Gravure printing, also called rotogravure printing, is primarily a long-term, high-speed, high-quality printing method. Like engraving, gravure is a form of intaglio printing that produces fine, detailed images. It works well for CMYK printing where each color of ink is applied through its own cylinder with drying steps in between.

Like flexography, gravure is the most commonly used printing method for printing packaging, wallpaper and wrapping paper in large volumes. Although less common, it also works for printing magazines, greeting cards and advertising material in large volumes.

In intaglio printing, an image is etched with acid onto the surface of a metal cylinder—one cylinder for each color—in a pattern of cells. The cells are recessed into the cylinder, unlike relief printing or letterpress printing where the printed image is raised, or like offset printing, where the image is flush with the plate.

The cylinder is etched with cells of different depths. These cells hold the ink that is transferred to the substrate. The dimensions of the cells must be precise, because the deeper cells produce more intense colors than shallow cells.