5 August 2026

What is Web-to-Print? (Web2Print)

Web-to-print is a way to print documents, clothing, or any other communication materials on demand—even in small quantities—based on an order placed through a web or e-commerce platform.

Discover Active Publishing, our Web2Print solution

B2B or B2C web-to-print platforms

There are two types of web-to-print platforms:

On the one hand, there are B2C e-commerce sites for print products (photo albums, greeting cards, invitation cards, photo calendars, labels, bags, etc.), which allow the general public, as well as very small businesses and artisans, to design their print products directly online and place orders, even for small quantities (print-on-demand).

On the other hand, there are B2B “web-to-print” sites for brands or retailers that are not open to the public—accessible via a username and password, similar to an extranet—which allow business customers, subsidiaries, franchises, or branch offices to place orders for print materials. In this case, the printer acts as a subcontractor for the platform owner.

B2B platforms make it possible to collaborate on a document intended for printing. They also help standardize group communications.

Branches can customize communication materials—which have been designed according to the group’s graphic guidelines—to meet their specific needs (variable data printing). The web2print platform brings together all the files employees need for their communications (mailings, brochures, posters, catalogs, banners, email campaigns, etc.) or for managing the company (business cards, letterhead, newsletters, etc.).

They can also download their own documents to print. Each franchisee or branch can place orders independently.

It is possible to set up approval workflows at headquarters, order alerts, and validation steps.

A solution like Active Publishing would be ideal for managing this type of portal.

The Benefits of Web-to-Print

In the B2C sector, web-to-print simplifies the purchasing process: you don’t need to be a graphic designer to create a document. The platform includes graphic design tools for laying out and customizing your product. The custom order is then placed and paid for online. It is then delivered directly to the customer.

In B2B, web-to-print enables companies to:

Streamline and Manage Printing
Harmonize and customize communication
Manage your brand image and ensure global brand consistency
Save Time by Mastering Workflows
Simplify automated orders
Achieve economies of scale (we only print what we need)
Reduce paper and ink waste (no more excess printouts!)
View your order history and track your shipments in a secure space

Schedule your Web-to-Print demo

What is the web-to-print process?

A Web2Print order proceeds as follows:

Customer Authentication on the E-Commerce Platform
Selecting the type of document to print (brochure, business card, kakemono, photo book, etc.)
Selecting Quantities
Online document setup (creating text and image content, selecting visuals, page layout)
Selecting options for the document to be printed (print format, matte or glossy finish, paper thickness, square or rounded corners, color or black-and-white, etc.)
Request a Quote or Place an Order Online
Select the delivery method and delivery date (prices vary depending on urgency)
Document Review or Proof
Order Confirmation
The order is sent to the printer, who incorporates it into their production schedule
Shipment of the printed material to the specified address or to various delivery locations, if necessary.