Printing has come a long way since Gutenberg’s press. Today, people who print tend to ask themselves before making an order: should I use traditional printing or large format printing?
It’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. Every technique is different, and learning about their costs, how they differ in quality, and how fast they provide results can steer you toward the best selection.
So, you can use this guide to figure out anything you want to print, from thousands of flyers to a huge shop decal, without any confusing terms.
What Is Traditional Printing?
Let’s start with the familiar.
The usual way of printing books, magazines, brochures, business cards, flyers, and booklets is with offset or digital methods called traditional printing.
Making separate plates for different colors and moving the ink quickly to paper in offset printing makes it great for handling large jobs.
If you need just a few copies, digital printing is sure and ready, since laser or inkjet printers take your file and print the job instantly.
Common Products:
Pamphlets, posters (A3 or smaller), letterheads, labels, menus, invitations, and mailers are some printed materials.
What Is Large Format Printing?
What is known as large format printing (or wide-format printing) is suited to prints that exceed the standard size of most simple printing machines by as much as 18 inches or more.
Special types of printers and products are used to develop important visuals which include banners, wraps for cars, displays at trade shows, and murals on walls.
Common Products:
Large-scale signs, window logos, original posters, signage for occasions, floor graphics, store displays, and other types as well.
Cost Comparison: Which Is More Affordable?
Let’s talk dollars and cents.
Traditional Printing:
Offset printing shines when you need thousands of copies. When the plates are made, the price per unit drops a lot.
When only a few copies are needed, digital printing works out inexpensively without extra fees.
Large Format Printing:
Because they are big and need high-quality materials, they usually cost more to buy.
Even though some offers are made per unit, Big3 Signs usually does more than one job for each client.
The high price is justified by how strong and long-lasting they are, mostly when you need them outside.
Verdict:
For volume, go traditional. For size and visual impact, large format pays off.
Quality: Sharpness, Color, and Finish
Although both give excellent results, the goals of what they do are not the same.
Traditional Printing:
Offset printing delivers razor-sharp text and consistent color matching. It’s great for detailed brochures and color-rich catalogs.
Although digital printing is much better than it was before, it is still less precise with colors than offset.
Large Format Printing:
Frames are filled with sharp photos, lively colors, and eye-catching designs.
Since UV and latex inks don’t fade and are protected against both water and scratches, they are perfect for printing outdoors.
Matte, gloss, anti-graffiti, and textured finishes add flexibility.
Verdict:
Choose traditional for text-heavy, color-critical jobs. Choose large format when visibility and durability matter most.
Speed: Which Gets the Job Done Faster?
This one depends on volume and setup.
Traditional Printing:
Digital printers can handle quick runs and can get orders to you in just one day.
Since offset printing is better for big orders, it needs more preparation and time to dry the ink.
Large Format Printing:
This type of printing is meant for few copies or just a single design; because of this, it’s swift, and most noticeable for banners, decals, and posters.
No dishes need to be created, so you often get your results within 24–48 hours.
Verdict:
Short run = digital or large format. High volume = traditional offset.
Use Cases: When to Choose What
- Choose Traditional Printing for:
- Business cards and brochures
- Flyers for mass distribution
- Mailers and invoices
- Magazines and newsletters
- Restaurant menus and postcards
Choose Large Format Printing for:
- Trade show booths and displays
- Storefront window graphics
- Wall or floor decals
- Event backdrops and step-and-repeat walls
- Construction site banners and safety signage
- Retail promotional signage
To put it another way, traditional styles are suited for hand-held objects, unlike large format printing, which is meant for walls and the streets.
Durability & Materials
If your prints have to stand up to tough weather environments, large format printing comes out on top.
Traditional Printing:
Limited to standard paper and cardstocks.
Not waterproof unless laminated.
Ideal for indoor use or short-term exposure.
Large Format Printing:
Can print on vinyl, mesh, canvas, fabric, and more.
Designed for outdoor use with UV- and weather-resistant inks.
Great for long-term branding, even under sun and rain.
Verdict:
When you need outdoor or outdoor signage that can last, large format is your top choice.
Sustainability: Which is More Eco-Friendly?
This will change according to the types of materials and ink applied, in addition to the printing technique.
Traditional Printing:
Some presses use soy- or vegetable-based inks.
Recycled paper is widely available.
Offset can create waste from plates and make-ready sheets.
Large Format Printing:
Choosing latex or water-based inks is better for the environment instead of solvent-based ones.
More and more, people are choosing recyclable PET banner media.
Such printers use less paper and ink since they make only the required prints.
Verdict:
Eco-conscious? Ask your printer about green options for both methods. The technology is evolving on both sides.
Conclusion: Go Big (or Small) With Confidence at DokoPrint
All in all, what you want to use the printing for, your budget, and the size needed are the deciding factors.
When you need to give out lots of leaflets, booklets, or menus, traditional printing is the ideal option. Huge images are what you need if you want eye-catching visual elements.
Thankfully, you have an option other than guessing which one to buy.
DokoPrint provides traditional and large format printing so you can get what you need within your goals, timeframe, and financial plans. Whether your project is small or big, we are ready to advise you on printing and offer the best solution with no worries and top-quality material.
Visit DokoPrint.com today or chat with our print specialists. Let’s bring your next project to life—big or small.