What is Web-to-Print? (Web2Print)
Web-to-print is a solution that enables on-demand printing of documents, clothing, or other communication materials, even in small quantities, from orders placed on a web or e-commerce platform.
Discover Active Publishing, our Web2Print solution.
B2B and B2C Web-to-Print platforms
Web2Print platforms can be classified into two types:
B2C e-commerce platforms
These platforms offer printable products such as photo albums, greeting cards, invitations, photo calendars, labels, bags, etc. They allow individuals, small businesses, and artisans to design and order customized products directly online, even in small quantities (on-demand printing).
B2B Web-to-Print platforms
These platforms are designed for brands or retailers and are not accessible to the general public. They function as extranets, requiring login credentials, and allow professional clients, subsidiaries, franchises, or branches to order printed materials. In this case, the printing company acts as a subcontractor for the platform owner.
B2B platforms also allow for collaborative work on documents to be printed and help standardize group communication.
Branches can customize communication materials that have been graphically standardized at the group level (variable data printing). The platform brings together all files that employees need for their communication materials (mailings, brochures, posters, catalogs, banners, email templates, etc.) or for business management (business cards, letterheads, newsletters).
Users can also upload their own documents to be printed. Each franchisee or branch can place orders autonomously.
These platforms can include approval workflows, order notifications, and validation steps managed by the head office.
A solution like Active Publishing is ideal for managing this type of portal.
The benefits of Web-to-Print
For B2C
Web2Print simplifies the purchase process: users don’t need to be graphic designers to create a document. The platform includes graphic tools to design and customize products. Once the custom order is created, it can be paid for online and delivered directly to the customer.
For B2B
Web-to-Print helps businesses:
- Streamline and control printing processes
- Standardize and personalize communication materials
- Maintain brand consistency globally
- Save time by managing workflows efficiently
- Simplify orders through automation
- Achieve economies of scale by printing only what’s needed
- Reduce waste (no more surplus prints)
- Keep order history and track deliveries in a secure space
What is the Web-to-Print process?
A Web2Print order follows these steps:
1️⃣ Client identification on the e-commerce platform
2️⃣ Document type selection (brochure, business card, roll-up banner, photo book, etc.)
3️⃣ Quantity selection
4️⃣ Online document configuration (text and image creation, visual selection, layout)
5️⃣ Document options selection (print format, matte or glossy finish, paper thickness, square or rounded corners, color or black & white)
6️⃣ Quote request or online order
7️⃣ Delivery method and date selection (cost varies based on urgency)
8️⃣ Document proofing or validation (BAT)
9️⃣ Order confirmation
🔟 Order sent to the printer for integration into their production schedule
🔟 Printed materials shipped to the specified address or multiple locations if necessary
At any time, clients can log into their accounts to track the printing and delivery status of their orders.
