with relatively low print runs at Bookadew (1 to 500), all books we produce are digitally printed. This allows us to produce books starting from a print run of just 1 and meet short delivery times!