Imagine printing a banner for a school event or a poster for a community fair. Sometimes, regular printers just can’t get the job done. That’s where large format printers, or simply “large printers,” come in. They can print on much bigger paper, making them super useful for all sorts of projects.
But picking the right one can feel like a puzzle. There are so many different kinds, and each one has its own special features. You might wonder about speed, how clear the pictures will be, or even how much it will cost to run. It’s easy to feel a little lost when you’re trying to figure out which large printer is best for your needs.
Don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll know more about what makes a good large printer. We’ll break down the important things to look for, so you can feel confident about your choice. Get ready to discover how these amazing machines can bring your big ideas to life.
Top Large Printers Recommendations
- 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".
- 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.
- Easy Setup and Maintenance: imagePROGRAF TC-21 printers have an intuitive tiltable touchscreen control panel and animated installation guides to provide quick-and-easy setup - Top and front interior access makes it easier to refill ink tanks, replace paper rolls, and perform maintenance.
- Wired and Wireless Productivity: High-speed USB and Ethernet connectivity lets you connect to your network for fast, reliable printing - Print wirelessly from your computer, smartphone, or tablet with built-in Wi-Fi for even greater efficiency; TC-21 printers are ENERGY STAR and EPEAT Gold rated.
- 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.
- 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".
- Ideal for: Technical line-drawings, renders requiring precise, accurate line-quality and crisp text, posters, and maps. This printer is popular among architects, engineers, construction professionals.
- Media Sizes: Up to 36-inch wide media rolls (large format), and up to 13-inch by 19-inch sheets (wide format) using the included automatic sheet feeder accessory.
- Media Handling: Sheet feed, roll feed, automatic sheet/roll switch, media bin, automatic horizontal cutter.
- Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T), Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n.
- 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.
- Includes 2-year HP Care Pack with Onsite Support.
- Ideal for: Technical line-drawings, blueprints, posters, indoor signage, maps, sewing patterns, and other professional wide or large format prints. This printer is popular among architects, engineers, construction industry professionals.
- 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.
- 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
Your Guide to Choosing a Great Large Printer
Large printers are amazing tools. They can print posters, banners, and even blueprints. Finding the right one can seem tricky. This guide will help you pick the best large printer for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
Print Size and Media Handling
The most important feature is the maximum print size. Large printers come in different widths. Some print up to 24 inches, while others go up to 44 inches or even wider. Think about what you want to print. Do you need to print a big poster for a school project? Or maybe a banner for a party? Make sure the printer can handle the size you need.
Print Resolution
Print resolution measures how clear and sharp your prints will be. It’s often measured in dots per inch (DPI). A higher DPI means more detail. For most large prints, 600 DPI is good. If you need very fine details, like for photos, look for printers with 1200 DPI or higher.
Ink System
Large printers use different ink types. Some use dye-based inks, which are good for bright colors. Others use pigment-based inks, which are more durable and fade-resistant. Pigment inks are better for outdoor banners or prints that will be handled a lot.
Connectivity Options
How will you connect your printer? Most large printers offer USB connections. Many also have Wi-Fi and Ethernet for easy sharing on a network. Some even support cloud printing, so you can print from anywhere.
Speed
How fast does the printer print? Large prints can take time. Check the printer’s speed, especially if you need to print many items quickly. Speeds are usually measured in pages per minute (PPM) or square feet per minute.
2. Important Materials
The materials you print on are just as important as the printer itself. Large printers can handle many types of media:
- **Paper:** There are many kinds of paper, from regular matte paper for documents to glossy photo paper for vibrant images.
- **Vinyl:** This is great for banners and signs because it’s durable and water-resistant.
- **Canvas:** For artistic prints, canvas offers a textured and professional look.
- **Fabric:** Some printers can print on fabric for banners or custom textiles.
Always check what media types your chosen printer supports.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality
- **High-Quality Ink:** Using genuine ink from the manufacturer usually gives the best results.
- **Good Paper or Media:** The right paper makes a big difference. Use media designed for your printer.
- **Proper Settings:** Adjusting print settings like resolution and color profiles in your software can greatly improve the final print.
- **Regular Maintenance:** Clean the print heads regularly. This prevents clogs and ensures sharp lines.
Reducing Quality
- **Low-Resolution Images:** Printing a blurry or pixelated image will result in a blurry print.
- **Using Third-Party Ink:** Sometimes, non-brand inks can cause color issues or clog the printer.
- **Incorrect Media:** Using the wrong type of paper or vinyl can lead to poor color or smudging.
- **Neglecting Maintenance:** Dirty print heads will produce faded or streaky prints.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Ease of Use
Some large printers are designed for easy setup and operation. Look for printers with clear displays and simple controls. Software that is easy to understand also helps a lot.
Common Use Cases
- **Students:** Printing posters for projects, presentations, or school events.
- **Small Businesses:** Creating marketing materials like flyers, banners, and signs.
- **Photographers:** Printing large-format photos for display or sale.
- **Designers:** Producing mockups, prototypes, or large-scale artwork.
- **Home Users:** Printing large family photos, custom decorations, or DIY projects.
Think about who will be using the printer and how often. This will help you choose a model that fits your lifestyle or work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Large Printers
Q: What is the main difference between a large printer and a regular printer?
A: The main difference is size. Large printers can print on much bigger sheets of paper or rolls of media than standard home or office printers.
Q: How much does a large printer typically cost?
A: Prices vary widely. You can find basic large printers for a few hundred dollars, while professional-grade models can cost thousands.
Q: Do large printers use a lot of ink?
A: Yes, large prints use more ink than small prints. Ink cartridges for large printers are often larger and more expensive.
Q: Can I print photos on a large printer?
A: Absolutely! Many large printers are excellent for printing high-quality photos, especially those with pigment-based inks and high DPI.
Q: What is the best type of ink for banners?
A: Pigment-based inks are usually best for banners because they are more durable and resistant to fading and water.
Q: Do I need special software to use a large printer?
A: You’ll need software to create your designs, like graphic design programs. The printer will also come with its own drivers and sometimes basic printing software.
Q: How do I set up a large printer?
A: Setup usually involves unpacking, installing ink, loading media, and connecting it to your computer or network. Most come with clear instructions.
Q: Can I print on different materials like fabric or vinyl?
A: Yes, many large printers can print on a variety of materials, but you need to check the printer’s specifications to see what media it supports.
Q: How often should I clean the print heads?
A: It’s a good idea to run a print head cleaning cycle periodically, especially if you don’t print very often, to prevent clogs.
Q: Are large printers difficult to maintain?
A: Modern large printers are generally user-friendly. Regular maintenance like cleaning and replacing ink is usually straightforward.