Imagine you’ve poured your heart into a beautiful design, a vibrant poster, or a detailed blueprint. You’re ready to bring it to life, but then you hit a roadblock: your standard printer just won’t cut it. You need something bigger, something that can handle those larger-than-life projects without sacrificing clarity or color. That’s where the world of 11×17 printers comes in, and choosing the right one can feel like navigating a maze.
Many people face this exact challenge. They want to print eye-catching flyers, impressive presentations, or even their own artwork on a larger scale, but the sheer number of printers available makes it tough to know where to start. What features truly matter? Which ones offer the best value? You might be worried about spending your hard-earned money on a printer that doesn’t meet your needs or is too complicated to use.
But don’t worry! By the time you finish reading this, you’ll have a much clearer picture. We’re going to break down what makes a great 11×17 printer, explore the key features you should look for, and help you discover the perfect machine for your creative endeavors. Get ready to unlock your printing potential!
Top 11X17 Printers Recommendations
- 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
- BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESS: This multifunction printer makes it easy to print, copy, scan, and fax on up to 11”x17” paper. Includes one 1,800-page yield black ink cartridge and one 750-page yield ink cartridge for each color in cyan, magenta, and yellow(2).
- PRODUCTIVITY-FOCUSED FEATURES: 500-sheet capacity with two trays(3), 100-sheet multipurpose tray(3), up to 50-page single-pass duplex copy & scan via ADF(3), and automatic duplex printing up to 11x17. Connect via wireless network(4), Ethernet, or USB.
- SPEED & QUALITY: Engineered with MAXIDRIVE Technology with print speeds of up to 31 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 30 ppm in color(5). The PerfectPrint Auto Detection System helps support reliable print quality for results you can be proud of.
- INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY: With Wi-Fi Direct, print wirelessly without an external network connection. Print from and scan to Cloud apps(6), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more from the 2.7” color touchscreen for easy operation.
- THE BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP: The power of printing at your fingertips. Go mobile with the simple-to-use Brother Mobile Connect app(7) that delivers onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and device management from a mobile device.
- 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
- BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESS: This multifunction printer makes it easy to print, copy, scan, and fax, and includes one 1,800-page yield black ink cartridge and one 750-page yield cartridge for each color in cyan, yellow, and magenta in the box(2).
- PRODUCTIVITY-FOCUSED FEATURES: A 250-sheet paper tray(3), 50-page single-sided ADF(3), and automatic duplex (2-sided) printing for media-handling capabilities on paper up to 11”x17”. Multiple user interface via wireless network(4), Ethernet, or USB.
- SPEED & QUALITY: Engineered with MAXIDRIVE Technology with print speeds of up to 31 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 30 ppm in color(5). The Brother PerfectPrint Auto Detection System helps support reliable print quality.
- INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY: With Wi-Fi Direct, print wirelessly without an external network connection. Print from and scan to Cloud apps(6), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more from the 2.7” color touchscreen for easy operation.
- THE BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP: The power of printing at your fingertips. Go mobile with the simple-to-use Brother Mobile Connect app(7) that delivers onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and device management from a mobile device.
- 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
- 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".
- FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The wide-format OfficeJet Pro 9720 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 and 250-sheet input tray
- 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
- 2.7-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".
Choosing the Right 11×17 Printer: Your Guide to Bigger Prints
Printing big photos, posters, or school projects is exciting! An 11×17 printer lets you do just that. This guide will help you find the perfect one.
Why Choose an 11×17 Printer?
Standard printers usually print on letter-sized paper (8.5×11 inches). An 11×17 printer, also called a tabloid printer, prints on larger paper. This is great for:
- Making eye-catching posters for events.
- Printing large photos to frame.
- Creating detailed blueprints or diagrams.
- Designing flyers and brochures that stand out.
- Working on art projects that need more space.
Key Features to Look For
Print Quality
This is super important. Look for printers with high resolution, measured in dots per inch (dpi). Higher dpi means sharper, clearer images. For photos, aim for at least 4800 x 1200 dpi. For text and graphics, 1200 x 1200 dpi is usually good.
Ink Type
There are two main types: dye-based and pigment-based ink.
- Dye-based ink: Colors pop and look vibrant. It’s great for photos.
- Pigment-based ink: Lasts longer and resists fading and water. It’s better for documents and posters that need to endure.
Some printers use both types for the best of both worlds.
Connectivity
How will you connect your printer?
- USB: The most common way to connect directly to a computer.
- Wi-Fi: Lets you print wirelessly from computers, tablets, and phones.
- Ethernet: For connecting to a wired network, good for offices.
- Cloud Printing: Some printers work with services like Google Cloud Print or Apple AirPrint, so you can print from almost anywhere.
Paper Handling
Consider how much paper the printer can hold (paper tray capacity). Also, check if it can print on different types of paper, like cardstock or glossy photo paper. Some printers have a special slot for thicker or custom-sized media.
All-in-One Features
Many 11×17 printers are all-in-one. This means they can also scan, copy, and sometimes fax. This saves space and gives you more tools.
Important Materials and How They Affect Quality
The ink and the paper you use make a big difference. High-quality ink, whether dye or pigment, will produce richer colors and last longer. Using photo paper designed for your printer’s ink type will make your photos look amazing. Plain paper works fine for documents, but it won’t make photos shine.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improve Quality
- High Resolution (dpi): As mentioned, more dpi means sharper prints.
- Good Ink: Using the manufacturer’s recommended ink or high-quality compatible ink.
- Quality Paper: Using photo paper for photos, and good paper for documents.
- Printer Drivers: Keeping your printer software (drivers) up to date.
Reduce Quality
- Low Resolution Images: If the original image is blurry or pixelated, the print will be too.
- Worn-Out Ink Cartridges: Old or low ink can cause faded colors or streaks.
- Wrong Paper Type: Using plain paper for photos will make them look dull.
- Dust or Debris: Dust on the print head or rollers can cause lines or spots on your prints.
User Experience and Use Cases
An 11×17 printer is great for students, artists, photographers, and small businesses. Students can print large projects or study guides. Artists can print their work for portfolios or to sell. Photographers can make stunning enlargements. Small businesses can create professional-looking marketing materials.
Setting up your printer should be straightforward. Most come with clear instructions. Wireless printing makes it easy to print from your phone or tablet. If you plan to print a lot, check the cost of ink cartridges. Some printers use individual cartridges, which can be cheaper to replace if one color runs out.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About 11×17 Printers
Q1: What is the main difference between an 11×17 printer and a standard printer?
A1: An 11×17 printer can print on larger paper, up to 11 inches by 17 inches, while standard printers are usually limited to 8.5×11 inches.
Q2: What does “dpi” mean and why is it important?
A2: DPI stands for “dots per inch.” It measures how many tiny dots of ink the printer can put on an inch of paper. A higher dpi means your prints will be sharper and more detailed.
Q3: What kind of ink is best for photos?
A3: Dye-based ink often makes colors look more vibrant and is great for photos. Pigment-based ink is better for documents because it lasts longer and resists fading.
Q4: Can I print wirelessly with an 11×17 printer?
A4: Yes, many 11×17 printers offer Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to print from your computer, phone, or tablet without cables.
Q5: What is an “all-in-one” printer?
A5: An all-in-one printer can do more than just print. It usually includes scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing functions.
Q6: Does the type of paper I use really matter for 11×17 prints?
A6: Yes, it matters a lot! Using photo paper for photos makes them look much better than printing on regular paper. Different papers are made for different types of prints.
Q7: How can I make sure my prints look their best?
A7: Use high-resolution images, good quality ink, and the right type of paper. Also, make sure your printer’s software is up to date.
Q8: Are 11×17 printers expensive to run?
A8: The cost of running depends on how much you print and the price of ink cartridges. Some printers have individual ink cartridges, which can be more economical if you only need to replace one color.
Q9: Can I print on materials other than paper?
A9: Some 11×17 printers can handle thicker materials like cardstock or even certain types of fabric. Always check the printer’s specifications for supported media.
Q10: Who would benefit most from owning an 11×17 printer?
A10: Students, artists, photographers, graphic designers, and small businesses can all benefit from the ability to print larger documents and images.