This is the traditional method of printing using oil-based ink. For long-run jobs this process is the most economic. The initial setup is more costly and time consuming which makes the process expensive for short runs. Once printing however, it is relatively cheap to increase the quantity required.

A benefit of lithographic printing is the ability to print with 'special' colours for example silver. Instead of being restricted to the colour range possible from cyan, magenta, yellow and black a specific ink can be used

Another benefit of lithographic printing is being able to print on textured paper. This is because the ink is applied to the paper by a roller under pressure.