When choosing how to print your materials, it helps to know the main differences between Litho printing, Short-run digital printing, and Print-on-demand.
Each method has its own advantages depending on your needs:
- Best for large quantities (hundreds or thousands of copies).
- Uses traditional printing plates and ink for high-quality, consistent results.
- More cost-effective at scale, since the setup cost is spread across many copies.
- Ideal for brochures, magazines, books, and professional marketing materials.
- Designed for smaller batches (from a few copies up to a few hundred).
- Faster turnaround because there’s no plate setup—the file goes straight to the printer.
- Flexible: great for test runs, limited editions, or quick reprints.
- Typically slightly higher cost per copy than litho, but cheaper overall for small quantities.
- Prints only when an order is placed, even a single copy.
- No need to store stock—each book or item is produced as needed.
- Perfect for self-publishers, online stores, or products with unpredictable demand.
- Reduces waste and upfront costs but usually has the highest cost per unit compared to bulk printing.
- Litho = best for bulk (high quality, low cost per unit).
- Short-run = best for small batches (fast, flexible, affordable in low volumes).
- POD = best for one-off or on-demand sales (no stock, no waste, convenient).