Digital printing is the process of printing digital-based images directly onto a variety of media substrates. There is no need for a printing plate, unlike with offset printing. Digital files such as PDFs or desktop publishing files can be sent directly to the digital printing press to print on paper, photo paper, canvas, fabric, synthetics, cardstock, and other substrates. Digital printing machines can print on everything from thick cardstock, heavyweight papers, and folding cartons to fabric, plastics, and synthetic substrates.