10 Different Types of Printing — Methods and Products Explained
If you’re wondering about the types of printing, this guide explains useful printing methods and product formats, their applications, and how to choose the right one.
Printing has come a long way from traditional ink-on-paper methods. Today, businesses, designers, publishers, and manufacturers can choose from many printing techniques depending on the material, quantity, budget, finish, and level of detail required. This guide focuses on printing available from SM Print. Some headings describe technologies, such as digital, inkjet and laser printing; others describe products made using those technologies and different finishing processes.
Table of Content
1. Large-Format Printing
Large-format printing produces graphics that need to be seen from a distance, from shop posters to exhibition displays. It commonly uses inkjet technology, with the material chosen to suit the display location.
Common Uses
- Promotional posters
- Event graphics
- Building plans
- Window and lightbox displays
SM Print offers standard and custom sizes. Use our poster and large-format printing calculator to choose the dimensions, material and quantity for your artwork.
2. Digital Printing
Digital printing is one of the most versatile modern printing types. Unlike offset printing, it doesn’t generally require traditional printing plates.
A digital file is sent directly to the printer, making the process particularly suitable for short runs, quick turnaround times, and personalized materials.
Common Uses
- Business cards
- Flyers
- Leaflets
- Posters
- Invitations
- Brochures
- Short-run books
For businesses running limited-time promotions, Flyers and Leaflets Printing using digital technology can provide fast production and cost-effective short runs.
3. Folded Leaflet Printing
Folded leaflets turn a printed sheet into panels, giving menus, service guides and promotional material a clear reading order. Folding is a finishing process used alongside digital printing, rather than a separate way of applying ink.
Common Uses
- Takeaway menus
- Service guides
- Price lists
- Promotional leaflets
Choose half fold, roll fold, concertina or gate fold in our folded leaflet calculator. Plan the panels for the selected fold before preparing your print-ready file.
4. Booklet and Brochure Printing
Booklets combine printed pages with binding to organise longer information. Saddle stitching secures folded sheets through the spine, making it a practical format for brochures, programmes and guides.
Common Uses
- Company brochures
- Event programmes
- Product guides
- Reports
Use the stapled booklet calculator to choose your size, page count, paper and quantity. Saddle-stitched page counts must be a multiple of four; check the available specifications before setting up your artwork.
5. Banner Printing
Banner printing creates large promotional graphics for events, premises and exhibitions. The right material and support depend on whether the display is indoors, outdoors, fixed in place or moved between venues.
Common Uses
- Exhibition stands
- Reception displays
- Outdoor promotions
- Event banners
Choose roller banner printing for a portable freestanding display, or use the PVC banner calculator for a banner made to your dimensions. Check the material and finishing options for its intended location.
6. Business Card Printing
Business cards combine sharp print with a suitable card stock and finish. SM Print uses digital printing for business cards, making it practical to order cards for everyday networking, customer visits and events.
Common Uses
- Business introductions
- Networking events
- Contact cards
- Appointment reminders
Use our business card calculator to select the size, paper, printed sides, available finish and quantity. Choose a writable surface if you need to add notes by hand.
7. Inkjet Printing
Inkjet printing works by spraying tiny droplets of ink directly onto a surface. It is used in everything from home printers to professional photographic and large-format printing equipment.
Common Uses
- Photographs
- Posters
- Fine-art prints
- Documents
- Signage
- Marketing materials
Inkjet technology is particularly useful when photographic quality and fine detail are important. For display prints, explore our poster printing sizes and materials.
8. Laser Printing
Laser printing uses toner and electrostatic technology to produce printed text and images.
It is widely used in offices and businesses because it can produce sharp documents quickly.
Common Uses
- Reports
- Invoices
- Business documents
- Forms
- Presentations
- Office materials
For everyday business documents, laser printing is one of the most practical types of printing. For manuals and workbooks that need to lie open on a desk, explore Wire-O bound document printing.
9. Canvas Printing
Canvas printing reproduces photographs and artwork on a textured canvas material. It is a display format produced using digital printing, with finishing choices that affect how the image is presented.
Common Uses
- Photographic wall art
- Artwork reproductions
- Office displays
- Personal gifts
Our canvas printing calculator offers rolled prints and stretched canvas options. Choose the size and edge treatment, allowing for any image area that wraps around the frame.
10. Board and Display Printing
Board and display printing turns artwork into rigid signs, presentation panels and point-of-sale displays. The choice of board, finishing and fixing method should suit where and how the finished piece will be used.
Common Uses
- Business signs
- Exhibition panels
- Point-of-sale displays
- Presentation boards
Use the board and display printing calculator to select your dimensions, material, finishing and quantity. If you are unsure which specification suits the location, contact SM Print before ordering.
How to Choose the Right Type of Printing
Choosing the right type print method depends on several factors.
Consider the Quantity
Digital printing is often practical for smaller quantities and repeat orders. Compare the quantities available in the relevant product calculator, and contact us for a specification or run length that is not shown.
Consider the Material
Are you printing on paper, card, canvas, banner material or a rigid display board? Different print types work better with different substrates.
Consider the Design
Detailed photographs, fine text, solid colours, and speciality effects can influence which printing method will produce the best results.
Consider Your Budget
Don’t only compare the cost per printed item. Consider setup charges, materials, finishing, labour, and the total project cost.
Consider the Finish
Consider how the print will be handled and displayed. Lamination can change the feel and durability of suitable paper products, while folding, binding, mounting and canvas stretching each serve different purposes. Check the finishing options available for your chosen product.
Ready to order your printing?
Choose the product that fits your job: get a leaflet and flyer price, price a booklet or price a poster. Select your specification and quantity in the calculator, then upload your print-ready artwork and complete your order.
Unsure about the material, finish or a fixed deadline? contact SM Print with the size, quantity and date you need, and we can advise before you order.