What is Offset Printing, Anyway?

The above thank you card and dinner invitation set were offset printed. Many of you already know what offset printing is, but I thought I would do a post about it since I get enough questions, asking me what it is. In offset printing, film is created from the designs you create, and paper is rolled through the printer, where ink is directly applied. There are no raised surfaces, as in engraving, and there are no impressions created, like in letterpress printing. The ink sits flat on the paper. You can check Wikipedia's description of offset printing here.

Despite the "flat" nature of the printing, offset printing produces some beautiful results. You can customize colors, as in other printing processes. Additionally, offset printing can be a less expensive route.

If you are considering getting invitations printed (or anything printed, for that matter) you should consider what's important to you in terms of printing processes. You can have your designer or printer price different options for you so that you can see how it all breaks down.