1. A method for outputting images, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a base image and a plurality of personalized messages, wherein a personalized message is formed from elements consisting of at least two pixels found in the base image; converting the base image only once into control codes of a printer, the control codes used for printing; converting each of the plurality of the personalized messages into control codes of the printer; sending the control codes for the base image and the personalized messages to the printer for printing; for each personalized message: using the control codes for the base image, causing the base image to be printed on a page; and using the control codes for the personalized message, causing the personalized message to be printed as overlaid onto the base image.