Difference between Print and Default media

The key difference between print media and default media lies in how content is displayed and formatted for different mediums.

1. Print Media

• Definition: Print media refers to content that is formatted specifically for printing on paper.

• Usage: It is optimized for physical copies, such as reports, books, and PDFs.

• Characteristics:

  • No interactive elements (videos, animations, hyperlinks won’t work).

  • Designed for black & white or color printing.

  • Uses different fonts and layouts optimized for readability on paper.

  • Supports CSS media queries like @media print to adjust styles for print.

Example (CSS for Print)

CopyEdit

@media print { body { font-size: 12pt; color: black; background: none; /* Removes background colors */ } }

This ensures a printer-friendly layout by removing backgrounds and adjusting font sizes.

2. Default Media

• Definition: Default media refers to the standard screen display, meaning content is optimized for digital devices (monitors, mobile screens, etc.).

• Usage: This is the default way web pages, applications, and digital documents are displayed.

• Characteristics:

  • Includes interactive elements like animations, videos, and hyperlinks.

  • Uses color-rich designs for better screen readability.

  • Can be dynamically adjusted using CSS (e.g., @media screen for responsive designs).

Example (CSS for Screen)

CopyEdit

@media screen { body { font-size: 16px; color: #333; background: white; } }

This ensures better readability and color contrast on digital screens.

Summary of Differences

When to Use Each?

• Use print media when generating PDFs, invoices, reports, or documents meant for physical copies.

• Use default media for websites, applications, and digital experiences where interactivity and color are crucial.