Digital printing refers to methods of
printing from a
digital-based image directly to a variety of media. It usually refers to professional printing where small-run jobs from
desktop publishing and other digital sources are printed using large-format and/or high-volume
laser or
inkjet printers. Digital printing has a higher cost per page than more traditional
offset printing methods, but this price is usually offset by avoiding the cost of all the technical steps required to make printing plates. It also allows for on-demand printing, short turnaround time, and even a modification of the image (variable data) used for each impression. The savings in labor and the ever-increasing capability of digital presses means that digital printing is reaching the point where it can match or supersede offset printing technology's ability to produce larger print runs of several thousand sheets at a low price.