China was where printing methods were developed, as early as the 6th century CE. During that period, block printing methods were in use to produce cloth as well as manuscripts, wall hangings, and tapestries.

The oldest surviving printed book, a Buddhist scripture, dates to 868 CE, and the movable type printer was invented by Pi Sheng in 1040 CE. There are wonderful legends that describe libraries filled with printed books in Asia as well as Arabia. And, in all probability, the art of printing went from China to Europe along the Silk Route through India, the Arab world, Persia, and Egypt.

In Germany, one of the first to develop printing technology using oil-based inks and movable types was Johann Gutenberg, and since then printing has revolutionized the spread of knowledge.

There are many innovative methods used, such as offset printing, relief print, screen printing, silk screen, rotogravure, laser printing, and digital printing.

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