Still in Print: Why Ink on Paper Isn't Going Anywhere

Think print is going extinct? Think again. From Gutenberg’s press to today’s high-speed digital printers, the print industry has continuously evolved, proving that ink on paper is far from outdated. In this month’s Indexx Inklings, we’re diving into the surprising ways print has adapted to the digital age—QR codes on packaging, augmented reality in magazines, and the power of personalized direct mail. From past to present, print leaves its mark!

When Johannes Gutenberg introduced the printing press in the 15th century, he didn’t just change how books were made—he sparked a communication revolution. Before this, handwritten manuscripts were painstakingly copied by scribes, making books rare and expensive. The process was slow and labor-intensive, often taking months or even years to produce a single copy. Most manuscripts were written on parchment or vellum—carefully prepared animal skin—using quill pens dipped in handmade ink. As a result, books were primarily reserved for the wealthy and religious institutions, limiting access to knowledge and education for the general public.Gutenberg’s movable type press made mass production possible, fueling the spread of knowledge, literacy, and new ideas across Europe. It laid the foundation for everything from newspapers to advertising, proving that print was a powerful force in shaping society.

As technology advanced, so did the world of print. The 19th century saw the rise of steam-powered presses invented by Friedrich Koenig, enabling newspapers to be printed at lightning speed, keeping up with industrialized cities hungry for information. These high-speed presses revolutionized mass communication, making printed news more affordable and accessible to the public. This era also introduced innovations like the rotary press and the linotype machine, further streamlining the printing process and laying the groundwork for modern publishing as we know it today. By the 20th century, offset printing became the industry standard, offering sharper images, consistent quality, and cost-effective production for large print runs. This innovation transformed everything from newspapers to commercial packaging, making high-quality prints more accessible than ever. Then came the digital revolution—many predicted it would render print obsolete, but instead, the industry adapted and evolved. Digital printing introduced on-demand capabilities, variable data personalization, and shorter turnaround times, catering to a fast-paced, customization-driven market. Today, print and digital work hand in hand, with innovations like interactive QR codes, augmented reality integrations, and personalized direct mail campaigns, proving that print remains a powerful and relevant medium in the digital age.

Today, print is more dynamic than ever, integrating with digital strategies rather than competing against them. From beautifully crafted business cards that leave lasting impressions to large-scale banners that demand attention, print has an irreplaceable role in branding, advertising, and communication. Even in a world dominated by screens, studies show that people engage more deeply with physical print—whether it’s a direct mail piece that feels personal or packaging that tells a brand’s story in an instant. Print isn’t disappearing; it’s adapting, staying relevant in ways that digital alone simply can’t.

At Indexx Printing, we’ve embraced this evolution, combining time-tested craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to bring your ideas to life. Whether you need eye-catching marketing materials, high-quality custom prints, or innovative packaging solutions, we’re here to make your vision a reality. Let’s create something impactful—from past to present, print leaves its mark! Contact us today to get started on your next project.