Smudging in digital printing refers to the unintended spreading or blurring of ink on the printed material, typically caused by physical contact with the printed surface before the ink has fully dried or cured. Smudging can occur when handling prints too soon after they are produced, particularly with inkjet prints or other fast-drying inks. It can also result from improper settings or unsuitable substrates. In digital printing, smudging is a common concern, especially when printing on materials with low absorbency or when the ink layers are too thick. To minimize smudging, printers often use instant-dry inks, adjust drying times, or choose appropriate substrates designed to handle the ink without causing smears.