< Back to Glossary

Print Run

A print run is the total number of copies of a design, label, or packaging that are printed in a single production session. It refers to how many units are produced at one time before the press is stopped, cleaned, or reset. 

During a print run, the press operates continuously, producing copies one after another until the desired quantity is reached. Print runs can be small for limited editions, test prints, or prototypes, or large for full-scale, mass production of products.

Why it matters:

Knowing the size of a print run helps brands and printers plan costs, materials, and schedules. Smaller runs are more flexible and can reduce waste, while larger runs often lower the cost per unit but require careful quality control.

Benefits:

  • Helps manage production costs
  • Determines the amount of materials and ink needed
  • Guides planning for quality control and inspection

Use cases in print and packaging:

  • Labels: Printing thousands of bottle or jar labels in one session
  • Packaging: Large-scale production of boxes, cartons, or wrappers
  • Marketing materials: Brochures, flyers, or posters printed for campaigns

In short, a print run is the number of copies printed at one time, helping brands plan production, control costs, and ensure consistent quality.

See Other Guides

VerifyInline logo next to a label inspection machine with printed labels, and two smaller images showing a software dashboard and a green check mark on a cloudy sky background.
Compliance

Verify Inline: The First Cloud-Native Inline Print Inspection System

Inline print inspection has long been essential to ensuring label and packaging accuracy. But traditional systems have one big limitation…

Photo of Hana Trokic
by
Hana Trokic
team working on text, color and graphics inspection|What Is Prepress?
Proofreading

What Is Prepress?

In spite of a whole industry dedicated to it, very few people know what prepress is. “Prepress” is used in the printing industry to refer to all of a commercial printer’s activities after they receive an order […]

Photo of Brandon Malz
by
Brandon Malz
BELING A Printed Proof for Every Occasion: A Guide to the Types of Pre-Press Proofs
Proofreading

A Printed Proof for Every Occasion: A Guide to the Types of Prepress Proofs

If you’ve spent enough time in the packaging and labeling industry, you probably understand what printing proofs are and how they are used. For those of you who are new to the industry, welcome!

Logo of GlobalVision
by
GlobalVision Editorial Board

Streamline Artwork Proofing From Prepress to Production

Elevate labeling and packaging accuracy with the market-leading artwork inspection software.

Get a Demo