The printers , although less common today than a few years ago, can still be one of the best tools for graphics and creative. Admitted, it is obvious, that you are very clear about your goals and know how to choose the Best Printer For Graphic Design that best suits your needs.
Since we are dealing with graphic design and visual creativity in general, we therefore decided to explore what the market offers from the point of view of professional printers.
The assumption is that what you need is a printer with a ‘ high quality in color reproduction and detail that might allow you to operate on alternative formats, the standard, but at the same time with an eye to economic sustainability.
Instead, we exclude those printers designed mainly for the office , which have as their main quality that of being able to produce a lot of A4s per minute, in black and white at low definition.
Warning: if you have a small agency, a printer that can perform both functions well could still be useful – in this case report it to us in the comments, we can think of a second dedicated article;) .
Also read: Best Printer For Book Printing
Best Printer For Graphic Design | 2024
Table of Contents
So let’s see what are the features you should take into account to choose the product that allows you to professionally transfer your graphic projects to paper from the best printers on the market.
Best Printer For Graphic Design | 2024 Comparison Table
Image | Title | Buy | |
---|---|---|---|
HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer with bonus 6 free months Instant Ink with HP+ (1K7K3A) | HP | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
Canon ImageCLASS LBP6030w (8468B003) Monochrome Wireless Laser Printer, Compact Design , White | Canon | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
Epson Workforce Pro WF-4830 Wireless All-in-One Printer with Auto 2-Sided Print, Copy, Scan and Fax, 50-Page ADF, 500-sheet Paper Capacity, and 4.3" Color Touchscreen, Works with Alexa, Black, Large | Epson | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
HP DesignJet T210 Large Format Compact Wireless Plotter Printer - 24", with Modern Office Design (8AG32A), T200 Series | HP | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
Brother HL-L2300D Monochrome Laser Printer with Duplex Printing | Brother | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
Canon PIXMA TS Series Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer - Print, Scan, Copy for Home Office - 1.5 Segment LCD Display, 4800 x 1200 dpi, Borderless Printing, BROAGE Printer Cable | Canon | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
HP DesignJet T230 Large Format Compact Wireless Plotter Printer - 24", with Modern Office Design (5HB07A) | HP | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
Canon PIXMA TS Series Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Black - Print, Scan, Copy for Home Office - 1.5 Segment LCD Display, 4800 x 1200 dpi, USB and WiFi Connection - BROAGE Printer Cable | Canon | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
Epson PictureMate PM-400 Wireless Compact Color Photo Printer | Epson | VIEW ON AMAZON |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Printer For Graphic Design | 2024 Products Overview
1. HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e
Product Overview:
Introduction
In the bustling world of graphic design, where every detail matters, having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference. Meet the HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e for the demands of graphic designers and small businesses alike.
Design and Build Quality
The first impression matters, and this printer doesn’t disappoint. With its sleek and modern design, it seamlessly blends into any workspace. Crafted from high-quality materials, it exudes durability and reliability. The user interface is intuitive, making navigation a breeze, whether you’re printing, scanning, or faxing.
Print Quality
When it comes to print quality, this printer stands out from the crowd. With impressive resolution and clarity, it brings your designs to life with vibrant colors and sharp details. Whether you’re printing forms, reports, brochures, or presentations, expect nothing but professional-quality results. And with fast print speeds, you can tackle any project with ease.
Features
Equipped with a range of features, this printer offers more than just printing. Enjoy the convenience of wireless printing, duplex printing, and mobile printing capabilities. Stay connected with dual-band Wi-Fi and easily print, scan, and copy from your phone using the HP Smart App. Plus, with security essentials like encryption and password protection, you can rest assured that your sensitive data is safe.
Ease of Use
Gone are the days of complicated setups and frustrating interfaces. This printer is designed for ease of use, from setup to everyday operation. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a novice user, you’ll appreciate its simplicity and efficiency.
Software and Compatibility
Compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems, this printer seamlessly integrates into your existing workflow. And with the HP Smart App, you can access advanced features and manage your printer from anywhere, ensuring maximum productivity.
Paper Handling and Capacity
Say goodbye to frequent paper refills with this printer’s generous paper handling capacity. With an auto document feeder and optional duplex printing, you can breeze through large print jobs without interruption.
Reliability and Durability
Built to last, this printer is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. With its robust construction and reliable performance, you can trust it to deliver consistent results time and time again.
- Comes with 6 months free subscription for Instant Ink delivery service
- Includes free HP+ Smart Features for mobile printing and security
- Prints professional-quality color documents
- Has fast print speeds of up to 20 pages per minute in black and 10 pages per minute in color
- Self-healing Wi-Fi automatically detects and resolves connection issues
- A monthly fee applies after the 6-month trial period
- Requires an HP account, internet connection, and Original HP Ink for HP+ Smart Feature
- The printer is intended to work only with cartridges with original HP chips or circuitry and will block cartridges using non-HP chips or circuitry.
Also read: Best Printers For College Students
2. Canon ImageCLASS LBP6030w
Product Overview:
- Fast print speeds at 19 pages per minute.
- Wireless connectivity for easy printing from almost anywhere in the office.
- A single-cartridge system simplifies the replacement process.
- Compact design saves space.
- Energy is efficient with a power usage of fewer than 2 watts in energy-saver mode.
- Limited compatibility with older versions of iOS and Android.
- Monochrome printing only.
- High yield of Genuine Toner 125 (1,600-page yield) not provided.
Also read: Best Printers For Art Prints
3. Epson Workforce Pro WF-4830 Printers for graphic design professionals
Product Overview:
Introduction: Looking for the perfect printer to bring your graphic design projects to life? Meet the Epson Workforce Pro WF-4830. With its advanced features and high-quality printing capabilities, it's a top choice for graphic designers who demand precision and performance.
Design and Build Quality: The Epson Workforce Pro WF-4830 boasts a sleek and modern design that fits seamlessly into any workspace. Its compact dimensions make it ideal for smaller offices or home studios. Crafted with high-quality materials, this printer exudes durability and reliability. The user interface is intuitive, featuring a 4.3-inch color touchscreen for easy navigation and control. Every detail, from the buttons to the control panel layout, is designed with user convenience in mind.
Print Quality: Experience unparalleled print quality with the Epson Workforce Pro WF-4830. With its high-resolution printing capabilities, your designs come to life with stunning clarity and detail. Whether you're printing graphics or text, this printer delivers exceptional color accuracy and precision. Plus, with its fast print speeds, you can tackle large projects with ease, without sacrificing quality.
Features: This printer is packed with features to streamline your workflow. Enjoy wireless printing convenience with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Wi-Fi Direct connectivity. The built-in Ethernet networking ensures seamless connectivity in any office environment. With its complete duplex solution, you can effortlessly print, copy, scan, and fax double-sided documents. Plus, the 500-sheet paper capacity and 50-sheet ADF maximize productivity, while the Epson Smart Panel App enhances connectivity and productivity from your mobile device.
Ease of Use: Say goodbye to complicated setup processes. The Epson Workforce Pro WF-4830 offers convenient wireless setup using your smartphone or mobile device. The user-friendly interface makes printing, scanning, and copying a breeze, while Epson ScanSmart software supports easy scanning and editing.
Software and Compatibility: Compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems, this printer seamlessly integrates into your existing setup. Whether you're using Windows or Mac, iOS or Android, you can easily connect and print from any device.
Paper Handling and Capacity: Never worry about running out of paper mid-project again. With its generous paper capacity and two 250-sheet trays, the Epson Workforce Pro WF-4830 can handle even the heaviest workloads with ease. Plus, the auto 2-sided printing feature saves time and reduces paper waste.
Reliability and Durability: Designed for heavy workloads and continuous use, the Epson Workforce Pro WF-4830 offers unparalleled reliability and durability. Its innovative heat-free technology ensures reduced downtime, so you can focus on what matters most—bringing your creative vision to life.
- Auto 2-sided print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities
- High-speed printing with 25 black/12 color ISO ppm and fast first-page-out
- High-precision printing with DURABrite Ultra inks
- High-volume reliability for heavy workloads
- Large 500-sheet paper capacity
- The printer is only compatible with Epson Genuine Cartridges
- Most features require an internet connection
- It doesn’t support mobile printing out-of-the-box(require app download)
Also read: Best Printer For Home Use With Cheap Ink
4. HP DesignJet T210 Large Format Printers for graphic design
Product Overview:
Introduction Looking for the ultimate companion in your graphic design endeavors? Look no further than the HP DesignJet T210 – a powerhouse printer designed to meet the demands of architects, engineers, and graphic design professionals alike. With its cutting-edge technology and user-friendly features, this printer promises to revolutionize your printing experience.
Design and Build Quality The HP DesignJet T210 exudes elegance with its sleek and modern office design. Crafted with high-quality materials, it boasts durability that ensures longevity. Its intuitive user interface and control panel make navigating through printing tasks a breeze, simplifying the printing process for both beginners and seasoned professionals.
Print Quality Experience unparalleled print quality with the HP DesignJet T210. With its impressive print resolution and clarity, every detail of your designs comes to life with precision. Achieve true-to-life color accuracy, making your renders, line drawings, and posters stand out. Plus, with rapid print speeds, you can tackle large projects efficiently without compromising quality.
Features Equipped with a myriad of features, the HP DesignJet T210 offers unparalleled convenience. Enjoy wireless printing capabilities, allowing you to print from anywhere with ease. With versatile connectivity options including USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, connecting your devices is seamless. Plus, additional features like scanning and copying provide added versatility to your workflow.
Ease of Use Say goodbye to complicated printing processes. The HP DesignJet T210 is designed for ease of use, ensuring a hassle-free printing experience from start to finish. With intuitive software and compatibility with various operating systems, printing becomes effortless, even for those new to large format printing.
Paper Handling and Capacity Whether you're printing on rolls or sheets, the HP DesignJet T210 handles it all with ease. With support for media sizes up to 24 inches wide, you have the flexibility to print a variety of projects. Plus, with a robust paper handling system including sheet feed and roll feed options, you can tackle any printing task with confidence.
Reliability and Durability Invest in reliability with the HP DesignJet T210. Backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty, you can trust that your printer will deliver consistent results time after time. Plus, with friendly large format printing experts just a phone call away, help is always within reach should you need assistance.
- Ideal for technical line drawings, renders, posters, maps, and professional sewing patterns.
- Cost-saving efficiencies, like using 95% less ink for routine maintenance
- Included software for creating eye-catching posters, managing printing and previewing documents
- Connectivity options like Gigabit Ethernet, Hi-Speed USB 2.0, and Wi-Fi for easy printing
- Print Speeds & Ram: Up to 45 seconds per page on A1/D size and 59 A1/D size prints per hour.
- It is a large format printer and not suitable for small or home office usage.
- It has limited media handling like sheet feed, roll feed, and automatic horizontal cutter.
- One-year limited hardware warranty
Also read: Best Printers for Occasional Use
5. Brother HL-L2300D Monochrome Laser Printer
Product Overview:
- Prints up to 27 pages per minute
- Automatic duplex printing saves resources
- Sharp, professional black and white print quality
- 250-sheet capacity paper tray
- Manual feed slot for convenient printing of envelopes and letterheads
- No Wi-Fi capability
- Drivers and software may not work correctly after upgrading from Windows 7 or 8.1 to Windows 10
- Does not come with a USB cable.
Also read: Best Canon Printers For Home
6. Canon PIXMA TS Series Wireless
Product Overview:
- Simple and intuitive interface with 1.5″ segment LCD screen and straightforward buttons.
- High print resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi.
- Fast print speed up to 7.7 ipm in black and up to 4 ipm in color.
- Wireless connectivity options including Wi-Fi and Wireless Direct Connection.
- Comes with a flatbed scanner and a rear paper tray for easy reloading.
- Limited paper handling capacity of 60 sheets.
- Only support Access Point mode for Wireless Direct Connection
- Limited smart assistance and automation support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
7. HP DesignJet T230
Product Overview:
Introduction
Finding the perfect printer for graphic design can be challenging, but the HP DesignJet T230 stands out as a top contender. This printer is designed to meet the precise needs of architects, engineers, and construction professionals, making it an excellent choice for anyone requiring high-quality technical line drawings, renders, posters, and maps. In this review, we'll delve into its design, build quality, print quality, features, ease of use, software compatibility, paper handling, and overall reliability and durability.
Design and Build Quality
The HP DesignJet T230 boasts a sleek, modern design that fits seamlessly into any professional environment. Its compact size makes it the world's smallest plotter, ideal for offices with limited space. The printer measures 38.9 x 20.9 x 11.2 inches and weighs just under 42 pounds, making it relatively easy to move if needed. The build quality is impressive, with robust materials ensuring durability. The user interface is intuitive, featuring a straightforward control panel that simplifies navigation and operation.
Print Quality
When it comes to print quality, the HP DesignJet T230 excels with its high-resolution output and sharp, accurate lines. This printer delivers exceptional color accuracy, making it perfect for graphic designers who need precise and vibrant prints. It can print up to 35 seconds per page on A1/D size, producing 68 A1/D size prints per hour. Whether you’re printing detailed technical drawings or vivid posters, the T230 ensures clarity and professional-grade results.
Features
The HP DesignJet T230 is packed with features that enhance its versatility and ease of use:
- Printing Capabilities: The printer supports both large format (up to 24-inch wide media rolls) and wide format (up to 13-inch by 19-inch sheets with an optional accessory) printing.
- Connectivity Options: It offers multiple connectivity options, including Gigabit Ethernet, Hi-Speed USB 2.0, and Wi-Fi 802.11, allowing for seamless integration into any setup.
- Additional Features: The printer includes one-click printing with HP Click, remote printing via the HP Smart app, and various software tools like HP Print Preview, HP Easy Start, and HP DesignJet Utility for Windows.
Ease of Use
The HP DesignJet T230 is designed with user convenience in mind. Its intuitive control panel and easy setup process mean you can start printing almost immediately. The HP Click software simplifies job submission, allowing users to print multiple files with a single click. The HP Smart app further enhances usability by enabling remote printing and printer management from smartphones, tablets, or desktops.
Software and Compatibility
This printer is compatible with a range of software tools designed to streamline the printing process. The HP Click software allows for efficient job submission, while the HP Smart app facilitates remote management. Additionally, the printer supports HP Print Preview for Windows, HP Easy Start for a smooth setup, and HP DesignJet Utility for advanced management. It’s compatible with various operating systems, ensuring broad usability.
Paper Handling and Capacity
The HP DesignJet T230 supports a variety of media sizes and types, from large format rolls to wide format sheets. It features sheet feed, roll feed, and an automatic horizontal cutter for efficient media handling. The optional automatic sheet feeder accessory expands its versatility, making it suitable for different printing needs.
Reliability and Durability
Built with high-quality materials, the HP DesignJet T230 is designed to withstand the demands of professional use. Its compact yet sturdy build ensures longevity, while the included one-year limited hardware warranty provides additional peace of mind. HP's reputation for reliable customer support means help is always available for setup and troubleshooting.
- Suitable for a wide range of wide or large-format printing applications
- Able to produce high-quality technical drawings, blueprints, posters and more
- Simple and cost-effective to use with automatic media switching
- Included software for creating eye-catching posters
- Variety of connectivity options (Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0 and Wi-Fi)
- Only have a one-year limited hardware warranty.
- Require specific Ink cartridge and printhead
- Large format printing experts are only available through phone call away which might not be convenient.
Also read: Home Printer With Lowest Ink Cost
8. Canon PIXMA TS Series Wireless Printers for graphic design
Product Overview:
- Intuitive 1.5-inch segment LCD screen for easy navigation and printing, copying, and scanning functions.
- High print resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi for producing rich and bright photos.
- Multiple connectivity options including Hi-Speed USB, Wireless PictBridge, Wi-Fi, and Wireless Direct Connection.
- Support for smart assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Included with a power cord and BROAG Printer_Cable.
- Print speed for color documents is slower than for black and white documents.
- Input capacity for paper is relatively low at 60 sheets.
- Wireless Direct Connection is limited to Access Point Mode Only.
9. Epson PictureMate PM-400 best all-in-one printer for graphic design
Product Overview:
- Can print high-quality 4″x6″ and 5″x7″ photos
- Has an ultra-compact design, lightweight and portable
- The total wireless solution allows you to print from mobile devices
- Fast photo print speed of 4″ x 6″ borderless photo in as fast as 36 seconds
- With Epson genuine cartridges, the prints will last up to 200 years
- Only designed for use with Epson cartridges, not third-party cartridges or ink
- Non-Epson branded or altered Epson cartridges may not function properly after firmware updates
- The printer may not work with refilled or remanufactured ink cartridges.
Also read: Best Printers For Posters
Best Printer For Graphic Design | 2024 Guide
The characteristics of graphic and creative printers
As I anticipated, even if the market is as always very rich in proposals, there are some characteristics that you must take into account in particular if you want to choose among the best printers those most suitable for producing graphic projects.
One of the most common mistakes could be to rely only on the quality of the rendering , the definition and the richness of the inks, for example.
Certainly they are important parameters , but likewise you should try to evaluate better the printing cost also , depending on the type of cartridge, as well as having a ' very precise on the specific idea you want to do the printer.
This way you will be able to find what you need even while staying within the confines of a reasonable budget .
The alternative is obviously to turn to professional printing services . If you need more information on how to prepare a file for printing, or on printing techniques in general, you can find it here andhere.
So let's go now to see together in more detail what are the characteristics to pay attention to in order to guide you in choosing among the best graphic and creative printers.
Laser or inkjet
Choosing between these two types today, thanks to the enormous progress of recent years, is less obvious than some time ago. In fact, the gap between laser and inkjet has increasingly narrowed in terms of quality and definition of results.
But some differences remain, and it is good to know them to make the right choice. The printers inkjet ensure fuller and vivid colors , and also the professional ranges provide more than four color tanks, from six to twelve. This obviously allows you to obtain greater chromatic fidelity .
On the other hand, laser printers offer you greater speed and flexibility . They adapt well to all types of use. Also, depending on the type of paper you want to print on, in some cases the results may be better than what you would get with inkjet.
When choosing between these two technologies, don't forget to consider the cost . Inkjet printer cartridges are usually less expensive, but last less. On the other hand, toners are quite expensive, but they guarantee you a greater number of prints.
So if you plan to print a few copies, inkjets are for you, on the contrary you should evaluate lasers.
Still speaking of inks, keep in mind that jet printers can work with two very different types of ink and choosing the right one allows you to obtain better graphic results depending on the media. I'll explain better.
Pigment inks or dye inks
The dye inks are the more traditional ones, based on water-soluble dyes .
On the contrary, pigmented inks are made by incorporating the pigments , then the colored molecules, in synthetic resin ; everything is then suspended in a liquid.
This solution is by far the most expensive and guarantees almost unchanged results over time , unlike dye inks which are very sensitive to light.
But pigmented inks do not disperse as easily as dye inks, so they are less suitable for example on coated papers. Not only that: the dye inks immediately give a more saturated and lively result .
Also in this case, therefore, the right choice is the one that best suits the use you will make of the printer.
Format
Standard printers, especially those designed for the home, typically print in sizes up to A4.
But obviously there is no shortage of options on the market. If you have different needs, you can choose printers that go up to A2 and even plotters that print in A1 format .
As performance levels up, so does the price of the printer. I therefore advise you to carefully consider what your real professional needs are before making a choice
Paper
The types of paper you need to work on are another element to be carefully evaluated. In fact, not all printers are able to operate with all weights or finishes; for example, laser printers frequently do not accept thicker papers .
Or you may need to work with "double-sided" photo papers. Therefore, always make sure which types of paper are supported by the device you are interested in.
Cartridge format
I have already partially anticipated the importance, when buying a printer, to take into account not only the cost of the peripheral itself, but also the printing costs , which are mainly linked to the inks and their duration.
Also in this case there are many solutions proposed by the market. However, I advise you to always prefer, and this applies to both laser and inkjet, the proposals with the tanks of the various colors separated .
So you can not only change the ink only when really needed, but also avoid errors or unwanted smudges during printing.
We have clarified what are the parameters that help you make the choice that best suits your needs. So let's go and discover the most interesting models among the best printers that the market offers us for graphic designers and creatives.
Budget and price matching
Make a list of the things you want in your Printer and the price you are willing to pay for it. So try to look for a product in that price range and choose the one that appeals to you the most. One tip we would like to give you is: don't settle for a cheaper product if it doesn't even have a function you need.
Warranty Matters!
When you buy a Printer from a well-known brand, you will get a guarantee. Low-cost products also come with warranties, but the claim process could be tougher. That's why I always suggest you buy the product from a reputed brand and the one that comes under warranty. It will save you from repair costs in the future. On average, around 21% of people end up paying 40% of the product price for the service! You can save on service costs if the product is under warranty!
Check out our website
On our website we have experts in all categories and no matter what the product is, we have a better review or list about it. The products on our list are based on expert picks, advice and hours of research. That's why when you buy something that's listed on our best list, you won't regret it. However, there is a possibility that we may not have covered the product you might be interested in, but if you come across something like this, please let us know via comments or contact us.
Conclusion
We have seen together some very different options , in terms of price, performance and vocations of use. However, they all have in common the ability to offer you considerable help when it comes to taking your graphic and creative projects from digital to paper.
What kind of experience do you have with printers? Do you think you would like any of these models? Maybe you have used any of them? In this case you can report your considerations in the comments. Or do you think it is more useful or convenient to contact printers?