Offset printing is a commonly used printing technique in which the inked image is transferred (or "offset") from a plate to a rubber blanket to the printing surface. It was initially developed in 1875 by Robert Barclay in England. By the 1950’s offset printing became the most popular and common form of commercial printing in the world.
Today offset printing is usually looked at as a higher quality means of printing and is also more cost effective with larger quantities. It uses process CMYK inks (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) as well as the Pantone Matching System inks (PMS) for spot colors. It results in sharp edges and clean, crisp images.
Here are a few advantages of offset printing:
Ability to use thicker stock
Availability of matching colors/custom colors
Precise color registration
Clean, fine detail
Less glare and shine
Ability to use textured stocks like felts, linens, and laid finishes, etc
Better value with higher quantities
Available soy inks
Less cracking while folding brochures or newsletters, etc.
Nostalgic, high print quality produced on Heidelberg equipment