Offset Print (Digital Variable)

Used for: Paper and cardboard printed items that require unique text or graphic data on each separate printed item

Run size: Typically 500 units+ due to data / merge setup costs, but can be smaller on standard process items such as download cards

Digital offset presses can print a single sheet of a PDF file quite economically. It therefore becomes possible with design software such as Adobe Illustrator (TM) to merge variable data from a membership or other list spreadsheet file into a background design, and create multiple single sheet PDFs for print, each with slightly different text.

In it's most basic form (variable text), the merge process can add a unique member's name to each printed item.

In it's most complex form (variable mapping), the merge process can use data to set x,y coordinates and place a graphic element in a particular unique position on each printed item. The latter process can be used, for example, to place member information in a particular position on a timeline.

Variable print is typically only used on flat paper / card / label stocks. The printed sheets are then sent for further processing - although processes with high loss rates such as laminate, forme cutting and fold / glue are a bane for variable printed projects, as any lost sheets need to be identified, re-merged and re-printed.

Replicat has considerable experience producing complex variable print projects for very large member lists and can provide both print production and secure list management expertise for such projects (handled by the company owner Scott Wilson personally).

If you have such a project on the horizon, please contact us to arrange a meeting with Scott to talk through requirements.