Have you ever needed to print something bigger than a standard letter-sized page, only to find your printer just couldn’t handle it? That frustrating moment is all too common, especially when you’re working on projects that demand a larger canvas. Choosing the right 11×17 printer can feel like navigating a maze. You want crisp images for your artwork, clear layouts for your spreadsheets, or bold posters for your events, but sifting through all the technical jargon and features can be overwhelming. You might worry about spending too much, getting a printer that’s too complicated, or one that just doesn’t deliver the quality you need.
But what if finding that perfect large-format printer was easier than you thought? In this post, we’re going to break down what makes an 11×17 printer great. We’ll explore the key features to look for, discuss the different types available, and help you understand which one will best fit your needs, whether you’re a student, a small business owner, or a creative hobbyist. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have a clear picture of how to pick an 11×17 printer that makes your big ideas come to life without the headache.
Top 11 X 17 Printer Recommendations
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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".
- 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.
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ? No more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges (4)
- Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ? Save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (1) - that’s enough to print up to 7,500 pages black/6,000 color (3)
- Stress-Free Printing ? Up to 2 years of ink in the box (2) - and with every replacement ink set - for fewer out of ink frustrations
- High-Capacity Ink Tanks ? Epson’s exclusive EcoFit ink bottles make filling easy and worry-free
- 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.
- The OfficeJet Pro 9125e is perfect for offices printing professional-quality color documents like presentations, brochures and flyers. 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
- UPGRADED FEATURES – Fast color printing, copy, fax, auto 2-sided printing and scanning, auto document feeder, and a 250-sheet input tray
- WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues
- 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.
Choosing the Right 11×17 Printer: Your Guide to Bigger Prints
So, you need to print something bigger than a standard letter-size page? An 11×17 printer is your answer! These printers, also known as tabloid or ledger printers, open up a world of possibilities for your projects. Whether you’re a student, a small business owner, a creative artist, or just someone who loves large prints, this guide will help you find the perfect machine.
What to Look For: Key Features of an 11×17 Printer
When you’re shopping for an 11×17 printer, a few key features really matter.
- Print Size Capability: This is the most obvious one! Make sure the printer explicitly states it can handle 11×17 inches. Some printers can do this and other sizes, which is a bonus.
- Print Quality (Resolution): This is measured in dots per inch (DPI). A higher DPI means sharper, clearer prints. For photos and detailed graphics, look for at least 1200 DPI. For text-heavy documents, 600 DPI might be enough.
- Print Speed: How fast can it print? This is measured in pages per minute (PPM). If you print a lot, a faster printer saves you time.
- Connectivity Options: How do you connect to the printer? Look for USB, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet. Wi-Fi is super convenient because you can print from anywhere in your home or office without cables.
- Ink or Toner Type: Most 11×17 printers use ink (inkjets). Some high-end models might use toner (laser), which is usually faster and better for text but more expensive.
- All-in-One Capabilities: Do you need to scan and copy too? Many 11×17 printers are all-in-one machines, offering scanning and copying in addition to printing. This saves space and money.
- Paper Handling: How much paper can it hold? Check the paper tray capacity. Also, see if it can handle different types of paper, like cardstock or photo paper.
Important Materials and What They Mean
The materials used in a printer affect its durability and performance.
- Print Heads (Inkjet): These spray the ink onto the paper. High-quality print heads create finer ink dots for better detail.
- Rollers: These move the paper through the printer. Good rollers prevent paper jams and ensure smooth feeding.
- Ink Cartridges vs. Toner Cartridges: Inkjets use liquid ink in cartridges. Lasers use dry powder toner in cartridges. Ink can be more expensive to replace, but inkjets are often cheaper upfront. Toner is usually more cost-effective for high-volume printing.
Factors That Affect Print Quality
Several things influence how good your prints look.
- Resolution (DPI): As mentioned, higher DPI means more detail.
- Ink or Toner Quality: Using good quality ink or toner makes a big difference. Cheap ink can fade or look dull.
- Paper Type: The paper you use is crucial. Photo paper is designed for vibrant colors and smooth finishes. Regular copier paper works for documents but won’t make photos pop.
- Printer Driver Settings: The software that controls your printer (the driver) has settings for print quality. Always choose the highest quality setting for important prints.
- Printer Maintenance: Keeping your printer clean and running regular maintenance cycles (like print head cleaning) helps maintain good quality.
User Experience and Use Cases: Who Needs an 11×17 Printer?
These printers are great for many people and tasks.
- Students: Perfect for printing large posters for presentations, architectural designs, or detailed art projects.
- Graphic Designers and Artists: Ideal for proofing designs, printing portfolios, or creating large-format artwork.
- Small Businesses: Useful for printing marketing materials like flyers, brochures, banners, or even blueprints.
- Photographers: Great for printing larger versions of your photos to share or sell.
- Home Users: If you like printing large family photos, creating custom wall art, or even making your own greeting cards, an 11×17 printer is fantastic.
Using an 11×17 printer is usually straightforward. You install the software, connect it to your computer or network, and print just like you would with a regular printer, but with more size options. The user experience is generally good, especially with Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows for easy printing from multiple devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about 11×17 Printers
Q: What is the main benefit of an 11×17 printer?
A: The main benefit is its ability to print larger documents and images, specifically up to 11×17 inches, which standard printers cannot do.
Q: Are 11×17 printers expensive?
A: Prices vary widely. Basic models can be affordable, while professional-grade machines with more features can be quite expensive.
Q: Can I print regular 8.5×11 inch paper on an 11×17 printer?
A: Yes, absolutely! 11×17 printers can print all standard paper sizes, including 8.5×11 inches.
Q: What is DPI and why is it important?
A: DPI stands for Dots Per Inch. It measures how many tiny ink dots a printer can put on one square inch of paper. Higher DPI means sharper, more detailed prints.
Q: What is the difference between inkjet and laser 11×17 printers?
A: Inkjet printers use liquid ink and are generally better for photos. Laser printers use dry toner powder and are often faster and better for text documents.
Q: How much does ink or toner cost for these printers?
A: Ink and toner costs can add up. It’s important to check the price of replacement cartridges before buying a printer, especially if you plan to print a lot.
Q: Do I need special software to print 11×17?
A: Usually, no. Your existing software (like word processors or photo editors) will have options to select larger paper sizes. You will need the printer’s driver software, which comes with the printer.
Q: How do I connect my 11×17 printer?
A: Most 11×17 printers connect via USB cable to a computer, or wirelessly through Wi-Fi. Some also have Ethernet for wired network connections.
Q: What should I do if I get a paper jam?
A: Carefully follow the printer’s instructions to remove the jammed paper. Gently pull the paper in the direction it’s supposed to move to avoid tearing it.
Q: Can I print on cardstock with an 11×17 printer?
A: Many 11×17 printers can handle cardstock, but always check the printer’s specifications for the maximum paper weight and type it supports.