A method for changing printing plates in rotary printing presses with several printing units

The invention relates to a method for changing printing plates in rotary printing presses with several printing units, in which the plate cylinders have a separate drive, via which they are independent from the associated blanket cylinder in each printing unit driven. It is characterized in that one or more printing plates from the printing unit of the respective blanket cylinder is moved at a slightly higher peripheral speed than the associated plate cylinder during plate changing operation, at least in one mode of operation during feeding out.