Print Production: Digital and Variable Data Printing

Course details

Digital and variable data printing offer an incredible array of possibilities. Think banners, vehicle wraps, and custom-printed books. But with possibilities come stock and finishing limitations, which those using this versatile technology need to know. In this course Claudia McCue reviews the types of projects that are appropriate for digital printing, the impact of digital color, and how variable data can allow you to personalize your digital print jobs. She also explores the possibilities beyond paper, like edible ink. At the end of this course, designers will feel more confident when they choose digital printing for their next job.

Learning objectives
What constitutes "digital printing"?
Printing short runs
Working with digital color and large-format output
Using InDesign's Data Merge feature to format variable data
Printing on ceramics, metal, and wood

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - Welcome
02 - What you should know before watching this course
03 - Using the exercise files

1. Defining Digital Printing

04 - What constitutes digital printing
05 - Types of digital printing devices

2. Types of Jobs That Are Appropriate for Digital Printing

06 - Short print runs
07 - Unique sizes and substrates
08 - Fine-art printing (gicl e prints)

3. Design Considerations

09 - Stock considerations
10 - Finishing considerations

4. Digital Color

11 - Digital color considerations
12 - Digital color advantages

5. Large-Format Output

13 - Working at a reduced size
14 - Image resolution

6. Variable Data

15 - Basic principles of variable data publishing
16 - Why digital printing and variable data go hand in hand
17 - Exercise - InDesign Data Merge for text
18 - Using InDesign Data Merge with images

7. Beyond Paper

19 - Extended capabilities of digital printing
20 - Eat your mistakes - Edible printing

Conclusion

21 - What I hope you've learned
22 - Next steps