Which Press is Right for My Project?
Choosing the Right Press
Choosing the right press is an important part of your book’s success. Page count, print quantity, image content, budget, and distribution goals all influence which print method makes the most sense. Offset and inkjet presses each offer distinct advantages. This page walks you through the key differences so you can choose the best option for your project with confidence.
Why Press Selection Matters
The press used to print your book affects:
- Colour consistency and image quality
- Cost per copy
- Minimum and maximum print quantities
- Turnaround time
- Flexibility for reprints or revisions
Choosing the right press ensures your book looks great AND aligns with your timeline and budget.
Your Printing Options
Sheet-Fed Offset
Best for larger print runs and premium colour accuracy.
What it does well:
- Exceptional image quality and colour control
- Smooth gradients and rich solids
- Cost-effective at higher volumes
- Excellent consistency across long print runs
Things to consider:
- Higher upfront setup costs
- Longer setup time than digital methods
- Best suited for larger quantities
Ideal for art books, photography collections, illustrated trade titles, cookbooks, and high-volume runs where colour accuracy is critical.
Inkjet
Best for flexible quantities and efficient reprints.
What it does well:
- No plate setup, so lower upfront costs
- Flexible quantities – even small print runs
- Fast turnaround times
- Ideal for reprints and inventory management
Things to consider:
- Colour appearance can vary by paper type
- Best results are achieved when colour is used with clean, readable imagery
Ideal for novels, non-fiction, textbooks, manuals, and books with clean, less detailed images.
How to Choose the Right Press
Here are a few key questions to consider:
Is colour a key feature or supporting element?
Key feature = OFFSET
Supporting element = INKJET
How accurate does the colour need to be?
Critical = OFFSET
Pleasing and reliable = INKJET
What type of images are included?
Highly detailed = OFFSET
Colour accuracy is critical = OFFSET
Charts and diagrams = INKJET
Those needing pleasing colour = INKJET
How much colour coverage is on each page?
Full-bleed pages and dense solids = OFFSET OR INKJET
Lighter colour coverage and accent use = INKJET
Limited quantities with modest colour needs = INKJET
Our Approach
We don’t expect you to choose alone. Our team reviews every project carefully and recommends the press that best fits your needs, balancing print quality, cost, scheduling, and long-term needs. In some cases, we’ll even recommend different presses for first print runs versus future reprints.
Still Have Questions?
If you’re still unsure which press is right for your book, we’re happy to help. Talk with your Friesens Sales Representative or Project Specialist to discuss your options and see samples from each print method.