What is Digital Printing?

Digital printing describes the process of transferring a document on a personal computer or other digital storage device to a printing substrate, such as paper or poster board, by means of a device that accepts text and graphic output. As with other digital processes, information is reduced to binary code, or "digitized", to facilitate its storage and reproduction.


Modern printing methods such as laser and ink-jet printing are known as digital printing. In digital printing, an image is sent directly to the printer using digital files. This eliminates the need for a printing plate, which can save time and money.

Without the need to create a plate, digital printing has brought about fast turnaround times and printing on demand. Instead of having to print large, pre-determined runs, requests can be made for as little as one print. While offset printing still often results in slightly better quality prints, digital methods are being worked on at a fast rate to improve quality and lower costs.

Compared to other forms of printing, digital printing has more benefits:

• It is good to the environment because it uses less paper and chemicals.
• You can save on toner and ink cartridges.
• Digital printers are less expensive.
• It is good for short-run printing.
• You will not be limited to clip art and icons.
• You can go full color.
• It is capable of printing envelopes, letterheads, brochures, and flyers.
• Many types of materials can be used for projects.
• Memory is more affordable.

One of the most important benefits is that images saved on a computer can easily be customized or manipulated. This makes design work much easier than it used to be. Before computer imaging was possible, designers had to actually create a photo and then use a cutting tool to cut out the excess and paste what they wanted into the space they had available to work with. This is where the term “cut and paste” comes from.

Because of its flexibility, digital printing can also be used to make thousands of impressions, with each one being different. This was not possible in the old days when using the traditional method of plates was common.

Digital printing gives everyone the freedom of creative design and expression that was not possible in the past. This process allows for short or long run publishing, depending on your needs.

The digital printing process is comprised of three steps: capturing, producing, and finishing.

• Capturing an image. Analog images are converted to digital files that are then manipulated on a computer system with digital imaging software. The images are then scanned into a computer and are stored on the computer’s hard drive, a removable drive, or a CD or DVD.
• Producing the image. Once an image has been captured, it is then transferred to the printing station. The computer directs the speed of the head technology as well as the machine to produce the image. As with all printing processes, digital prints are made up of dots, which in turn trick your eye into seeing a continuous image. Digital images print in four-colors.
• Finishing the image. Lamination is often used to "finish" digital prints. Special media, inks and laminates produce images that withstand indoor humidity, sunlight and most outdoor weather conditions. Also, adhesives are available that provide the opportunity to apply digital images to various surfaces.

The answer to “what is digital printing” then is simple: It is freedom, affordability, and access.


Fortuna Visual Group provides digital printing services in New York City and Westchester, New York as well as Nassau, Suffolk, Newark, Jersey City and Hoboken, New Jersey.