A method of ink-less printing comprises the steps of : providing a source (1) for emitting an energy beam,- providing an array of programmable shutters (3) , each adapted for selectively blocking or allowing passage of at least some of an energy beam therethrough; providing a substrate (4) including an additive susceptible to changing colour when energized by the energy beam emitted by the source; selectively allowing passage of at least some of the energy beam emitted by the source through the array of shutters; and, positioning the substrate in the path of the energy beam that has passed through the array of shutters such that at least one desired point on the substrate is energized by said beam thus causing the additive to change colour at said point.