Digital Printing Trends in 2026

Lindsay Kisiloski
2026-01-06T12:11:00-05:00

Explore the top print and embellishment trends shaping 2026 — from AI and automation to personalization and the ongoing importance of security — and learn how your shop can stay ahead of the curve.

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What Digital Printers Need to Know in 2026

As we kick off 2026, the print industry is evolving fast — and opportunities are everywhere for print service providers who adapt. From automation to personalization and greater demand for enhanced print pieces, several key trends are shaping what customers want and how production workflows must respond.

Here’s a deeper look at the trends expected to have the biggest impact on print and embellishments this year — and how your shop can take advantage of them.

1. AI Continues to Transform Print

Even as we leave 2025 behind, artificial intelligence remains a central force in print. What was once emerging technology has now become integrated into many aspects of production — from prepress and workflow automation to design tools and even print/RIP software.

AI isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a practical advantage:

Smart job setup and file correction

Predictive maintenance and performance insights

Automated color management and optimization

Print providers should stay curious and experiment with new tools — because the next breakthrough may arrive faster than you think.

2. Automation Isn’t Optional — It’s Essential

Automation has moved from a competitive benefit to a survival strategy. Printers that eliminate manual bottlenecks can handle higher workloads with fewer errors, faster turnaround, and lower labor costs.

Automation isn’t about robots on the floor — it’s about:

Integrated workflow systems from order to finish

Smart file routing and job batching

Automated finishing and stacking

MIS and web-to-print integration

Removing friction lets your team focus on what matters most: customer service, creative problem solving, and higher-value tasks.

3. Labor Challenges Remain a Reality

Across industries, staffing continues to be tough — and print is no exception. Skilled operators are in demand, and many shops are discovering that:

Training and retention are more important than ever

Workflow simplicity helps attract and retain talent

Cross-training increases flexibility in staffing

With automation handling routine tasks, your people can focus on troubleshooting, quality control, and customer engagement — areas where human expertise still matters most.

4. Personalized & Embellished Pieces Drive Engagement

Mass mailings and generic pieces are losing impact. Today’s customers expect personalization and visual differentiation. Print that combines data-driven personalization with embellishments — like foil, textured coatings, die-cuts, or raised effects — commands attention and higher response rates.

Personalization can be as simple as using variable data to tailor messages or as advanced as layering embellishments to make every piece feel unique. And when brands see better engagement from these approaches, they are more likely to allocate budget to higher-margin print work.

For printers, this means:

Educating customers on possibilities

Offering embellishment options during quoting

'Proactively suggesting enhancements

Don’t wait for customers to ask — lead them to better solutions.

5. Security Matters More Than Ever

As print becomes more integrated with digital systems, security priorities rise. While it may not be top of mind for every buyer, increasing concern over data breaches and network security means print providers must be proactive.

Secure networks protect:

Customer files

Job data

Business systems

Even if your clients aren’t explicitly asking about cybersecurity, having robust systems in place gives them confidence when sharing sensitive files or specifications.

Security isn’t a one-time project — it’s an ongoing commitment.

What Print Shops Should Do Now

To thrive in 2026, successful print providers are focusing on:

Investing in automation

From AI-enhanced prepress to automated finishing, remove friction wherever possible.

Prioritizing employee experience

Offer training, advancement opportunities, and workflows that reduce repetitive tasks.

Elevating print with embellishment and personalization

Go beyond commodity printing — help customers stand out with tactile and customized pieces.

Strengthening IT and data security

Protect your business and your clients’ information with modern cybersecurity practices.

Conclusion

2026 isn’t a year of incremental change — it’s a year of strategic evolution. Print providers who embrace automation, prioritize personalization, and invest in both technology and talent will not only survive but grow in a competitive landscape.

Print is still a powerful medium — it just requires smarter workflows and a future-focused mindset.

Credit

This article is based on insights originally shared by Duplo USA in their post:
“Trends for 2026: What’s Impacting Print and Embellishments.”