Offset Printing vs. Print-On-Demand
How to Print a Board Book?
Specialized equipment and experience are key
We’re often asked about the differences between offset printing and digital printing a book. Each has a different purpose and different advantages.
Offset vs POD, What’s The Difference?
Offset Press
Huge commercial press meant for medium to large print runs and bulk production
POD
Small press, Suitable for low volume jobs.
Superior image quality, with high-grade detail and colour fidelity. Color is more consistent throughout the run.
Standard ink with less colour fidelity. May not offer top quality printing. Color is not as consistent throughout the run.
Can POD Printers Produce Board Books?
Print-On-Demand uses digital printers (think of your laser printer). Because board books require specialized equipment and technical expertise to ensure the books don’t warp, or peel, many POD printers can’t produce board books. For the few POD printers that can print board books, the sizes, materials and features are limited.
In contrast, an offset press uses custom plates, set up specifically for each project. This gives an offset printer more control over the entire process. For you, this means you get the highest quality printing, more material options and many cool features.
Why Authors Choose Offset Printing for Board Books
Here are just a few of the reasons authors and publishers choose to offset print their board books:
1. Cost Efficiency with Offset Printing
One of the biggest benefits of offset printing is its cost-effectiveness for printing 300+ board books. When you print in bulk, the per-book cost decreases significantly. The more books you order, the lower the cost per unit, making offset printing an ideal choice.
In contrast, digital POD printing tends to be more expensive per unit, as it is designed for shorter print runs where each book is printed individually.
2. Flexibility and Eco-Friendly Options with Offset Printing
Offset printing offers unmatched flexibility in terms of size and material choices. You're not limited to standard book sizes, so you can create custom sizes that align with your unique design and branding. Additionally, you have a wide range of eco-friendly materials available to choose from, such as FSC-certified paperboard, recycled board, and soy-based inks. These materials ensure your project meets environmental standards without compromising on quality.
While POD printers offer some board options, the range of options is limited.
3. Fun Features with Offset Printing
Offset printing provides exciting custom options that digital printers simply can’t match. From spot UV coating, foil stamping, and embossing, to custom textures, mirror pages and more. Offset allows for a tactile touch and feel experiences that enhance your board book's interactivity for young readers, elevating your book’s value and visual impact.
Digital POD printing is typically limited to standard finishes, making it harder to achieve these high-end touches.
Why Print Your Board Book with boardbookprinting.com?
- Cost-effective for larger orders - get more books for less.
- Endless customization options - custom sizes, finishes, features and eco-friendly material choices.
- Specialized expertise - over 10 years of experience printing board books
- Unlimited features - you’re only limited by your imagination!
When Might Digital POD Printing Make Sense?
Digital POD may be an option for small print runs where the cost per book is less of a concern. If you need a small quantity of board books for a personal project with minimal customization and fast turnaround then POD printing may fit the bill.
Offset printing is ideal for orders of 300+ board books. You’ll get THE best price per book, the highest quality materials, durability and many interactive features.
Ready to print your board book?
Use our calculator to get an instant estimate of your printing costs.
