We always spend hours on the computer desk to create stunning visuals using different editing tools as graphic designers! But do they always look as stunning on paper as they look on the computer screen? It all depends on the quality of the printer you choose for your design. If you’re looking for a printer that will give you crisp, clean lines and vibrant colors, here’s your guide to finding the best printer for graphic design.
To help you find a printer for a graphic designer, we analyzed technical specifications and real users data for more than 10 different models. To create our ranking process in this category (graphic design), the most important features were identified: printing artwork and Portability/ mobility __(ease of use). The following rankings are based on these criteria with additional factors such as cost considerations.
Like most technologies, we are choosing a printer involves many considerations. Since cost is an important factor, all of the printers on our list can print at least seven pages per minute and work with multiple types of paper.
Our top pick, the Canon IP8720 Wireless Printer, is among the most versatile and convenient that can print quality graphics and take heavy cardstock too. Printing Speed is average to fast. This machine works great for printing your artwork in any size up to 13" x 19".
Do you want to find out what printer is best for graphic designers?
From the list below, you will find a wide variety of choices for the best printer to use during graphic design.
Our Favorite Printer for Graphic Design
[wptb id=22727]
How to Select the Best Printer?
Inject vs Laser Printer
Here’s what you need to know about choosing between an inkjet and a laser printer.
When it comes to graphic design, choosing an inkjet or laser printer was the main talk of the town.
However, it’s a bit more complicated than that. Lasers aren’t necessarily sharper than inkjets since inkjet results can vary based on manufacturer and paper used.
Rather than focusing on the durability and speed of a laser printer, many creatives prefer the color and sharpness an inkjet printer can offer.
Canon printers are incredibly sharp on Canon Pro papers because they have been designed for their ink. There are also differences between inks manufactured by different manufacturers. I think Epson produces a heavier and more saturated image than Canon.
Cost
Given the high cost of large format printers, you should carefully consider whether you can afford the initial investment.
Finally, choosing a printer that provides the right features at a reasonable price is important. It costs more to purchase a printer with extra features, such as scanning capabilities. As for plain printers, they shouldn’t cost too much.
The focus should be on a printer with a larger pages-per-month capacity and low ink replacement cost.
Home of Office?
Inkjet printers with pigmented inks can help you produce perfect prints if you do a lot of prints that need photo-quality results.
You might want to consider a laser printer if your office prints many different types of documents, including design proofs and text documents.
Quality
An indicator of the quality of your printer can be its dot per inch (dpi). A minimum resolution of 1000 pixels is required.
Inks
Look for printers with more inks for greater variation, including white or metallic inks.
Speed
You need to calculate page-per-hour estimates that consider actual print speeds and the time spent cleaning and changing media.
Duty Cycle
It’s important to consider the printing capacity of the printer when choosing one for graphic design. You would be able to choose the right machine if you know this, and the machine should be below your expected monthly printing volume to avoid requiring more maintenance.
Media type
Prints can be done on canvas and vinyl with this large-format printer.
Usage
What will you use it for? Indoors or outdoors? Does your work appear on vehicle wraps or signs? If so, what is the purpose of your work? Printing capabilities vary based on the purpose.
| Our Picks: |
|---|
| Best Overall: Canon IP8720 Wireless Printer, AirPrint, and Cloud Compatible It brings your photos to life with incredible detail and vibrancy |
| Best All-in-One: Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 Designed for use with Epson cartridges so that the prints will be of the best quality. |
| Best Printer for Graphic Design Business: Brother HL-L8360CDW Quick printing speeds and professional-looking color documents |
| Professional laser printers for Graphics: Brother All-In-One Multifunction Printer This Brother printer is designed for speed so that you can print more in less time |
| Best Wide Format Printer: Canon PIXMA PRO-200 Perfect for artists, photographers, and anyone who wants to produce high-quality prints |
Leading 10 Best Printer for Graphic Design- Buying Guide
The purpose of this section is to explain how to select the best printer for graphic design. The following list of top designers’ printers is provided as a service to save you time and effort.
You can read all the details about each below, so you can decide which option you want.
- Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Wireless Color All-in-One Printer– Most efficient inkjet printer
- Canon Pixma TS6320 Wireless All-In-One Photo Printer– Best printer for art prints
- HP ENVY Photo 7855 All in One Photo Printer– Best overall
- Brother MFC-J5330DW All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer– Best printer for color printing
- Canon PIXMA PRO-200 Wireless Professional Color Photo Printer– Professional convenient printer
- Epson Artisan 1430 Wireless Color Wide-Format Inkjet Printer– The best printer for wide format printing
- Brother MFC-J470DW Wireless Inkjet All-in-One Printer– Best for productivity
- Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 Wireless Color Photo Printer– Reliable budget printer
- Canon imagePROGRAF TA-20 24” Inkjet Printer– Large format inkjet printer
- Lexmark MC3224DWE Color Multifunction Laser Printer– Best printer for small business
1. Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Wireless Color All-in-One Printer
Key Specification
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet
- Compatible Devices: Smartphones, PC, Laptops
- Product Weight: 12.67 pounds
- Printer Dimensions: 13.7 x 14.8 x 8.7 inches
- Reliability: 2-year limited warranty
One of the best graphic designers’ printers is Epson’s EcoTank ET-2720. Its salient features and efficiency have established itself as a market leader with all of its salient features and efficiency. As a result, Epson ink, which reduces ink costs, is recommended. You can continue printing for longer as it has a large ink tank, which holds more ink.
A total of 2 years of continuous printing is possible with the ink that comes with the printer. Having 4,500 black and white sheets in the ink box can allow you to print 7,500 colored sheets. Portable and compact, the printer is easy to use. In addition to printing professionally, the printer can be fixed in your office or study.
In addition, users can use smartphones, tablets, or iPads to print wirelessly from the printer.
2. Canon Pixma TS6320 Wireless All-In-One Photo Printer
Key Specification
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Display: 1.44” OLED display
- Ink System: 5 individual inks
- Compatible Devices: PC, Smartphones, Laptops
- Printer Dimensions: 14.9″ x 14.2″x 5.6″
The Canon PIXMA TS6320 is a top choice for graphic designers.
On the 1.44-inch OLED display in the printer, you can change the printer’s settings with a touch of a button. This printer has five individual ink tanks that provide great color flexibility.
This printer supports 11 x 17-inch papers, as it has a flexible and expandable paper tray.
Due to this printer’s flexible nature, an array of different devices can be used for printing, making it suitable for both professional and everyday uses.
3. HP ENVY Photo 7855 All in One Photo Printer
Key Specification
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet
- Display: 2.65″ color touchscreen
- Document Feeder: 35-sheet Auto document feeder
- Product Weight: 16.72 pounds
- Printer Dimensions: 17.87″ x 7.6″ x 19.33″
For graphic designers, this is a great option. HP Envy 7855 printer is a great printer and very affordable.
The HP Envy 7855 can also be used as a scanner and copier.
These functions enable designers to complete more administrative tasks throughout their offices with these tools.
The printer can be connected to a computer and used as an all-in-one printer.
As well as producing vibrant colors, the printer has good photo quality. Graphic design enthusiasts should consider this printer as a top choice.
If you own an HP Envy 7855 printer, you can print multi-page contracts and photo albums from home or the office. You can use both prints from home and the office with its high-speed document feeder.
4. Brother MFC-J5330DW All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
Key Specification
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Paper Capacity: 250 sheet paper tray
- Display: 2.7″ color touchscreen
- Print Speed: 22/20ppm
- Printer Dimensions: 15.7 x 20.9 x 12 inches
Designed to handle even the largest design projects, this Brother printer provides versatility and efficiency to your workspace.
The machine can handle approximately 11×17 inches of paper. It can print on both sides.
The printer will be useful to graphic design professionals.
The mobile device functionality enables printing multiple jobs at once for a home office or design team with multiple designers using mobile devices.
The high-yield inks also allow you to print more quickly.
Card stock can be used instead of paper when printing with the Brother MFC-J5330DW.
A paper tray holding 250 sheets is included as an added convenience.
The 2.7″ touchscreen display is perfect for copying, printing, and scanning processes.
5. Canon PIXMA PRO-200 Wireless Professional Color Photo Printer
Key Specification
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet
- Ink System: 8-color dye-based
- Print Size: 13”x19”
- Printer Interface: 3-inch LCD display
- Printer Dimensions: 25.2″x 15″x 7.9″
By Canon PIXMA PRO-200, you will have many printing wonders!
Both graphic design professionals and photographers can benefit from the printer’s excellent printing capabilities. A 13″x19″ photo can be printed on this printer, which is an astounding amount.
Its portability is one of the things I like best about the Canon PIXMA PRO-200. This portable and lightweight device weighs only 15 pounds. It also prints more stunning images than a standard printer. Having 150 sheets of paper available at a time makes continuous printing possible.
Beginners, too, find it extremely intuitive and easy to use.
Canon is the printing solution that will help you to achieve your goals.
6. Epson Artisan 1430 Wireless Color Wide-Format Inkjet Printer
Key Specification
- Connectivity: Wireless
- Compatible Devices: Laptops, Smartphones, PC
- Sheet Size: 13″x 19″
- Ink Set: 6-ink
- Printer Dimensions: 27.8 x 17.3 x 12.5 inches
Due to its six individual ink cartridges, this printer produces more vivid and accurate images.
This printer can print large photos of up to A3, ideal for graphic design and technical users.
Aside from being of the highest quality, the images produced last up to three times longer than those taken at a photo studio.
A variety of methods can be used with the printer to enhance images, including automatic lighting and color correction.
7. Brother MFC-J470DW Wireless Inkjet All-in-One Printer
Key Specification
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Display: 8″ Color LCD
- Print Speeds: 35/27 ppm
- Ink Set: 4-cartridge ink system
- Printer Dimensions: 16.14 x 14.72 x 7.09 inches
This device is a multifunction printer that can print, copy, scan, and fax documents. It also features a document feeder and can do duplex printing.
It only takes a few minutes to set up wireless or mobile printing.
A USB port is built into the MFC-J470DW.
Due to the lack of a front-panel USB port, an extended USB cable will be needed if you choose not to use wireless or mobile printing.
Despite its low resolution of 6,000 x 1,200 dpi, this inkjet offers good color accuracy during printing.
A photograph presents colors more vividly than a plain sheet of paper.
Three dye-based inks and one pigment black ink are used on the printer.
As one of the fastest all-in-ones in its price range, the MFC-J470DW offers a combination of speed and efficiency.
A 4 x 6 inches photo can be printed in under a minute.
Buying high-yield Brother replacement ink cartridges can lower the total cost of operation. This is a reliable budget printer.
The model offered by this company may be a good option for graphic designers looking for a printer for drafting at an affordable price.
A highly competent machine in most areas, the MFC-J470DW is not exceptionally good in anything.
8. Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 Wireless Color Photo Printer
Key Specification
- Connectivity: Wireless, Bluetooth, USB
- Ink System: 5 Color Individual
- Printer Interface: 3.0” LCD Touchscreen
- Product Weight: 13.5 pounds
- Printer Dimensions: 14.7”x 12.5” x 5.5”
You might think that the Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 is a small printer.
However, it still creates the best possible photos, and it is pretty versatile.
Graphic designers who print frequently will find it ideal for productivity and creativity.
With a 30-page auto document feeder, this printer is quiet and easy to use.
Additionally, you can save time by scanning without turning in the originals.
XP-7100 photos boast exceptional color quality that truly sets the camera apart from its peers.
This printer delivers above-and-beyond graphics and text quality, so you can ensure that your work stands out.
In addition to printing on specialty paper, the printer offers settings for printing on various other paper types.
9. Canon imagePROGRAF TA-20 24” Inkjet Printer
Key Specification
- Connectivity: USB, Ethernet
- Sheet Size: 24″
- Print Media: Banner paper, Fabric, Glossy photo paper
- Ink Set: 6 Ink Tanks
- Product Dimensions: 47 x 36 x 49 inches
Canon’s imagePROGRAF TA-20 is a great choice for those with a higher budget. This graphic design printer, this one is a big boy, meant only for printing poster prints and large format designs and CAD models and blueprints.
It is a great option for designers that need to print large formats, regardless of its popularity in architecture. Specifically, it might be a good solution for graphic designers who need to show clients and coworkers large prints.
10. Lexmark MC3224DWE Color Multifunction Laser Printer
Key Specification
- Connectivity: Wireless, USB, Ethernet
- Sheet Size: 15.5 x 16.2 x 12.1
- Tray Capacity: 250 pages
- Print Speed: Up to 24 ppm
- Product Dimensions: 15.5 x 16.2 x 12.1 inches
MC3224 has full-spectrum security, which is the only representative of Lexmark. The multifunctional station is capable of copying, scanning, and printing. This device has an additional feeder for one sheet of paper in addition to the standard tray where you place paper. The fact is that, in some cases, this feature can save the day.
Moreover, you can access the Internet and print any document you need. A temporary control panel can also be used on mobile devices.
There is some good news for those concerned about the environment. This appliance uses recyclable toner, which complies with the environment’s needs.
How Printers Can Help Graphic Designers
Designers can use this method to communicate with their clients.
Those who work in the design industry are creative people, and demonstrating is an effective method to attract new clients. Whether we’re sending emails, using Slack, tweeting, or doing something else, we prefer to keep the camera on all of the time. Taking quick photographs, photos, and videos are the most common methods of displaying design work.
The following are ten ways to use your smartphone to make your life easier while also reaching out to your design clients.
Coated vs Uncoated
Choose between coated and uncoated items based on your needs. Explain to a designer the difference between coated and uncoated paper using examples. You will save numerous hours by not having to write lengthy descriptions of your job in advance.
Scrapbooking Sample
Consider videotaping your scrapbooking sessions to share with others. Photocopy the crop markings and send them to your client through email so that they may see them more clearly. It should be included on your website as well!
The Direction of the Grain
In your studio, look for a piece with a nice solid black grain that you can work with. Choose two examples from the list. Fold one over the other and secure with a rubber band. Flip the other over so that the grain is on the inside. Fold them in half parallel to each other and snap a photo with your phone.
Waste vs Cost
Provide your clients with a visual representation of how much paper is wasted for various page widths and sizes. Listed here are a few illustrations: (You are also welcome to post them on your website!)
The Importance of Quantity Cannot Be Overstated
Make a one-minute video of the printing process and upload it to YouTube. Consult with the pressman on the speed. Inform your client that running brochures, posters, and other printed materials through the press is time-consuming and that digital printing is more cost-effective for short-run jobs.
Printing is Environmentally Friendly
Consider how much trim, corrugated boxes, and electronic garbage you recycle in a single calendar year: Take a photo of your vendor picking up a container the next time they come to your location. Include a photograph of the amount of waste you recycle. Create an infographic and post it on your website. Indicate the method through which the corrugated and trim will be repurposed.
The Color of Printer Ink Varies Over Time
Distribute this photograph to your client. Examine how the color of white inks changes over a year (left is two years old, right is a month old). When it comes to short-lived items, using pastel color schemes for identity systems is ineffective.
Paper
Whenever you have a white paper project with images on it, order extra sheets of ivory, canary, and grey uncoated paper to use as backups in case you run out of white paper. As soon as the colored sheets have been added to the assignment, photograph the identical detail region in each of the four colors using the same camera. The layout is the program that was used to create the montage. This montage can also be included on your website for clients thinking about ordering colored stock jobs.
A Guide to Understanding and Reading Swatch Books
The idea of a penny for every time a consumer discovers the “correct paper” in a swatch book and orders it only to realize that there isn’t enough of it or that the paper isn’t available strikes me as a good one to have. A brief lunch meeting with a customer would provide an excellent opportunity to explore this issue. Provide her with an illustration of how to determine the date on a swatch book. Allow her to practice reading the book with a couple of swatch books.
It Takes Time to Do Arts and Crafts
Please send your client a pdf picture of your proposed basic timetable so that they can print it out and pin it to their idea wall. You and your customer will save time in the future since they will not have to guess when creating a timeline with a client, saving you both the time of a phone conversation or an email.
It is true that answering inquiries and resolving difficulties give value to a client’s experience, and they do so. However, there are some limitations. On the other hand, do they add any value to the company’s owner’s bottom line? So how can employees interact/react with intention at 30,000 feet while reacting/interacting at 100 feet is a mystery to me? Planning and thinking about the small issues will help you feel less overwhelmed regarding the major questions. What are your clients planning to do with their money in the new year? How often do you and your team have budget discussions? Will there be any new services or products introduced in the next six months? When the question of “what do I need a bleed for” is established, these discussions become more straightforward.
How to Become a Graphic Designer
In a society filled with rapidly changing technology, graphic design has become a very important profession in our increasingly visual world.
As the information age matures, one thing is becoming clear: we live in an increasingly visual world. From advertisements to web pages and corporate reports to corporate logos, the way that visual images can communicate with people is one of the most important aspects of the business. That is why there is a growing need for creative individuals who can design and generate these visual images on a large scale. Graphic designers are sought-after people these days, and to become one, you only have to adhere to the following easy steps.
Step 1: The Right Education
Graphic design is a very technical field, so it is no surprise that to succeed you need formal training in either graphic design or fine arts. There are many colleges, universities, and design schools where graphic design programs are offered, both for on-campus learning and at-home learning. If you don’t have time to get formally educated and you want to get started now, there are many short courses you can take and other learning resources you can use that will make you more employable. Interface design, design principles, electronic imaging, web design, or adobe courses are all topics that you need to become familiar with.
Step 2: Get Technical
A career in graphic design means you need to constantly keep up with the latest developments in design software programs and desktop publishing tools. Keeping up-to-date with popular programs such as Photoshop or Dreamweaver, or in languages like HTML/CSS or Javascript, will ensure you are always in high demand when it comes to employment.
Step 3: Diversify
The most successful graphic designers are those that immerse themselves in the field. By focusing on a variety of trends, as opposed to the ones you are particularly interested in, you will become instantly more employable and will be able to catch the interest of a diverse range of clients. Using different forms of media is a great way to keep up with new trends in advertising such as newspapers, magazines, websites, etc.
Step 4: Develop Your Style
The idea of diversifying isn’t to just become proficient at copying many different styles; it is more to gain enough knowledge to be able to create your own. Being unique is a vital quality in the world of graphic design – being the trendsetter will get you noticed. While you want to be diverse so you have resources to draw from to carry out a client’s vision, it is also good to develop a personal style that is immediately recognizable as your own.
Step 5: Work on Your Portfolio
While artists in all media need to create and maintain a resume, the only way that prospective employers can get a true sense of your work is by developing a visual portfolio. The work included in your portfolio should represent a variety of different styles and projects you have done, showing that you are dynamic and flexible with your designs. Your portfolio should also include a unique logo, your professional bio, or links to any other websites or social media pages you want prospective employers or clients to be aware of. To stay relevant in this fast-paced world, it’s important to have a copy of your portfolio in print form as well as online and on a DVD or CD.
Printing Techniques For Graphic Design Project
A designer needs to be knowledgeable about both ancient and modern printing techniques. This knowledge is essential to exceptional graphic design. High-quality artwork requires the use of the proper printing process.
A graphic designer should be aware of some of the most common printing processes. The course will strengthen your ability to design and provide inspiration for completing a successful print project.
Great design does not guarantee success on its own. Finding new printing techniques is equally important. In addition, you will be able to answer all the questions that your customers have about pricing, printing, and constraints.
Start by designing an eye-catching design. Understand how your files will be handled after being sent to the printer. The major difference between traditional and non-impact printing (NIP) is that conventional printing requires a master.
We will discuss traditional printing methods in this essay. Here are some tips on creating stunning graphic designs by using popular printing methods.
Screen Printing
It is a method of short-run printing. Many artists use it to print posters, T-shirts, art prints, and album covers. This printing method can be created with a screen printing machine and ink for a relatively low price. The printing method is also very versatile, and easy to learn.
An image is transferred onto another material using small meshes in screen printing. Ink is pushed against the stretched mesh to print the image. Paper and metal can also be printed on screen printing, clothing, and other fabrics.
The setup required for screen printing makes it best suited for the mass production of repetitive products. The process is not cost-effective for small orders. However, it’s a great option if you need a lot of the same picture.
Offset Lithography
Printing in mass-production is often accomplished by offset lithography. Aluminum plates composed of individual content images are used in their printing process.
Printing on paper begins by offsetting the plates onto rollers or rubber blankets. Metal plates are not in contact with the printed material, extending their life. With the help of flexible rollers or rubber blankets, offset lithography can also be used on rough media.
It can produce small and large print runs with consistent, high-quality pictures. Prints can be made on any flat surface, even-textured surfaces like canvas.
This is the most common printing method in mass-produced items such as books and brochures. Metal plates with rubber covers are used for printing.
Letterpress Printing
The oldest known type of printing is letterpress. This method of printing takes a lot of labor to produce. It looks beautiful, however. Before stamping, letters must be aligned.
A design must be created first, followed by a font selection. The type must be organized and proofread before printing. Once the frame is printed, it must be mounted. Then, select a color and size for the print.
Then, why does letterpress printing remain so popular? It gives artworks and projects an old-fashioned, antique feel.
An intermediary carrier (cylinder) is used in this indirect printing method to transfer the plate image to paper. Cardboard packaging is often printed with dry offset.
Silk Lamination
This type of lamination is waterproof, weatherproof, and tear-resistant. This printing process produces silky finishes. The letterhead is full-color like the business card. Both add a unique texture to the artwork.
Laminates give images a glossy, dull, satin, or muted appearance. As with regular lamination, silk lamination protects flyers, visiting cards, and postcards against creases, damage, and scuffs.
Silk lamination offers owners of businesses an attractive and lasting option. Customers will appreciate it as a result. Business success depends on quality.
3D Printing
A great way to engage your audience is through 3D printing, which has been around since the 1980s. In additive manufacturing (AMF), various sizes and shapes are produced using 3D models or electronic files. An additive component mix creates the 3D object.
The technology of 3D printers has advanced. Now, it is possible to print moving objects. CAD software calculates the intricacies, and then tiny layers of a specific plastic are layered on top of each other.
Digital Printing
Inkjet and laser printing are examples of digital printing. Pictures are sent to the printer via digital files such as PDFs. It saves both time and money (unless you print in bulk) since there is no need for a printing plate.
Print-on-demand is a great advantage of digital printing. This is also a good solution for short runs – a single print is possible. Printing digitally may be a low-cost option that delivers prints of comparable quality to larger-scale options for the right task.
Often, graphic designers are contacted by clients who need print design work. It’s not enough just to create an excellent design. You can help your customer select the best possible printing options based on their printing process, expenses, and constraints by understanding the printing process, costs, and constraints.
Final Words
In this list, you’ll find the 10 best graphic design printers for 2022. If you spend the majority of the year designing your logo, you will eventually have to print it on business cards, posters, and other presentations. The final product must be seen in print to be presented to the client.
It’s essential to realize that the rated duty cycles on laser printers may be very high, even though graphic designers may need a high-volume laser printer. The laser printers featured on this list meet or exceed the manufacturer’s specifications. If you want to examine your work closely, switching from liquid ink to toner is a good idea.
