If you are a graphic designer who cares deeply about the quality of your prints, finding the best printers can be a challenge. Every little detail in your design counts, and choosing the right printer can make the difference between the success or failure of your projects. Here are some of the best printers for graphic design.
When you create your designs, you invest a lot of effort into perfecting every line, color and shape to ensure they are exceptional. No designer wants their work to look bad, especially when it comes to final printing.
Taking a little extra time to research and invest a little more in the best printer for graphic designers pays off for you and your graphic design business.
While searching for the best printer for graphic design can seem daunting, with countless options on Amazon alone and high-quality printers that don’t come cheap, it’s an important decision. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best printers that will bring your designs to life.
- Look for a printer with high resolution and color accuracy.
- Consider the type of paper and ink the printer uses.
- Check reviews and ask other designers for recommendations.
The 10 best printers for graphic designers
1. Canon PIXMA iP8720
Launched in 2014, this photo printer from Canon remains one of the best, top-rated graphic design printers on the market. A step above a basic photo printer, the PIXMA takes you from Print size 8 x 10 inches and gives you 13 x 19 inches to work with.
2. Epson Expression XP-8500
Epson has a great “small-in-one” printer option, which is one of the best printers for graphic design if you need a more compact solution for working on the go or in a small office space. The Epson Expression prints up to A4, perfect for card makers or for quickly providing samples.
Epson also offers its ReadyPrint subscription ink service, which sends cartridges directly to you when your ink starts to run out. If you use your printer often and hate having to worry about running out of ink, this is a great option.
3. Brother HL-L8360CDW
Brother printers are known for being robust, reliable and efficient for high volume printing. So if you’re looking for a laser option, the Brother HL-L8360CDW is definitely worth considering.
The toner cartridge printer can produce 33 pages per minute, whether in color or black and white. Add to that the wireless capability, advanced security, touchscreen and optional multi-level trays that can handle more than 1,000 sheets at a time – and you have hands down one of the best printers for graphic designers who carry out work. large prints.
4. HP ENVY 6075
HP’s ENVY line is aimed at families who need a high-quality printer at home. Don’t let yourself be fooled. The professional version, the HP ENVY 6075, has enough power and quality to put it on the list of best printers for graphic designers, especially if you’re looking for a more affordable option.
With a speed of up to 7 ppm and a resolution of 1200 dpi, you can get stunning photos and documents with mobile functionality (including Alexa compatibility) without the professional price tag. It will also print a range of sizes, from 4×5 to 8.5×14, and create a full-bleed/borderless image. The last bonus? This model comes with two full years of HP ink subscription.
6. Canon PIXMA Pro-002
Although the PIXMA Pro is more expensive than some of the other printers on this list, it is one of the best printers for graphic designers because of its unique dye-based ink system. It also gives you a larger canvas to play with, with bleed up to 13″ x 19″ and custom print size up to 13″ x 39″.
Reviewers like the quality and it’s easy to set up. You can use a variety of paper types and even other media like canvas and cloth. If you are a graphic designer who regularly prints physical products like photos, stickers, art prints, greeting cards and more, investing in this high-end machine could be a good solution.
7. Brother HL-L3230CDW
Another Brother option that gets the most out of your toner, this model is perhaps one of the best printers for graphic designers who print a LOT of pages. It doesn’t have the high-resolution quality of some high-end printers, so it’s a solution that works well for things like flyers, proofs, or black-and-white documents.
8. Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
Depending on your field, a traditional printer may simply not be enough. Large format printers can cost thousands of dollars, and if you’re a large business, a high-end machine capable of printing huge posters, large-scale photo prints, and even banners might be worth it. For an individual independent store, however, there is another solution.
The Epson Expression Photo HD printer is a compromise between the need to print larger files and staying on a budget. You can print full resolution images up to 13″ x 19″ at a very competitive price.
9. Lexmark C3326dw
If color is your thing (and, as a design, why wouldn’t it be?), Lexmark printers get an added advantage with their named color replacement technology. You can register brand colors or use common labeling systems such as Pantone, DIC, HKS or TOYO to ensure that the colors you spend so much time calibrating on screen are the same every time they are used. are printed.
This model has a slightly larger footprint, so it’s probably not the best printer for graphic designers with a very small home office space.
ten. Brother VC-500W compact and versatile color photo and label printer
How many of us are constantly working from the road, moving between workstations, or using cramped office space? This small-scale printer from Brother is a new tool for small projects like labels, stickers, cards and photos up to 4″ x 6″. One reviewer determined the size to be “between a Big Mac and a Double Big Mac,” so this little machine can travel just about anywhere with you.
Even if the quality doesn’t allow for fine art prints, the unique packaging options for physical products are almost limitless. It may not be the best printer for graphic designers in terms of versatility, but it’s a fun printer to try to spark new ideas.
5 things to consider when choosing the best printer for you
Which printer is best for graphic designers? This classic question really comes down to your specific needs. Do you need an inkjet or laser printer? Should it be large format or compact? Are you looking for something affordable or the best price possible? Let’s look at the key factors to consider when choosing.
1. Initial costs
Inkjet printers often have a lower purchase price than laser printers. But when you consider the total life cycle cost, including operation, inkjet printers tend to be more expensive.
2. Document type
Laser printers excel at producing crisp written documents, while inkjet printers are better for photos and graphics. Your work environment also plays a role. For startups or home offices, a laser printer may offer better value than an inkjet printer.
3. Operating expenses
As a crucial business tool, cost per print is important. For printing large volumes of documents or graphics, a laser printer could save you a lot in the long run, compared to the lifetime costs of an inkjet printer.
4. Space
In a home office, space can be limited. Laser printers are often large, sometimes as large as a cabinet, while inkjet printers are generally more compact. This may not matter in a separate office, but for those sharing space at home or in a co-op, an inkjet might be more practical.
5. Sustainability
Laser printers tend to be more durable and require less maintenance than inkjet printers, which may require more maintenance over time.
Don’t get overwhelmed when choosing the best printer for graphic design
Choosing the best printer for graphic designers is about more than just immediate needs. It’s about looking to the future. Think not only about your current plans, but also about your future expansion. Think about your long-term printing needs and operational costs. Choose a printer that will meet your needs for years, avoiding the cost and hassle of frequent upgrades.
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