Large format printers produce technical drawings, plans, posters and photographs from A2 up to A0 and wider sizes. They suit design offices, architects, print shops and signage studios. Our range includes over 50 models, mostly inkjet printers from EPSON, HP and Canon.
How to choose a large format printer
Maximum print size. Choose by the largest sheet you will need and leave a little spare. Most models in our range print up to A0 (841 x 1189 mm) or A1 (594 x 841 mm), and there are some A2 machines and wider ones, such as 914 mm (36 in) and 1118 mm (44 in). A1 models take up less space, while A0 also handles larger plans.
Purpose and resolution. For drawings and CAD plans, line sharpness matters most. For posters and photographs, colour reproduction matters more. The most commonly listed resolution in our range is 2400 x 1200 DPI, and some models reach 5760 x 1440 DPI. Most pigment inks resist moisture and light better than dye inks, which helps with prints that are kept for a long time.
Print technology. Our range includes both thermal and piezoelectric inkjet models. Thermal printing pushes the ink out by heating it, while piezoelectric printing does so mechanically, so the ink is not heated. Both work well for drawings, so the inks, print head replacement and maintenance of the specific model matter more than the technology itself.
Media and thickness. Check which media the printer accepts. The listed media thickness in our range runs from thin 0.05 mm papers up to 1.5 mm on some models. Roll paper is convenient for long plans, while sheet feeding suits small runs and thicker materials.
Brands in our range
- EPSON: known for piezoelectric print heads, used in its SureColor large format printers for posters, photographs and drawings.
- HP: its DesignJet thermal inkjet printers are widely used for CAD drawings and construction plans.
- Canon: the imagePROGRAF series covers large format printing of drawings, posters and photographs.
Also in our range: Brother.
Frequently asked questions about large format printers
How does a large format printer differ from a standard A3 printer?
A large format printer prints on wider sheets or roll paper, usually from A2 up to A0 and beyond, while ordinary office printers stop at A4 or A3. It is also built for long drawings, so it typically has roll feeding and larger ink capacities.
What size of printer do I need for A1 drawings?
An A1 (594 x 841 mm) printer is enough for A1 drawings. If you also need A0 sheets now and then, an A0 model is the safer choice. Our range includes both sizes.
What is the difference between thermal and piezoelectric inkjet?
Thermal inkjet pushes ink out by heating it, while piezoelectric inkjet uses a crystal that squeezes out the droplet mechanically, without heat. Both suit drawings, so the decision usually comes down to the inks, resolution and upkeep of the specific model.
Can a large format printer print photographs and posters?
Yes, as long as the model is designed for colour printing. Check the resolution (our range goes up to 5760 x 1440 DPI), the ink set and the supported media thickness. Models built purely for technical drawings may be less suitable for photographs.
