Large format printers and plotters produce prints wider than A3, such as A2, A1 and A0 drawings, posters and technical plans. The range suits architects, engineers, print shops, schools and design studios. Over 30 models from Epson, HP and Canon are available, mainly inkjet machines for CAD drawings, maps, posters and photographic prints.
How to choose a large format printer or plotter
Print width. Work out the largest sheet you will print regularly and buy for that. A 24-inch machine handles A1 prints, a 36-inch machine handles A0 on roll paper, and a 44-inch model is only needed for the biggest drawings and banners.
What you print. Line drawings, CAD plans and GIS maps need sharp thin lines and fast output on plain or coated paper. Photos, art reproductions and posters need a wider colour range, which usually means a printer with more ink channels and support for photo and canvas media.
Ink type. Pigment inks resist water and fading, so they suit drawings that are handled on site or displayed for a long time. Dye inks give vivid colour on glossy photo paper but are less resistant to moisture and light. Check which type a model uses before you buy.
Paper handling and speed. Roll feed with an automatic cutter saves time when you print many sheets, and a sheet tray or stand makes loading easier. If you print plans in volume, compare the time per A1 page and the size of the ink cartridges, because larger cartridges lower the cost per print and reduce changeovers.
Connectivity and software. Ethernet suits a shared office, while Wi-Fi and USB are enough for a single workstation. Confirm that drivers are available for your CAD or design software and operating system.
Brands we carry
- Epson: the SureColor series is known for photo, proofing and poster printing, with multi-colour ink sets that give accurate colour on a variety of media.
- HP: the DesignJet family is widely used in architecture, engineering and construction for technical drawings, and HP also makes PageWide XL machines for high-volume plan printing.
- Canon: the imagePROGRAF range covers technical drawings, posters and photographic prints, and is a common choice in print shops and design studios.
Frequently asked questions about large format printers and plotters
What is the difference between a plotter and a large format printer?
A plotter was originally a machine that drew lines with pens, while a large format printer prints with inkjet or similar technology. Today the two terms are often used for the same wide-format inkjet devices, and most modern plotters are large format printers. Both handle roll paper wider than A3.
Which size do I need for architectural drawings?
A1 (24 inch) is the most common size for working drawings, and A0 (36 inch) is used for full site plans and large elevations. If you only print A2 or smaller, a narrower machine will take up less space. Buy for the largest sheet you expect to print regularly, not the occasional exception.
Can a large format printer print photos and posters?
Yes, many large format inkjet printers print photos and posters, but results depend on the ink set and media. Models with additional colour inks and support for photo, satin and canvas papers give the best colour and tonal range. Machines built mainly for technical drawings can print posters but are less suited to fine photographic work.
Do large format printers use roll paper or cut sheets?
Most large format printers are fed from a roll, and many also accept cut sheets for thicker media or single prints. Roll feed is more economical for plans and posters, and models with a built-in cutter trim each page automatically. Check the supported roll widths and media thickness for the paper you plan to use.
