Digital printing is computerized commercial printing process in which electronic source files of the publication are processed directly by the printing machine without passing it through image setting and plate making steps. As with other digital processes, information is reduced to binary code, or "digitized," to facilitate its storage and reproduction. Digital printing has steadily replaced Lithography in many markets, especially at the consumer and business level, as a result of its substantially lower production costs.

Without the need to create a plate, digital printing has brought about fast turnaround times and printing on demand. Instead of having to print large, pre-determined runs, requests can be made for as little as one print. While offset printing still often results in slightly better quality prints, digital printing methods are being worked on at a fast rate to improve quality, consume less production time and lower cost.

Mainly the Digital printing Process includes the scanning of analog image or the creation of a digital image using appropriate software. This image is then stored in the Memory for further commands to the printer.

The distinct difference between the use of digital printing and traditional print is the relationship between the equipment and ink delivery system. Output devices such as inkjet printers, are developed with a specific ink and ink delivery system in place which is unique to each digital press. The type of equipment chosen is also driven by the product produced. These factors work to limit product substitution options for most systems.

Equipment options for digital printing are shaped by substrates and the inks that are used. Liquid ink-jet, wet/dry toner systems, solid ink-jet, thermal-transfer and photographic devices are the primary technologies used today.

The great number of digital printing applications that will drive life of nearly every one and make one’s business soar to new heights includes; Desktop publishing, Advertising Print on Demand, Fine art purposes ,photo publishing and DIY publishing, which is a cost effective way of printing a small number of poetry, graphic novel or art books. In everyday life digital printing turn one’s regular transactional documents into an effective marketing vehicle by adding personalized, targeted promotions to monthly bills and statements.

Digital printing is attempting to take the printing industry by storm. It is featured at every trade exhibition, lauded in almost all print trade publications, featured in multiple presentations at leading industry conferences and forecast to overtake the traditional sheet fed market by the year 2020. Whether this forecast is accurate or not, there is no doubt many printers are seriously considering their entry into this new technology without taking into account some 'key realities'.

The first reality is that the majority of buyers of traditional offset printing are not ready for or familiar with the benefits of short run or 1:1 personalized printing. Traditional buyers must not only be sold the virtues and the pricing of a specific printer, but also must be shown how digital printing will directly benefit the objectives they seek to achieve with their print.