Imagine printing a giant banner for a big event, or a stunning, life-sized poster for your shop window. How do you make those huge images sharp and vibrant? That’s where the magic of Wide Format Printers comes in. These machines handle jobs regular printers just can’t manage, turning your digital designs into massive physical realities.
But picking the right one feels overwhelming, doesn’t it? You face tough choices: inkjet or laser? Solvent or UV ink? Getting the wrong machine means wasted money, blurry graphics, and frustrated customers. Many businesses get stuck trying to match the perfect technology to their specific needs, like printing on canvas, vinyl, or paper.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the essential features, compare the different types of wide format technology, and show you exactly what to look for. By the end, you will confidently know which printer fits your budget and your biggest printing jobs.
Ready to stop guessing and start printing big? Let’s dive into the world of Wide Format Printers and find your perfect match.
Top Wide Format Printer Recommendations
- 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
- 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).
- 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)
- Quality Prints: The 4-color ink printer delivers crisp text and vibrant images for attention grabbing posters on a wide variety of cut sheet and roll media.
- Ships with a full set of ink: The imagePROGRAF TC-21 ships with 280 ml (70 ml of each color), the most in its class.
- 24" desktop roll printer with automatic sheet feeder: The imagePROGRAF TC-21 can print up to 24" wide on a variety of roll media or sheet media from the automatic sheet feeder.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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).
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Your Wide Format Printer
A wide format printer can print big things! Think posters, banners, and large signs. Buying the right one needs a little thought. This guide helps you pick the best printer for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
These features make a big difference in what you can do and how fast you work.
Size Matters: Maximum Print Width
- Look at the largest size the printer can handle. Common sizes are 24 inches, 36 inches, or even 60 inches wide. Know what size you need most often.
Speed and Volume: Pages Per Hour (PPH)
- If you print a lot, speed is key. Check the PPH rating. Faster printers finish big jobs quickly.
Color Quality: Dots Per Inch (DPI)
- DPI shows how sharp your image is. Higher DPI means clearer details. For detailed graphics, look for at least 1200 DPI. For simple line drawings, lower DPI might be okay.
Connectivity
- How will you connect your computer? USB, Ethernet (network), and Wi-Fi are common. Network printing lets many people use the printer easily.
2. Important Materials: Ink and Media
The printer uses ink and prints on special materials (media). These choices affect cost and durability.
Ink Systems
- Dye-based inks: These colors are very bright. They work well for indoor posters. They fade faster in sunlight.
- Pigment-based inks: These inks last longer, especially outside. They are great for durable banners and outdoor signs.
- Ink Capacity: Larger ink tanks mean you change cartridges less often. This saves time.
Media Types
- Can the printer handle thick paper, vinyl, canvas, or glossy photo paper? Check the printer’s specifications for supported media types and thickness.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good quality printing depends on the machine and how you set it up.
Factors That Improve Quality
- More Ink Colors: Printers with 6, 8, or 12 different ink colors produce smoother color transitions than those with only 4 colors.
- High Resolution: As mentioned, higher DPI results in sharper images.
- Good Paper Handling: The printer must feed media straight. If the paper bends or slips, the print will look crooked.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Clogging: If you don’t use the printer often, ink can dry up in the nozzles, causing streaks. Regular printing prevents this.
- Low DPI Settings: Always make sure your software is set to the highest quality setting for important jobs.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about who will use the printer and what they will print.
Ease of Use
- Look for a simple control panel. Loading large rolls of paper should be easy, not a struggle.
- Automatic maintenance features help keep the printer running smoothly without constant manual cleaning.
Common Use Cases
- For Graphics Designers: You need excellent color accuracy and high resolution for proofs and fine art prints.
- For Construction/Architecture Firms: You need fast printing of blueprints (CAD drawings) on plain paper or bond paper. Speed is more important than extreme photo quality.
- For Sign Shops: You must handle heavy vinyl and banner material. Durability of the ink (UV resistance) is essential.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Wide Format Printers
Q: What is the main difference between a regular printer and a wide format printer?
A: Regular printers usually handle paper up to 8.5 x 11 inches. Wide format printers handle much larger sizes, often printing rolls of material.
Q: Are wide format printers expensive to run?
A: They can be. The large ink cartridges cost more upfront. However, if you calculate the cost per large print, they are usually cheaper than printing small sections and taping them together.
Q: Can I print photos on a wide format printer?
A: Yes! Many models are excellent photo printers, especially if they use 8 or more ink colors. They create gallery-quality prints.
Q: What is “roll-fed” printing?
A: Roll-fed means the printer pulls the paper from a large roll instead of using individual sheets. This is how very long banners are made.
Q: How much space do I need for one of these machines?
A: You need more space than you think. You need room in front for the output and space behind or above for the paper roll to feed correctly.
Q: Is setup difficult?
A: Initial setup, especially loading the large ink tanks and the first roll of paper, requires careful reading of the manual. After that, daily use is simple.
Q: What does “color gamut” mean?
A: Color gamut is the full range of colors a printer can accurately reproduce. A wider gamut means brighter, more vibrant colors.
Q: Should I buy a used wide format printer?
A: Be careful. If the printer was not cleaned or maintained properly, the print heads might be damaged. New or certified refurbished models are safer.
Q: How long do the prints last if I use them outside?
A: This depends entirely on the ink used. Pigment inks with UV coatings can last for several years outdoors before significant fading occurs.
Q: What is the required maintenance for these printers?
A: You must run cleaning cycles regularly, especially if you do not print every day. Keeping the paper path dust-free is also important.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!