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
- PLEASE NOTE — 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 limited warranty
- HIGH-SPEED WIDE-FORMAT PRINTING — Print up to 13 x 19in; PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology in this wireless printer delivers high-speed prints with 25 black/12 color ISO ppm and fast first-page-out
- HIGH-PRECISION PRINTING — This wide-format, color printer features accurate dot placement and DURABrite Ultra instant-dry pigment inks for professional-quality prints
- HIGH-VOLUME RELIABILITY — Useful for heavy workloads, the innovative heat-free technology in this all-in-one printer is designed for reliability and reduced downtime
- COMPLETE DUPLEX SOLUTION — This duplex printer allows you to auto 2-sided print, copy, scan and fax; Plus 50-sheet ADF
- FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The wide-format OfficeJet Pro 9730 is perfect for offices printing professional-quality color documents like floorplans, mood boards and spreadsheets. Print speeds up to 22 ppm black, 18 ppm color.
- 3 MONTH TRIAL OF INSTANT INK INCLUDED – Subscribe to the Instant Ink delivery service to get ink delivered directly to your office door before you run out, and you save up to 50% on ink; after 3 months, a monthly fee applies unless cancelled
- KEY FEATURES – Fast color printing up to 11 x 17, copy, auto 2-sided printing, auto document feeder with single-pass 2-sided scanning, and two 250-sheet input trays
- 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
- 4.3-INCH TOUCHSCREEN – Quickly navigate your printer with a large color touchscreen and a phone-like user interface
- 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".
- 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".
- CARTRIDGE-FREE PRINTING — Print 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
- INK BOTTLES — Save on photos1 and creative projects with affordable in-house printing; All-in-one printer allows you to print 4" x 6" photos for about 4 cents each vs. 40 cents with traditional ink cartridges1
- LESS FREQUENT INK REPLACEMENT — Replacement ink bottles don't have to be changed nearly as often as ink cartridges¹; Printer, scanner and copier lets you print up to 6,200 color pages³
- PRINT FOR LONGER — Up to 2 years of ink in the box² (and with every replacement ink set) for fewer out-of-ink frustrations with this wireless printer
- ZERO CARTRIDGE WASTE — Epson EcoTank printer helps reduce the amount of cartridge waste ending up in landfills; Cartridge-free printer uses high-yield ink bottles; Each replacement ink bottle set is equivalent to about 100 individual ink cartridges⁴
- 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
- Ideal for: Technical line drawings, renders requiring precise, accurate line-quality and crisp text, posters, maps, and professional sewing patterns.
- Media Sizes: Up to 24-inch wide media rolls (large format), and up to 13-inch by 19-inch sheets (wide format) using the optional automatic sheet feeder accessory.
- Media Handling: Sheet feed, roll feed, automatic horizontal cutter.
- Simple & Cost Effective: Print multi-size projects automatically, without needing to manually switching the media source. Cost saving efficiencies like using 95% less ink for routine maintenance vs. other competitor plotter printers.
- Simplify Printing with Included HP Click Software: Save time, ink, and paper waste with PDF error checking, alerts, and auto-nesting. Predefine your print settings and easily print files (PDF, JPEG, TIFF, DWF, HP-GL/2, PNG) by simply dragging and dropping them. HP Click Driver is integrated with your workflow. Print directly from your design and common CAD applications.
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.