Offset vs Digital Printing
Our Instant Quote Calculator automatically updates the printing method based on your specifications. It also displays the make and model of the press we’ll use to produce your books.
| Offset | Digital | |
| Description | Images are inked onto a metal plate, transferred to a rubber blanket, and applied to paper. Offset refers to an image being transferred indirectly via the rubber blanket rather than directly from plate to paper. | Images are printed directly from a digital file. |
| Quality | Produces high-quality prints with sharp detailing | Produces high-quality prints |
| Setup | Custom metal plates for each design add to the setup time and upfront costs | Fast setup due to minimal printer calibration time and upfront costs |
| Cost | High setup costs, and the cost per unit decreases as quantity increases | Affordable for small orders of up to 250 copies. Costs are consistent per unit but can be less cost-effective for large print volumes |
| When to use | Best for large print volumes | Best for small print runs and personalized projects |
Reading Book vs Photo-Quality Book Printing
| Reading Book | Photo-Quality Book | |
| Description | For text-based publications containing few or no graphics. | For detailed, image-heavy content like photographs and graphics that require rich, vibrant colors. |
| Pros | • Cost-efficient due to their low material and setup costs • Lightweight when bound as a paperback • Off-white paper stocks available for easy readability • Suitable for some graphic work like grayscale illustrations and simple line drawings |
• Produces vivid printed colors • Wide range of print specifications • Versatile for a variety of print projects |
| Cons | • Unsuitable for colorful, image-heavy work due to low color fidelity • Unsuitable for work with high ink coverage due to potential ink transfer • Limited range of print options |
• Less cost-effective process due to material and setup costs • Hardcover binding can increase shipping costs as books will weigh more • Turnaround times may be slightly longer, especially for work with high ink coverage or a special finish |
| When to use | Ideal for text-heavy books: • Novels • Textbooks |
Ideal for graphic-heavy and photo-based projects: • Art Books • Photography Books |
Bulk Printing vs Print on Demand
| Bulk Printing | Print on Demand | |
| Description | Books are printed in large quantities and shipped to the author, who handles storage and distribution. | Books are printed upon order placement and shipped directly to customers. |
| Pros | • Lower cost per unit for large quantities • Best for large print runs • Complete control over inventory and shipping • A variety of customization options are available |
• No upfront costs • No inventory management • No risk of unsold stock • No ISBN or barcode requirement • No minimum order quantity • Automatic order fulfilment • Eco-friendly print option |
| Cons | • Storage space required • Higher upfront costs • Labor-intensive packaging and shipping • Risk of unsold stock |
• Higher cost per unit • Less intervention in the handling and monitoring of products • Limited products and specifications available |
| Use | For those with predictable demand who can manage storage and logistics. | For those who want to monetize their books, prefer a hands-off approach, no inventory management or want to test the market with new products |
Mixam's Print-on-Demand Service: PrintLink
PrintLink is where your book ideas become a reality. Every book you create with PrintLink generates a personalized, shareable link to embed into your website, Shopify store, Linktree, or anywhere online. You can also include an interactive book preview and adjust your pricing anytime to maximize earnings.
You can either set up your PrintLink from a previous order in your Mixam account or start a new one by uploading your own files or creating them with our free Design Online tool. Our Instant Quote Calculator has a range of quality print options to suit your budget and vision. Once you've filled out your publication and payment details and linked your bank account, a print expert will review and approve your files.
For more information, visit our Self-Publishing page and view this Printlink publication example. You can also watch our PrintLink video tutorial on YouTube below.
Mixam's Printers and Capabilities
| Offset | Digital (Inkjet) | Digital (Liquid Ink) | Digital (Toner Ink) | Digital (Reel) | |
| Press Types | Heidelberg, Ryobi |
Canon iX | HP Indigo | Fuji, Konica, Richoh, Kodak |
Canon ColorStream, HP Pagewide |
| Technology | A traditional printing method that transfers ink from a metal plate to a rubber blanket before applying it to paper, ensuring precise and consistent results | Uses ultra-fine nozzles to apply water-based inks directly onto paper, producing sharp and vibrant prints with precise detail | It uses HP ElectroInk technology, where tiny pigmented particles are suspended in liquid and precisely placed with electrical fields for sharp, detailed prints | They use electrically charged toner particles to create images on paper using static electricity | Uses web-fed inkjet technology, providing high-quality, long-run printing, similar to the Canon PRO-Stream device and iX system |
| Color Output | Consistent, high-quality printing and can reproduce Pantone colors | High-quality printing similar to Offset and Digital (Liquid Ink) | High-quality printing similar to Offset and Digital (Inkjet) | Delivers consistent color output, and tints and solid colors may appear differently on uncoated papers | Fast and efficient digital printing, ideal for black-and-white imagery. |
| Best Use | For products with high page counts and high-volume orders (typically over 500 copies) | Ideal for photo-quality prints in small to medium quantities | Ideal for photo-quality prints in small to medium quantities | For general color printing, but not detailed photos | Perfect for reading books |
As you're familiar with our print methods and services, you're ready to start Preparing For Print.
