Analog vs. Digital Printing

Intro to Print: Analog vs. Digital – Episode Summary

In this foundational episode of The Print University, Ryan McAbee and Pat McGrew unpack the essential differences between analog and digital printing technologies. Whether you’re exploring printing industry training programs for new employees or brushing up for a printing technician certification online, this episode is a must-watch for understanding how the two worlds compare—and where they converge.

Analog printing includes offset, gravure, and flexography, all of which rely on physical plates and excel at producing high-quality static images for long print runs. These methods remain key components in offset press training for new operators and bindery equipment training courses. On the other hand, digital printing—such as toner-based and inkjet technologies—offers cost-effective, short-run, and variable data capabilities that are essential for applications like personalized books, direct mail, and transactional documents. This aligns closely with modern digital printing press training and MIS software training for print production.

The episode also explores hybrid technologies that blend the best of both analog and digital processes—ideal for high-volume print jobs that still require personalization, such as labels, pouches, and barcoded packaging. These insights are invaluable for teams evaluating equipment investments or updating workflows with automation and inline finishing.

You Will Learn:

• Core differences between analog and digital printing

• When to choose each based on job type, cost, and output

• The rise of hybrid printing for personalization and efficiency

• Key factors: substrates, finishing, color capabilities, and economics

Who This Course Is For:

Prepress professionals, print operators, production managers, equipment buyers, or lean manufacturing training printing industry

Time to Watch:

Approx. 13 minutes