Print Laser Pro

Print Laser Pro vs The Print Shop: Design or Production Workflow?

Short answer: Choose Encore's The Print Shop for template-based desktop publishing such as flyers, business cards, and greeting cards. Evaluate Print Laser Pro when a custom-product job needs artwork preparation, physical sizing, pricing, customer approval, storefront ordering, and a print, cut, or engraving handoff. The products serve different workflows; neither choice removes the need to check files in your actual production tools.

Side-by-side comparison

AttributePrint Laser ProThe Print Shop (Encore)
Main workflowCustomer artwork through custom-product production handoffTemplate-based desktop publishing and page design
Advertised design usesDTF, UV DTF, stickers, patches, laser engraving, and mixed-media productsFlyers, business cards, greeting cards, signs, banners, and calendars
Design starting pointCustomer artwork, measured products, previews, and production layoutsTemplates, clipart, photographs, text tools, and page layouts
Quotes and customer proofsPricing, quote, proof, approval, and order context within the connected jobNot described as a connected shop-order workflow on the reviewed homepage
Selling pathsShopify, hosted storefronts, and website embeds; review current integration detailsHomepage focuses on creating publishing projects rather than customer storefront ordering
Production responsibilityPrepare and verify the handoff; use your RIP, laser controller, and specialist machine toolsCheck the selected edition's output options and your printer requirements before purchasing
Price and edition checks$79/month or $790/year after a 7-day trial; card required, with qualifying store-order usage feesCheck Encore's current edition, license, price, and system requirements; the homepage references both version 8 and version 6

When to choose each option

  • Print Laser Pro: A customer order needs measured artwork, a quote, an approved proof, and a traceable production handoff.
  • Print Laser Pro: Your custom-product shop needs storefront or embed ordering alongside print, cut, and engraving preparation.
  • The Print Shop (Encore): Your main task is a template-based flyer, greeting card, calendar, or business-card layout.
  • The Print Shop (Encore): You prefer desktop publishing and have confirmed that the selected edition supports your computer and output needs.

Frequently asked questions

Is Print Laser Pro the same as The Print Shop?
No. Print Laser Pro is operated by SJG Services LLC and serves custom-product production workflows. The Print Shop at printshop.com is Encore's desktop publishing software. These are separate products and brands.
What is a The Print Shop alternative for a custom-product business?
Print Laser Pro is worth evaluating when the requirement extends beyond page layout into artwork preparation, mockups, pricing, proofs, storefront orders, and production handoff. For template-based greeting cards and flyers, compare desktop publishing tools instead. Choose based on one real job rather than the shared words in the product names.
Can I move artwork from The Print Shop into Print Laser Pro?
Check the export formats available in your specific The Print Shop edition. Export a format accepted by the relevant Print Laser Pro builder, then verify physical dimensions, resolution, transparency, and fonts. Proprietary project files should not be assumed to import directly.
Does Print Laser Pro replace a printer RIP or laser controller?
No. It prepares artwork and keeps job context connected through pricing, approval, and production handoff. Your RIP, laser controller, and other specialist machine tools still perform their respective production steps. Test the exported file on your equipment before releasing a batch.
How should I compare print shop software before buying?
Use one customer job: load the artwork, set the actual product size, create a proof, calculate the quote, capture approval, and inspect the production export. Record which steps each product supports, where another tool is needed, and the total subscription, license, and usage costs.

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