Computer to Plate (CTP) is a prepress process that makes it possible to produce printing plates directly from digital data – without the diversions via analogue film originals. In traditional printing technology, it was customary to create a film template that was then transferred to a printing plate. CTP revolutionised this process by digitising and accelerating the entire workflow.
Compared to classic film exposure with transfer to the printing plate, it is faster, more precise and less delayed, as there is no analogue transfer. However, it is also more expensive and, unlike film, CTP printing plates cannot be stored for later reprinting.
In the CTP process, the print data is transferred directly from a computer to a printing plate, which can be made of aluminium or another material. This digital transfer takes place using laser technology, which precisely exposes the image information onto the printing plate. This eliminates the intermediate step of film, which saves time and reduces the susceptibility to errors.
CTP offers many advantages: It enables greater precision, as there are no intermediate analogue steps, and better control of colour accuracy. It also reduces material usage and production costs, as film is no longer required and production time is significantly shorter. CTP is therefore standard in modern pre-press and is used in the production of newspapers, magazines, packaging and many other printed products.
Thanks to direct digital control, printing plates can be produced in a very short time, which increases flexibility in production. CTP also enables high reproducibility of print results, which is particularly important for high-quality print products and consistent colour quality.