Gutenberg developed a system of movable type, which involved creating individual letters made of metal that could be arranged and rearranged to form words and sentences. This was a significant improvement over woodblock printing, which required carving an entire page for each print.

Gutenberg adapted a screw press, commonly used for pressing grapes or olives, into a printing press. This machine allowed for the efficient and consistent transfer of ink from the movable type to paper.

Gutenberg also developed an oil-based ink that adhered well to the metal type and produced clear, durable prints. This ink was a crucial component of his printing system.

Gutenberg spent years refining and integrating his various inventions, including the movable type, printing press, and oil-based ink, into a cohesive and efficient printing system. This system allowed for the mass production of texts, marking a turning point in the history of communication.