Box Printing Techniques Compared: Digital, Offset, Flexo

Digital, offset, and flexo are the three main ways custom boxes get printed. Each has a sweet spot for quantity, quality, and cost. Choosing the right one keeps your packaging sharp and your budget efficient. Here is how they compare.

Digital printing

No printing plates, fast setup, and cost-effective for small to medium runs. Ideal for low minimums, prototypes, and frequent design changes. Quality is excellent for most e-commerce packaging.

Offset (litho) printing

Uses plates for high-resolution, color-accurate results. Best for medium to large runs and premium retail boxes where color fidelity and fine detail matter. Higher setup, lower per-unit cost at volume.

Flexographic (flexo) printing

Prints directly on corrugated at high speed, ideal for very large runs of shippers and simpler designs. Cost-effective at scale, with fewer colors and less fine detail than offset.

How to choose

• Small run or low minimum - digital; see low-minimum boxes.
• Premium retail, medium-large run - offset.
• High-volume shippers - flexo.

See the complete guide to custom printed boxes.

Frequently asked questions

Which printing is best for small orders?

Digital - no plates, low setup, and great for low minimums and prototypes.

Which gives the best color accuracy?

Offset, thanks to plates and precise ink control, is the gold standard for premium color.

What is flexo used for?

High-volume corrugated shippers with simpler graphics, printed fast and economically.

Print your boxes right

Match the method to your run and budget. Explore our custom printed boxes or the e-commerce boxes collection.