The process starts with preparing the design on a computer and then creating printing plates. Each plate represents a specific color—usually CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black). The plate first attracts water in the non-printing areas and then ink in the image areas. The ink is transferred onto a rubber blanket, which finally presses it onto the paper. Because the blanket is flexible, it can print on rough surfaces and still produce smooth and clear results.
Types of Offset Printing
There are mainly two types:
Sheet-fed Offset – This uses separate sheets of paper. It is ideal for brochures, posters, flyers, and packaging materials where precision and quality are important.
Web Offset – This uses continuous rolls of paper and is much faster. It is commonly used for newspapers, magazines, and large-volume books.
Advantages of Offset Printing
Offset printing has been the backbone of commercial printing for decades because of the many advantages it offers:
High Quality – Prints are sharp, detailed, and consistent in color.
Cost-Effective for Large Runs – The more you print, the cheaper the cost per copy becomes.
Versatility – Works on a wide range of materials like paper, cardboard, plastic, and even certain fabrics.
Color Accuracy – With CMYK and Pantone colors, companies get exact shades that match their brand identity.
Durability – The printing plates can last for hundreds of thousands of impressions.
Professional Finish – Options like lamination, UV coating, embossing, and foil stamping enhance the final product.
Benefits
For businesses, offset printing is not just about putting ink on paper—it’s about building a professional image. High-quality catalogs, brochures, and packaging make a strong first impression on customers. Companies benefit because offset printing allows them to print large quantities of marketing material at a very low cost per piece. It also ensures that brand colors are consistent across all communication materials, which is important for trust and recognition. In industries like packaging, retail, publishing, and advertising, offset printing remains the most reliable choice.