平版印刷是以平面的印版印刷的一种方法，是目前世界上应用最广泛的印刷工艺，也是制造半导体和MEMS设备的方法。

平版印刷是基于油和水互斥的原理的手动工艺。

图像用油基的媒介放在印版表面上；然后用酸将油“烧入”印版表面中。在印刷时，表面先复上水，水份留在非油性的表面，但不会留在油性的部分；然后用辊子涂布油性油墨，油墨只附着在表面油性的部分。

Lithography (fromAncient Greekλίθος, lithos, meaning "stone",andγράφειν, graphein, meaning "to write") is a method of printing originally based on the immiscibility of oil and water. The printing is from a stone (lithographic limestone) or a metal plate with a smooth surface. It was invented in 1796 by German author and actor Alois Senefelder as a cheap method of publishing theatrical works. Lithography can be used to print text or artwork onto paper or other suitable material.