Imagine seeing your amazing designs come to life, not on a tiny screen, but as giant, eye-catching displays! Have you ever needed to print a huge poster for an event or a detailed blueprint for a building project? Getting those big images printed just right can feel like a puzzle with too many pieces.
Choosing the perfect Wide Format Printer can be tricky. There are so many types, sizes, and features to think about. You want great quality, but you also need something that fits your budget and your workspace. It’s easy to feel lost in all the technical terms and options.
This post will clear things up! We’ll walk you through what makes a Wide Format Printer tick. You’ll learn about the different kinds available and what to look for so you can pick the best one for what *you* need to print. Get ready to print big and bold!
Top Wide Format Printer Recommendations
- Print, copy, scan and fax all from 1 machine with this Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7840 Wireless All-in-One Color Printer. The printer is capable of delivering wide-format prints up to 13" x 19", while the PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology helps produce printouts quickly. The DURABrite Ultra ink dries quickly to ensure smudge-free results, and the 500-sheet capacity is built to meet the demands of your office.
- Built-in wireless (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) connection offers cable-free convenience.
- Use Epson Connect Solutions to stay productive while on the go. Functions include Epson Email Print, Epson Remote Print, Epson Smart Panel app (iOS and Android), Epson iPrint app (iOS and Android) and Creative Print app (iOS and Android).
- Print from almost anywhere using Apple AirPrint, Android printing and Mopria Print Service.
- Produces wide-format prints up to 13" x 19".
- The OfficeJet Pro 9730e is perfect for offices printing professional-quality color documents like floorplans, mood boards and spreadsheets. Print speeds up to 18 ppm color, 22 ppm black.
- PERFECTLY FORMATTED PRINTS WITH HP AI – Print web pages and emails with precision—no wasted pages or awkward layouts; HP AI easily removes unwanted content, so your prints are just the way you want
- EASILY ACHIEVE VIBRANT, SCREEN-ACCURATE PRINTS – Print true to screen with the world's first and only wide-format printer with P3 for a wider color gamut vs. sRGB
- UPGRADED FEATURES – Fast color printing, copy, auto 2-sided printing, auto document feeder, and two 250-sheet input trays
- 3 MONTHS OF INSTANT INK WITH HP+ ACTIVATION – Subscribe to Instant Ink delivery service to get ink delivered directly to your door before you run out. After 3 months, monthly fee applies unless cancelled.
- The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7820 Wireless All-In-One Printer is a versatile machine that meets your office's needs. You can print off standard and wide-format documents swiftly thanks to the PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology, while the DURABrite Ultra ink dries quickly to help prevent smudging. The automatic 2-sided printing and scanning helps you accomplish tasks faster, while the wireless capabilities let you print from almost anywhere using your smart device.
- Built-in wireless (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) connection offers cable-free convenience.
- Use Epson Connect Solutions to stay productive while on the go. Functions include Epson Email Print, Epson Remote Print, Epson Smart Panel app (iOS and Android), Epson iPrint app (iOS and Android) and Creative Print app (iOS and Android).
- Print from almost anywhere using Apple AirPrint, Android printing and Mopria Print Service.
- Produces wide-format prints up to 13" x 19".
- Epson printing system is designed to be used exclusively with Epson Genuine Cartridges. Use of non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer’s ltd. wnty. .What's in the box : Expression Photo HD XP-15000 printer, CD-ROM for product setup, Power cord, 4x Claria Photo HD 312-I ink cartridges (1x Black, 1x Cyan, 1x Magenta, 1x Yellow), 2x Claria Photo HD 314-I ink cartridges (1x Gray, 1x Red), 1 Cleaning Sheet
- Professional ultra HD photo quality get brilliant border less prints upto 13 inches X 19 inches
- Individual 6 color Claria photo HD ink includes red and gray inks for an ultra wide color gamut and enhanced black and white prints. Sound pressure level: Pressure: 49 dB(A)
- Professional projects: Made easy features a 50 sheet rear tray for specialty media, including cardstock (1); Accommodates a variety of paper finishes and border less sizes from 4 inches X 6 inches To 13 inches X 19 inches
- Ultra compact wide format A3 plus printer 30 percent smaller than its predecessor (2); Easily fits on your desktop
- Epson printing system is designed to be used exclusively with Epson Genuine Cartridges. Use of non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer’s ltd. wnty.
- High-performance wide-format printing — accomplish more with fast wide-format printing up to 13" x 19"
- High-speed printing — PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology streamlines workflow with 25 black/12 color ISO ppm and fast first-page-out
- Print-shop quality — DURABrite Ultra instant-dry pigment inks deliver sharp text and vivid colors
- Designed for productivity — engineered for durability, reliability and heavy workloads
- Cartridge-free printing for lab-quality photos, graphics and creative projects — get vibrant colors and sharp text with Epson's high-accuracy printhead and Claria ET Premium 6-color inks; print a 4 x 6" photo in as fast as 15 seconds (4)
- Extraordinary media support, including borderless photos up to 13" x 19" — accommodates cardstock, CD/DVDs and other specialty media up to 1.3 mm thick; auto 2-sided printing
- Amazing value — save a ridiculous amount on photos (1) and creative projects with affordable in-house photo printing; print 4" x 6" photos for about 4 cents each vs. 40 cents with traditional ink cartridges (1)
- Save up to 80% with low-cost replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (3) — that's about $2000 on each set (3), enough ink to print up to 6,200 pages color (5)
- Print up to 2 years (2) — with each included and replacement ink bottle set
- Keep your business running smoothly with this high-performance Epson EcoTank printer. An all-in-one printer, scanner and copier makes it easy to accomplish a wide variety of tasks in 1 quick trip to the printer. Grab printed flyers, scan contracts to your email and make a copy for a coworker with ease.
- Built-in wireless (802.11b/g/n) allows you to print from virtually anywhere.
- Ethernet and USB connections are included.
- Wireless printer technology helps you print from your phone or tablet.
- Prints borderless, full-color photos up to 11" x 17".
- The OfficeJet Pro 9720e is perfect for offices printing professional-quality color documents like floorplans, mood boards and spreadsheets. Print speeds up to 18 ppm color, 22 ppm black.
- PERFECTLY FORMATTED PRINTS WITH HP AI – Print web pages and emails with precision—no wasted pages or awkward layouts; HP AI easily removes unwanted content, so your prints are just the way you want
- EASILY ACHIEVE VIBRANT, SCREEN-ACCURATE PRINTS – Print true to screen with the world's first and only wide-format printer with P3 for a wider color gamut vs. sRGB
- UPGRADED FEATURES – Fast color printing, copy, auto 2-sided printing, auto document feeder, and two 250-sheet input trays
- 3 MONTHS OF INSTANT INK WITH HP+ ACTIVATION – Subscribe to Instant Ink delivery service to get ink delivered directly to your door before you run out. After 3 months, monthly fee applies unless cancelled.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Wide Format Printers
Wide format printers are big machines. They print things much larger than your regular home printer. Think big posters, detailed blueprints, or vibrant trade show graphics. Choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This guide simplifies the process so you can make a smart purchase.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these important parts:
- Print Width: This is the most important feature. Printers usually range from 24 inches up to 60 inches or more. Measure the largest item you plan to print regularly.
- Print Resolution (DPI): Dots Per Inch (DPI) tells you how sharp the image is. For detailed graphics or photos, look for at least 1200 DPI. For simple line drawings or CAD plans, 600 DPI might be enough. Higher DPI usually means better quality but slower printing.
- Ink System and Colors: Most professional wide format printers use pigment-based inks. These inks last longer and resist fading. Check how many ink cartridges the printer uses. More colors (like light cyan or gray) create smoother gradients and richer blacks.
- Connectivity: Ensure the printer connects easily to your computers. USB, Ethernet (network connection), and Wi-Fi are standard options.
Important Materials and Media Handling
What you print on matters as much as the printer itself. Wide format printers handle different materials, called “media.”
Media Types:
- Paper Rolls: Most common for posters and banners. Look for a printer that handles roll feeding smoothly.
- Sheet Feed: Useful for single, thick sheets of cardstock.
- Specialty Media: If you need to print on canvas, vinyl, or backlit film, confirm the printer supports those specific material types and weights.
The printer’s built-in cutter is a helpful material handling feature. A good cutter trims the finished print perfectly from the roll.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Print quality depends on several moving parts working together.
Quality Boosters:
- Print Head Technology: Newer print heads spray ink droplets more precisely. Look for printers with advanced piezoelectric technology if high detail is crucial.
- Color Gamut: This means the range of colors the printer can actually produce. A wider gamut means more vivid and true-to-life colors.
- Drying Time: Faster drying ink reduces smudging right after printing, which protects your image quality.
Quality Reducers:
Slow processing speed can sometimes cause bottlenecks. Also, using cheap, non-approved third-party inks often leads to faded colors or clogged print heads. Always use the manufacturer’s recommended ink for the best results.
User Experience and Use Cases
Consider who will use the printer and what they will print.
Ease of Use:
A good user interface makes daily work much easier. Touchscreens are generally better than complicated button panels. Loading large rolls of paper should be simple; struggling with media loading wastes time and material.
Common Use Cases:
- Graphic Designers/Sign Shops: Need speed, high resolution, and the ability to handle durable vinyl.
- Architects/Engineers (CAD): Prioritize fast line reproduction, accurate scaling, and handling technical paper.
- Photographers: Focus heavily on superior color accuracy and the ability to print on fine art papers.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Wide Format Printers
Q: Are wide format printers expensive to run?
A: Yes, they generally use more ink and specialized media, making the cost per print higher than standard office printers. However, professional use often justifies the cost.
Q: What is the difference between dye-based and pigment-based ink?
A: Dye-based inks create very bright colors but fade quickly when exposed to light. Pigment-based inks are more durable, water-resistant, and last much longer, making them the professional standard.
Q: Can I use my wide format printer for everyday documents?
A: You can, but it is inefficient. These machines are designed for large, high-quality output, not small text documents.
Q: What does “giclée” mean in this context?
A: Giclée refers to high-quality, archival inkjet printing, often used by artists to reproduce fine art prints. Many high-end wide format printers support giclée quality.
Q: How much space do I need for one?
A: They take up significant space, often needing extra room behind or in front for paper feeding and output. Measure the footprint plus necessary clearance before buying.
Q: What is “bleed” and why does it matter?
A: Bleed is extra image area printed beyond the final trim line. It ensures that when the final product is cut, there are no white edges if the cut isn’t perfectly precise.
Q: Do I need special ventilation for these printers?
A: Most water-based ink printers do not require special ventilation. However, printers using solvent or UV-curable inks release fumes and require good ventilation or specialized air filtration systems.
Q: How fast are wide format printers?
A: Speed varies greatly. Simple line drawings might print very quickly, while the largest, highest-quality photo prints can take several minutes per sheet.
Q: What is color calibration?
A: Color calibration is the process of adjusting the printer settings so that the colors you see on your monitor match the colors that come out on the paper. This is crucial for professional work.
Q: Should I buy inkjet or laser wide format?
A: Almost all modern wide format printers use inkjet technology because it handles color, detail, and diverse media types much better than laser technology.