The printing-material web is guided in the same position and plane when the transfer cylinders are moved apart for the flying printing-plate change, so that contact between the web and the transfer cylinders and smearing are avoided, that is to say undesired contact with ink-carrying parts. When the transfer cylinders are moved apart, web-guiding elements at the web inlet and/or web outlet support the printing-material web on both sides during the plate or sleeve change by supporting elements which are narrow or act at points and can be displaced transversely with respect to the printing-material web. The printing-material web continues to be guided in the same position and plane, and smearing is avoided.