The 5 Best Printers for Graphic Designers
As a graphic designer, there's nothing like seeing your creative visions come to life on paper. The quality of your prints can make a significant difference in how your work is perceived and appreciated. That's why having the correct printer is essential for any serious graphic designer. Whether you're working on business cards, brochures, posters, or art prints, investing in a printer that caters specifically to the needs of graphic designers is a game-changer.
This comprehensive guide walks you through the five best printers tailor-made for graphic designers. We'll take an in-depth look at their key features, performance metrics, and real-world capabilities, helping you make an informed decision for your design studio or workspace. Get ready to take your printing game to the next level!
Table of Contents
Best Printers for Graphic Designers
1 – Epson SureColor P800: A Masterpiece in Colour Accuracy
When you delve into the world of colour accuracy and the production of fine art prints, the Epson SureColor P800 emerges as an undisputed champion. Standing tall as a 17-inch wide-format printer, this exceptional device boasts an array of cutting-edge features that elevate your printing experience to extraordinary heights. From the moment you look at its sleek design, you know you're about to embark on a journey of artistic excellence.
At the heart of the Epson SureColor P800 lies its revolutionary MicroPiezo AMC print head, an engineering marvel that guarantees the highest levels of precision and quality. With this advanced technology, every nuance of your designs is brought to life with mesmerising clarity, offering smooth gradations and razor-sharp details that leave viewers in awe. Whether you're an aspiring artist or a seasoned professional, the P800 empowers you to present your creative vision in its most accurate form.
A true standout feature of the SureColor P800 is its ink system. Equipped with nine UltraChrome HD ink colours, this printer offers a realm of possibilities by delivering an extensive colour gamut. Your artwork springs to life with unparalleled vibrancy as the P800 captures the subtlest variations in hues and tones, making your prints radiate with expressive brilliance. With these remarkable inks, you'll find that even the most intricate and colourful masterpieces are brought to life with stunning accuracy.
- Unit Dimensions: 26.93″W x 14.80″D x 9.85″H | Weight: 43 lbs
- Maximum Printable Area: Maximum paper width: 17″ | Maximum cut-sheet size: 17″ x 22″ | Minimum cut-sheet size: 3.5″ x 5″ | Maximum printable area: 17″ x 129″
- Unmatched print quality — Epson UltraChrome HD Inks deliver vivid color, superior black density and significantly improved print longevity.
- Versatile media handling up to 17″ wide – create borderless prints on photo papers, fine art papers and posterboard up to 17″ wide; new optional roll feeder lets you print from roll-based media.
- Superior black-and-white prints – three-level black ink technology and advanced black-and-white photo mode for professional-level neutral or toned black-and-white prints.
Epson has meticulously designed the SureColor P800 to cater to the needs of artists and photographers seeking gallery-quality prints. Whether you're reproducing photographs, illustrations, or digital art, this printer maintains the integrity of your original work, ensuring that the final output remains true to your creative intentions.
Moreover, the P800 provides exceptional versatility in handling various media types. From glossy and matte photo papers to fine art and canvas prints, this printer can take them all, allowing you to experiment and create without limitations. Each medium is embraced with the same level of dedication, ensuring that your artwork retains its magic across different surfaces.
In addition to its technical prowess, the Epson SureColor P800 offers a user-friendly experience. The intuitive control panel and software make navigating through its functions a breeze, giving you more time to focus on the artistry and less on the technicalities. Furthermore, the printer's compatibility with Windows and Mac systems ensures that artists from all walks of life can seamlessly integrate it into their creative workflow.
Why Choose Epson SureColor P800?
- Vibrant Color Reproduction: The P800's UltraChrome HD ink set covers a wide colour range, making it perfect for reproducing your designs with exceptional accuracy.
- Fine Art Print Quality: If you're into fine art prints, the P800 won't disappoint. Its high-resolution capabilities bring out every nuance in your artwork.
- Versatility: From glossy photo prints to fine art papers and even canvas, the P800 supports various media types, allowing you to experiment with different materials.
- Epson UltraChrome HD ink with unprecedented Print permanence and black density.
- Nine 80ml high-capacity ink cartridges.
- For use with SureColor P800
- High Quality Product
- Nine 80ml High-capacity Ink Cartridges
Keep in Mind:
- Price Point: The P800 is not the most budget-friendly option, but if colour accuracy and quality are your top priorities, it's worth the investment.
- Space Requirement: With its 17-inch width, this printer requires dedicated space in your workspace or studio.
2 – Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000: Unleash the Full Spectrum of Colours
When achieving unparalleled print quality and embracing a vast and vibrant colour spectrum, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 stands out as an exceptional performer. This cutting-edge 12-colour inkjet printer is meticulously engineered to meet the demands of professional photographers, artists, and graphic designers who seek perfection in their prints.
The revolutionary LUCIA PRO ink set is at the heart of the PRO-1000's exceptional colour reproduction. This ink technology elevates the printing experience to new heights, enabling the printer to reproduce an extensive range of colours with the utmost precision and accuracy. Whether you're working with intricate gradients, subtle nuances, or bold and vivid hues, this printer's prowess in colour rendition ensures that your prints come to life with stunning realism and vibrancy.
- ANTI-CLOGGING TECHNOLOGY: The FINE print head institutes a tubular ink delivery system, this generates faster print speeds and reduces the possibility of clogging. Temperature: 59 – 86 F° (15 – 30 C°)
- AIR FEEDING SYSTEM: The Canon Air Feeding System prevents each page from skewing for accurate ink placement, regardless of paper type. A series of openings located on top of the platen vacuum-grip the paper as it feeds through the printer.
- LUCIA PRO INK SYSTEM: The LUCIA PRO 11-color plus Chroma Optimizer ink system satisfies the demands of the most critical photographer or graphic artist. Denser droplet placement provides a broader color gamut for superb glossiness/anti-bronzing.
- WIDE COLOR GAMUT: This 11-color and Chroma Optimizer ink system helps to achieve an improvement in color-reproduction, image clarity, and enhanced darker areas. It faithfully reproduces colors and dark areas crucial for printing works of art.
- BLACK DENSITY AND DARK SHADOW AREAS: Deep blacks, which make the image crisp, and precise gradation can be attained across all media types;Number of Nozzles : 1,536 Nozzles x 12 Inks
With the PRO-1000's advanced 12-color system, the potential for artistic expression knows no bounds. Including the Chroma Optimizer further refines the output, guaranteeing flawlessly smooth gradations and reducing the unwanted phenomenon of bronzing, particularly noticeable in glossy prints. This means you can confidently showcase your artwork or photographs in any lighting conditions, and the prints will retain their brilliance and lifelike quality.
Even the most discerning professionals will be impressed by the PRO-1000's attention to detail and its ability to capture the essence of their creative vision faithfully. Whether you're printing fine art photography, illustrations, or design proofs, this printer ensures that every subtlety and nuance is brought to life on paper, creating museum-grade prints that leave a lasting impact on viewers.
Moreover, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 embodies reliability and efficiency, making it an indispensable tool for artists and professionals who demand consistent and exceptional performance. Its user-friendly interface and advanced software integration allow for easy calibration, ensuring that the colours you see on your screen are precisely replicated on the final print.
Why Choose Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000?
- Rich Color Reproduction: With its LUCIA PRO ink set, this printer delivers vibrant and true-to-life colours in your prints.
- Reduced Bronzing: The PRO-1000's Chroma Optimizer helps minimise bronzing effects in glossy prints, resulting in professional-looking outputs.
- Efficient Calibration: Canon's colour calibration and profiling process are user-friendly, making achieving consistent and accurate colours across various projects easier.
- This PFI-300 10 Color Pack contains a full set of inks (MBK, PBK, C, M, Y, PM, PC, R, GY, CO) for the PRO-300 Professional Photographic Inkjet Printer.
- The newly formulated PFI-300 Matte Black ink offers enhanced black density with deeper and more vivid blacks on fine art paper and a wider dark area reproduction range with improved gradation.
- Multi
- Standard
Keep in Mind:
- Ink Costs: While the print quality is exceptional, be prepared for relatively higher ink costs compared to some competitors.
- Calibration Time: The initial setup and calibration process may take some time, but the results are worth it.
3 – HP DesignJet Z9+ 44-inch: Powerhouse for Large-Format Projects
As graphic designers tackle ambitious large-scale projects, they require a printing solution that embodies exceptional power and unwavering performance. The HP DesignJet Z9+ stands as an unrivalled powerhouse in the world of wide-format printers, boasting the capacity to deliver unparalleled quality and efficiency in every print.
Measuring an impressive 44 inches in width, the HP DesignJet Z9+ provides ample space for designers to bring their grandest visions to life. From expansive banners and posters to breathtaking art pieces, this printer empowers creativity to thrive on a grand scale.
One key feature that sets the HP DesignJet Z9+ apart is its cutting-edge 9-colour HP Vivid Photo ink set. With this advanced ink system, graphic designers can achieve colour accuracy and vibrancy, elevating their creations to new heights. Including additional colour channels means the printer can reproduce a wider gamut of colours, enabling designers to faithfully capture the most intricate nuances and subtle gradations in their artwork.
Maintaining precise colour consistency is crucial in large-scale projects, where even the slightest deviations can be magnified. The HP DesignJet Z9+ addresses this challenge with its integrated spectrophotometer, a powerful tool that ensures reliable and accurate colour calibration across diverse media types. Whether printing on glossy photo paper or heavyweight canvas, the spectrophotometer works tirelessly to fine-tune colour output, guaranteeing that the result faithfully represents the designer's vision.
- Inkjet printing – saves money and prints on various media
- Print crisp and clear documents in either black or color
- Save time and money for your business with one printer for all the employees
Beyond its exceptional colour capabilities, the HP DesignJet Z9+ boasts a range of features geared towards efficiency and ease of use. With its user-friendly interface and intuitive controls, designers can swiftly navigate through settings and printing options, streamlining their workflow and saving valuable time. Furthermore, the printer's high-speed printing capabilities enable rapid production without compromising quality, making tight deadlines more manageable and ensuring clients receive their projects promptly.
The reliability and robustness of the HP DesignJet Z9+ add an extra layer of assurance to designers, knowing that their prints will consistently meet the highest standards. It's sturdy construction and thoughtful engineering make it a reliable workhorse that can handle the demanding workload of large-scale projects with grace and precision.
Why Choose HP DesignJet Z9+ 44-inch?
- Large-Scale Designs: If you handle enormous projects, the Z9+ is your best companion with its 44-inch width, accommodating expansive designs and prints.
- Fast Printing Speed: Despite its size, the Z9+ maintains a fast printing speed, allowing you to complete projects on time.
- Efficient Colour Calibration: The built-in spectrophotometer streamlines the colour calibration process, saving you time and ensuring consistent results.
Keep in Mind:
- Space Consideration: Due to its 44-inch width, you'll need ample space to accommodate this printer.
- Initial Investment: The Z9+ is a high-end printer, so be prepared for a significant initial investment, including replacement ink cartridges.
4 – Epson SureColor P600: Balance of Quality and Affordability
If you find yourself in the market for a printer that perfectly balances top-notch quality and affordability, look no further than the highly acclaimed Epson SureColor P600. This remarkable 13-inch wide-format printer stands out with its outstanding features and cutting-edge technology.
One critical factor that sets the Epson SureColor P600 apart is its utilisation of the revolutionary UltraChrome HD ink set, comprising nine distinct colours. This advanced ink technology empowers the printer to produce stunningly vibrant and lifelike colours, elevating the quality of your prints to a professional level. Whether you're printing photographs, artwork, or documents, the SureColor P600 ensures every detail and nuance is vividly captured, guaranteeing an impressive output that surpasses expectations.
The Epson SureColor P600's prowess doesn't stop at exceptional colour reproduction; it also boasts an impressive capacity for creating smooth gradations. The ink formulation and Epson's precise print head technology seamlessly blend colours to deliver strikingly seamless transitions between shades. As a result, your prints will exhibit a level of realism and depth that is second to none.
- Brand Epson, Model C11CE21201
- Packaged Quantity: 1 Pack, Product Type: Inkjet Printer, Recommended Use: Photo/Disc Print, Print Color Capability: Color, Maximum Print Resolution: 5760 x 1440 dpi,
- Wireless Print Technology: Epson iPrint, Wireless Print Technology: Apple AirPrint, Wireless Print Technology: Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless Print Technology: Google Cloud Print, Duplex Printing: Automatic, Color Cartridge Type: Individual Color Cartridge,
- Number of Colors: 9, Mobile Device Printing: Yes, USB: Yes, USB Standard: USB 2.0, Ethernet: Yes, Ethernet Technology: Fast Ethernet, Wireless LAN: Yes, Wireless LAN Standard: IEEE 802.11n, Screen Size: 3.5″, Display Screen Type: LCD, Borderless Printing: Yes,
- Media Type: Plain Paper, Media Type: Photo Paper, Media Type: Canvas, Media Type: Cut Sheet, Media Type: Fine Art Paper, Media Type: Panoramic, Media Type: Roll Paper, Media Type: Glossy Photo Paper, Media Type: CD/DVD,
Beyond its remarkable print quality, the Epson SureColor P600 offers versatility that caters to a wide range of creative projects. One noteworthy feature is its support for roll paper printing, granting you the freedom to print large-format designs without the constraints of traditional sheet-based printing. This capability allows photographers, artists, graphic designers, and creative enthusiasts to explore large-scale projects quickly and with finesse.
Moreover, the SureColor P600 provides a user-friendly experience that professionals and beginners can appreciate. Its intuitive interface and easy setup process ensure a hassle-free printing journey, while its connectivity options, including wireless connectivity, enable seamless printing from various devices.
Furthermore, Epson's commitment to environmental sustainability shines through in the SureColor P600. With its energy-efficient design and eco-friendly features, this printer minimises its environmental impact while delivering exceptional performance.
Why Choose Epson SureColor P600?
- Affordable Option: Compared to larger-format printers, the P600 offers excellent print quality at a more affordable price point.
- Colour Accuracy: The UltraChrome HD ink set ensures your prints come out with precise and vibrant colours, elevating the impact of your designs.
- Versatility: With its roll paper support, the P600 allows you to create larger prints, adding versatility to your design projects.
Keep in Mind:
- Print Speed: The P600's print speed might be slightly slower than higher-end models, but the quality makes up for it.
- Print Size Limitation: If you frequently work on larger designs, the 13-inch width may not be sufficient for some projects.
5 – Brother MFC-J985DW: Versatility on a Budget
For graphic designers on the lookout for a versatile and comprehensive solution that effortlessly handles both design projects and everyday office tasks, look no further than the remarkable Brother MFC-J985DW. This all-in-one printer is an excellent option, boasting many features that cater specifically to the needs of small design studios and home offices. While it might not compete with the specialised print quality of some high-end models, it more than compensates with its unmatched convenience and exceptional cost-effectiveness.
The Brother MFC-J985DW is an ideal companion for graphic designers due to its versatility. With advanced scanning capabilities, it can effortlessly transform your hand-drawn sketches, photographs, or physical artwork into digital formats with stunning clarity and precision. Whether you're working on a logo design, brochures, or illustrations, this all-in-one solution ensures that your artistic vision comes to life with every print.
Time is of the essence for graphic designers, and the MFC-J985DW understands that perfectly. Featuring lightning-fast printing speeds, this printer can handle large design projects without causing unnecessary delays. Additionally, its automatic document feeder streamlines your workflow, enabling you to scan, copy, or fax multiple documents easily. Say goodbye to tedious manual processes, and let the MFC-J985DW enhance your productivity and efficiency.
- Upon activation, the Amazon Dash Replenishment service measures the ink level and automatically orders ink from Amazon when low. This ensures that you never run out again.
- Inkjet printing for pennies and nickels; less than one cent per page for black and white printing, and less than five cents per page in color
- Spend less for more pages: 2400-page black cartridges for under $25, 1200-page color cartridges for under $15. Print Speed: Up to 12 ppm
- Business-capable features for home Office environments, including automatic duplex printing and up to 20-sheet ADF
- Wireless and Mobile Device printing and scanning from almost anywhere – smartphone, tablet, laptop, and desktop Computer
Managing a small design studio or a home office often requires keeping a close eye on expenses. The Brother MFC-J985DW excels in this aspect by offering cost-effective printing solutions. With its high-yield ink cartridges, you can print many pages before needing replacements, reducing printing costs in the long run. Embrace the freedom to print without worrying about running out of ink or breaking the bank.
In the fast-paced world of graphic design, accessibility is paramount. The Brother MFC-J985DW embraces modern connectivity options, allowing you to print directly from your smartphone or tablet. Thanks to its Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with popular printing apps, you can effortlessly send print jobs from anywhere within your workspace. Whether at your desk or on the go, your designs can materialise at the touch of a button.
Compact and sleek, the MFC-J985DW is designed to fit seamlessly into any workspace, no matter how limited. Its space-saving design ensures it won't dominate your desk, leaving you with more room for your creative process. Embrace the perfect balance of functionality and aesthetics with this elegantly designed all-in-one printer.
Why Choose Brother MFC-J985DW?
- Budget-Friendly: The MFC-J985DW is a cost-effective option for designers on a budget who require multifunctionality.
- Versatility: Besides printing, it offers scanning, copying, and even faxing capabilities, making it a versatile tool for a small workspace.
- Compact Design: If you have limited space, this compact printer will only take up a little room in your studio or office.
Keep in Mind:
- Colour Range: The MFC-J985DW offers decent print quality, but the colour range may not match the specialised photo printers.
- Print Resolution: The print resolution is lower than higher-end models, which may not be suitable for highly detailed graphics.
How to Choose a Graphic Design Printer?
A well-chosen graphic design printer can make a significant difference in the quality and impact of your designs. This section will explore the key factors to consider when choosing a graphic design printer, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your design needs.
1 – Print Technology:
The first step in selecting a graphic design printer is understanding the different printing technologies available. The most common printing technologies for visual design purposes are inkjet and laser printers. Inkjet printers are versatile and excel at producing high-quality images, making them suitable for photo-heavy designs. On the other hand, laser printers are known for their speed and cost-efficiency, making them ideal for text-heavy designs or high-volume printing. Choose the technology that best complements the nature of your design projects.
2 – Print Size and Resolution:
Consider the maximum print size and resolution offered by the printer. Larger formats are essential if you plan to work on posters, banners, or large-scale designs. Resolution is measured in dots per inch (DPI), and higher DPI values result in more detailed and crisp prints. For professional graphic design work, opt for a printer with at least 1200 DPI resolution for accurate colour representation and sharp graphics.
3 – Colour Accuracy and Calibration:
Colour accuracy is paramount in graphic design, as slight variations can impact the overall perception of your work. Look for a printer with colour calibration features to ensure consistent and accurate colour output. Some printers come with colour management tools or Pantone colour matching, which are highly beneficial for achieving precise colour reproduction.
4 – Ink and Toner Options:
Evaluate the ink or toner options available for the printer. In the case of inkjet printers, consider printers with individual colour cartridges, as this allows you to replace only the depleted colour, reducing waste and costs. For laser printers, check the compatibility of toner cartridges and the availability of third-party options, which can significantly reduce ongoing printing expenses.
5 – Connectivity and Compatibility:
Ensure that the printer is compatible with your computer and design software. Most printers offer USB connectivity as a standard, but consider Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity options for more convenient printing. Additionally, verify if the printer supports the file formats commonly used in your design software.
6 – Paper Handling and Media Support:
The printer's paper-handling capabilities are crucial, primarily if you work with various types and weights of media. Look for a printer with multiple paper trays or the ability to handle different media sizes and weights. Additionally, if you plan to print on speciality media like cardstock, transparencies, or glossy paper, ensure that the printer supports these options.
7 – Print Speed:
Print speed is essential, particularly if you have time-sensitive projects or have high-volume printing. Balance your requirements for speed with the need for high-quality output. Some printers offer different print modes, allowing you to choose between speed and quality based on the specific project requirements.
8 – Maintenance and Support:
Consider the printer's maintenance requirements and the availability of technical support. Regular maintenance is essential to keep the printer in optimal condition, and having reliable technical support can be a lifesaver in case of unexpected issues.
Choosing the right graphic design printer is a critical decision that directly influences the quality and success of your print design projects. By considering factors such as print technology, size and resolution, colour accuracy, ink or toner options, connectivity, media support, print speed, and maintenance, you can make an informed choice that aligns perfectly with your design needs. Investing in a high-quality printer is an investment in the future of your creative work, ensuring that your designs are brought to life in the most vibrant and impactful manner possible.
Conclusion: Your Printing Companion Awaits!
In conclusion, having the right tools at your disposal is essential to achieving exceptional results in print design. Throughout this article, we have explored the top five printers that stand out as the ultimate companions for graphic designers seeking to elevate their craft.
As designers, we understand that precision, quality, and versatility are non-negotiable elements of our work. The printers featured in this list have proven themselves as reliable workhorses, capable of meeting the demanding needs of our industry. Whether you're working on vibrant posters, captivating brochures, or intricate illustrations, these printers deliver exceptional performance and unmatched colour accuracy.
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 impresses with its stunning colour reproduction and fine detail rendition, while the Epson SureColor P800 supports various media types and sizes. The HP DesignJet T730 offers outstanding large-format capabilities for those who value efficiency and productivity. At the same time, the Brother HL-L8360CDW and the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7210 showcase their prowess in producing crisp, high-volume prints.
Selecting the right printer for your graphic design endeavours can be a game-changer, influencing how your art is perceived by clients and audiences alike. Investing in one of these top-tier printers is an investment in your creative vision and professional success.
Remember, each printer caters to specific needs and preferences, so assessing your unique requirements is crucial before deciding. Consider factors like print size, colour accuracy, speed, and overall performance to find the perfect match for your design studio.
In conclusion, as print design experts, we strongly recommend any printers featured in this article to fellow graphic designers. Elevate your work to new heights with these cutting-edge machines, and witness your creative visions come to life with astonishing clarity and vibrancy.
Embrace the power of these top-notch printers, and let your imagination run wild – because in the world of graphic design, innovation and quality should never be compromised.
Last update on 2024-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
