The demand for packaging prototypes, or mock-ups, has grown decisively in less than a decade. Today, digital printers provide the answer for printing short-run prototypes at a fraction of the cost of film-based proofing. With the overall growth of digital package printing anticipated to reach 375% by 2018, the capabilities of digital printers are surging. With many of the same capabilities as manual processes, digitally-printed prototypes are poised to overtake their predecessors in these categories.

Here are six reasons why digitally-printed prototypes are easier than ever:

1. Additional substrates

Print on anything with ultraviolet (UV) ink printers, and access a wider range of substrates with solvent ink printers.

2. Increased PMS color-matching

Receive color-correct printing through a vast gamut of improved matching options, including opaque white and metallic.

3. Varied surface finishes

Achieve textured or spot-varnish finishes that were previously impossible through digital printing.

4. Realistic embossing

Present the same high-end appearance with a few extra passes of the printheads.

5. Improved resolution

Attain quality levels that rival those of resolution independent mock-ups.

6. Fast turnaround

Shorten timelines by using automated printers.

Cris Lauer Aranda is the marketing consultant for Create It Packaging, a package design company that customizes packaging prototypes or mock-ups to meet the needs of brand managers, creative directors and marketing teams seeking short-run production.