Variable Image Printing Explained
Automatically adjust images and graphics based on individual clients and customers. Variable image printing allows organizations to deliver visually personalized documents while maintaining brand consistency.
Variable Image Printing Explained
Automatically adjust images and graphics based on individual clients and customers. Variable image printing allows organizations to deliver visually personalized documents while maintaining brand consistency.
What is Variable Image Printing?
Variable image printing is a form of variable data printing that allows images, logos, and visual elements to change dynamically from one printed piece to the next based on predefined data rules.
Instead of producing a single static layout, variable image printing enables you to produce multiple different versions of a document within the same print run, each with imagery tailored to a specific audience segment, location, or use case.
Organizations can use variable image printing to:
- Swap program-specific graphics in government notices.
- Display plan- or product-level imagery in financial and insurance communications.
- Adjust visuals in healthcare documents based on eligibility or account data.
These image changes are driven by controlled data rules and applied automatically.
What is Variable Image Printing?
Variable image printing is a form of variable data printing that allows images, logos, and visual elements to change dynamically from one printed piece to the next based on predefined data rules.
Instead of producing a single static layout, variable image printing enables you to produce multiple different versions of a document within the same print run, each with imagery tailored to a specific audience segment, location, or use case.
Organizations can use variable image printing to:
- Swap program-specific graphics in government notices.
- Display plan- or product-level imagery in financial and insurance communications.
- Adjust visuals in healthcare documents based on eligibility or account data.
These image changes are driven by controlled data rules and applied automatically.
How Variable Image Printing Works in Variable Data Printing
Here’s a list of the steps in the variable image printing process:
Step 1: Data is structured and segmented
The process begins with a structured data source. The data source includes the fields that are used to determine image selection, such as service lines, region, or account type.
Step 2: Image assets are approved and centrally managed
Each image used in the workflow is reviewed and approved for specific use cases.
Step 3: Business rules link data to image selection
Predefined business rules determine which image assets are applied to each file.
Step 4: Images are dynamically assembled during output
Each record is evaluated, the relevant rules are applied, and the correct images are dynamically inserted.
Step 5: Output is validated and produced at scale
Documents are printed and mailed as a single, efficient print run.
How Variable Image Printing Works in Variable Data Printing
Here’s a list of the steps in the variable image printing process:
Step 1: Data is structured and segmented
The process begins with a structured data source. The data source includes the fields that are used to determine image selection, such as service lines, region, or account type.
Step 2: Image assets are approved and centrally managed
Each image used in the workflow is reviewed and approved for specific use cases.
Step 3: Business rules link data to image selection
Predefined business rules determine which image assets are applied to each file.
Step 4: Images are dynamically assembled during output
Each record is evaluated, the relevant rules are applied, and the correct images are dynamically inserted.
Step 5: Output is validated and produced at scale
Documents are printed and mailed as a single, efficient print run.
Where Can Variable Image Printing Be Used?
Here’s how various industries can incorporate variable image printing into their VDP workflows:
- Financial services organizations can tailor the graphics of statements, notices, and marketing inserts by product type, customer segment, or region.
- Healthcare and insurance providers can apply variable image printing to patient communications, member materials, and outreach campaigns.
- Government and public sector agencies can customize communications for different jurisdictions, programs, or populations.
- Retail and consumer brands can leverage variable image printing for targeted direct mail and loyalty communications.
- Utilities and service providers can personalize bills, notices, and customer education materials.
Where Can Variable Image Printing Be Used?
Here’s how various industries can incorporate variable image printing into their VDP workflows:
- Financial services organizations can tailor the graphics of statements, notices, and marketing inserts by product type, customer segment, or region.
- Healthcare and insurance providers can apply variable image printing to patient communications, member materials, and outreach campaigns.
- Government and public sector agencies can customize communications for different jurisdictions, programs, or populations.
- Retail and consumer brands can leverage variable image printing for targeted direct mail and loyalty communications.
- Utilities and service providers can personalize bills, notices, and customer education materials.
Brand Consistency Across Documents.
Variable data printing providers must maintain brand consistency at all times.
They programmatically insert brand-approved logos, photography, and design elements based on predefined conditions. Layout rules scale, crop, and align images correctly on each document.
This approach allows marketing and compliance teams to customize images without sacrificing brand integrity.
Customer-first print providers, like D4 Solutions, meet with you as often as you need throughout the process, and don’t begin print runs until you’ve seen test files and given your approval.
Brand Consistency Across Documents.
Variable data printing providers must maintain brand consistency at all times.
They programmatically insert brand-approved logos, photography, and design elements based on predefined conditions. Layout rules scale, crop, and align images correctly on each document.
This approach allows marketing and compliance teams to customize images without sacrificing brand integrity.
Customer-first print providers, like D4 Solutions, meet with you as often as you need throughout the process, and don’t begin print runs until you’ve seen test files and given your approval.
Why Variable Image Printing Matters For You
Variable data printing helps organizations connect more deeply with their clients and customers, and variable image printing allows for further personalization.
It lets you adjust images, logos, and graphics based on audience data. You can tailor content to different regions, customer segments, or program types while keeping layouts consistent.
This approach makes your printed materials more relevant to individual readers, especially when adding visuals can reinforce your message.
See How VDP Can Work for You.
See How VDP Can Work for You.
