Definition

What has traditionally been referred to as the printing business encompasses many segments: general commercial printing; quick printing; digital imaging; magazine, newspaper and book printing; financial and legal printing; screen printing; thermography; business forms printing; label and tag printing; packaging; greeting cards; and, trade and finishing services.

Due to the rapid technological changes and broadening of the scope of services, the printing industry is now referred to as the graphic communications industry, which more accurately represents the broader range of what printers do today. Expanded services include: creative design; e-commerce; web page design and hosting; mailing and fulfillment; and a host of services that provide horizontal marketing well beyond the core printing model.