Why Printing Still Matters in 2025
Even in a digital-first world, printing remains everywhere—on packaging, flyers, catalogs, labels, and signs. Unlike online ads that disappear with a click, print is tangible, memorable, and hard to ignore. A business card exchanged at a meeting or product packaging that enhances the unboxing experience gives your brand lasting impact.
This guide will walk you through the main types of printing, when to use them, and how the right choice can strengthen your marketing in 2025.
A Brief History of Printing
The story of printing stretches back nearly two millennia. Around 200 AD in China, woodblock printing allowed entire pages of text or images to be pressed onto paper and fabric—a breakthrough that made knowledge easier to share.
Centuries later, in 15th-century Europe, Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press transformed this process forever. By making books and newspapers quicker and cheaper to produce, it fueled the spread of science, religion, philosophy, and culture.
From woodblocks to movable type and now to today’s digital presses, printing has continually shaped how we communicate and learn. Its evolution not only preserved knowledge but also accelerated the progress of entire civilizations.Today, printing technologies continue to evolve—balancing speed, cost, and sustainability.
The Main Types of Printing
Printing has developed into a wide range of methods, each with unique strengths. Some are ideal for high-volume runs, while others focus on speed, detail, or special effects. The table below gives a quick comparison:
Printing Method Best Uses Cost Level Pros Cons
Offset Printing Magazines, books, brochures, packaging Medium–High Sharp, professional quality, consistent colors, Lowest cost per unit at scale Higher setup cost, less efficient for small runs
Digital Printing Small runs, personalized marketing, flyers Low–Medium Fast turnaround, cost-effective in short runs, variable data printing Less color accuracy than offset, limited materials
Screen Printing Apparel, posters, signage, promotional items Medium Vibrant colors, durable on fabric and surfaces Slower for large runs, high labor intensity
Flexography Labels, packaging, plastic bags, food wrappers Medium–High Works on many materials, efficient for packaging Lower image quality than offset or digital
Gravure Printing Magazines, catalogues, luxury packaging High Excellent detail and color depth, durable cylinders Expensive setup, best only for very high volumes
Letterpress Invitations, stationery, specialty printing Medium Classic, tactile effect, premium finish Slow, not suitable for mass production
LED UV Printing Signage, packaging, specialty surfaces Medium Instant drying, works on many materials, sharp colors Higher cost than traditional digital
Sublimation Apparel, mugs, promotional gifts Low–Medium Full-color designs, durable, great for textiles Requires polyester/coated substrates
3D Printing Prototypes, custom parts, product design High Customization, complex designs, on-demand production Slower, costly for large-scale production
Choosing the right printing method depends on your project’s budget, timeline, and the material you’re working with.
How to Choose the Right Printing Method
Choosing a printing method isn’t just about knowing the options—it’s about matching them to your project. Here are the main factors to weigh:
• By Quantity
If you need thousands of brochures, offset printing is cost-effective. An FMCG brand printing 50,000 labels
For small runs or one-off personalized pieces, digital printing saves setup time and money.A startup launching 200 product samples
• By Material
Printing on paper is straightforward, but if you’re working with fabrics, screen printing or sublimation are the better choices. For packaging materials like labels and cartons, flexography dominates.
• By Budget & Finish
Premium effects—like embossed invitations or luxury catalogues—often call for letterpress or gravure, which cost more but elevate the result. For everyday marketing, digital or offset strike a balance between quality and price.
• By Sustainability Needs
Eco-friendly practices are now a business standard. Choosing CMYK digital processes with recyclable inks and sustainable substrates can reduce waste. Some methods like LED UV also save energy thanks to instant curing.
FAQs–Types of Printing
- Which colour mode is used for printing (RGB or CMYK)?
Because printers work with four inks—cyan, magenta, yellow, and black—CMYK is the default colour mode for print. RGB belongs to digital displays, so any file made in RGB should be switched to CMYK before production. - Can RGB files be printed?
Yes, but the colours won’t match exactly. Sending RGB files to print forces a conversion to CMYK, which usually results in toned-down or altered colours. - What is the most cost-effective type of printing?
For small batches, digital printing is usually the cheapest because there’s no setup cost. For large runs, offset printing becomes more economical per unit. - Is 3D printing considered a type of printing?
Yes, though it’s different from traditional print. Instead of ink on paper, 3D printing builds objects layer by layer with plastic, resin, or metal. It’s great for prototypes and custom products.
Matching Printing to Your Goals
There’s no single “best” type of printing—only the one that fits your needs. Each method has its strengths, whether it’s high-volume offset, flexible digital runs, or innovative 3D printing.
The key is to match the technique to your goals, budget, and materials. When you do, printing becomes more than production—it becomes a way to showcase your brand and make a lasting impression.Whether you’re producing packaging, marketing collateral, or prototypes, the right printing choice turns ideas into impact.