Color vs. Black and White Printing: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Color vs. Black and White Printing: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

November 22, 2018

When you are preparing for a printing project, there are several important things to consider. Topping the list is whether to print the copies in color or black and white. Of course, color is usually pricier, so you have to decide if it’s worth it. To determine whether you should splurge on color, your printer outlet in Phoenix, AZ offers the following considerations.

Audience

Who is your intended audience for the final printed product? Are you producing brochures for a fundraiser? Are you distributing information about a high-end event? Is the project a simple step-by-step guide for office procedures? If you need to make a good impression with your presentation, you probably need to choose color. Major donors at a fundraising event, for example, are worth the extra cost and effort to provide them with full-color information about your organization. On the other hand, an employee manual might not warrant the extra cost of color.

Budget

Even if you want to print in color, you have to stick to your available budget. Consider what else might suffer if you spend in this category. If you feel color printing is worth it, consider where else you might need to cut back to reallocate funds to this task. For a happy medium, you might consider spot color printing, which is used to highlight specific elements on a page that is otherwise black and white. This can add a splash of color without the full cost of color printing.

Timeline

How much time do you have to complete your printing project? Typically, color printing takes longer than black and white. While your printer outlet in Phoenix, AZ can complete most jobs for you quickly, printing your own color copies can take a while.

Paper

What type of paper will you be using for your printing? Coated papers are made with brighteners and fillers to create a smoother, glossier finish. These papers are usually brighter, and are available in matte, silk and gloss. Coated papers are better for color printing that involves a lot of imagery.

Uncoated paper is less white and features a rougher feel. It absorbs more ink, making it a better choice for projects that are mostly text.

Requirements

As you choose between black and white and color printing, keep your project parameters in mind. Are you printing any company logos that must be published in color? Does your project include any references to images or diagrams that will not make sense if it is printed in black and white? Sometimes, you may want to save by using black and white, but your specific project may not make this feasible.

Make the Best Choice

Whether you need black and white printing or full-color options, contact the printing experts at Arizona Copier Outlet. As your local printer outlet in Phoenix, AZ, we offer the best in new, near-new and refurbished commercial copiers and printers at the lowest prices in the Valley. We are family owned and operated, believe in shopping local and have been helping clients save money since 1986. Come see us today!

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