Architects often need to print large-format drawings and blueprints to bring their designs to life. While traditional printers can handle standard-sized paper, they are not equipped to handle the larger dimensions required for architectural plans. This is where wide format printers come in.
Wide format printers are designed to handle paper sizes up to 44 inches wide, making them ideal for architects and other professionals who need to print large-scale designs. These printers use inkjet technology to produce high-quality prints with precise details and vibrant colors.
When choosing the best wide format printer for architects, there are a few key factors to consider. One important consideration is print quality, as architects need to ensure that their designs are accurately represented on paper. Another important factor is speed, as architects often have tight deadlines to meet. Additionally, ease of use and maintenance are important considerations, as architects may not have the time or expertise to deal with complicated printing equipment.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the best wide format printers for architects, taking into account factors like print quality, speed, ease of use, and maintenance. Whether you’re a professional architect or a student working on a design project, we’ve got you covered.
Best Wide Format Printers for Architects
If you’re an architect, you know that having the right tools is essential for creating high-quality designs. One of the most important tools in your arsenal is a wide format printer. These printers allow you to print large-scale designs and blueprints with ease, making it easier to share your vision with clients and colleagues.
In this article, we’ve rounded up the best wide format printers for architects. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-end model with all the bells and whistles, we’ve got you covered. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and find the perfect printer for your needs.
HP DesignJet T210 Large Format 24-inch Plotter Printer
If you’re an architect looking for a reliable wide format printer, the HP DesignJet T210 is worth considering.
Pros
- This printer is ideal for technical line drawings, renders requiring precise, accurate line-quality and crisp text, posters, maps, and professional sewing patterns.
- The HP DesignJet T210 has a variety of connectivity options, including Gigabit Ethernet, Hi-Speed USB 2.0, and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n.
- With HP Click software, you can easily create eye-catching posters and print directly to your HP Large Format printer.
Cons
- The printer is relatively heavy at 47 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around.
- Some users have reported issues with printer head problems, which can be costly to fix.
- The printer may be larger than expected, taking up a significant amount of desk space.
The HP DesignJet T210 is a great option for architects who need a reliable wide format printer. With its variety of connectivity options and easy-to-use software, it’s a breeze to create professional-quality posters and prints. However, the printer’s weight and size may be a concern for some users, and some have reported issues with printer head problems. Overall, if you’re looking for a wide format printer that can handle technical drawings and produce high-quality prints, the HP DesignJet T210 is a solid choice.
HP DesignJet T630 Large Format Wireless Plotter Color Printer – 24″
If you’re an architect looking for a reliable wide format printer, the HP DesignJet T630 is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Ideal for technical line-drawings, renders requiring precise, accurate line-quality and crisp text, posters, and maps.
- 1-click printing from anywhere with HP Click and manage your large format printing and printer virtually anywhere and anytime with the HP Smart app.
- Affordability without any tradeoffs as the world’s easiest to use large-format printer with a modern office design.
Cons
- Difficult to get all the correct drivers and get it up and running.
- Broken printer upon arrival.
- Does not show you if it is offline or not.
This printer is popular among architects, engineers, and construction professionals. With the ability to handle up to 24-inch wide media rolls (large format) and up to 13-inch by 19-inch sheets (wide format) using the included automatic sheet feeder accessory, the HP DesignJet T630 offers great media handling options.
The printer also offers sheet feed, roll feed, automatic sheet/roll switch, media bin, automatic horizontal cutter which makes it easy to use. The HP Click and HP Smart app make it simple to manage your large format printing and printer virtually anywhere and anytime from your smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer.
The HP DesignJet T630 is a simple and cost-effective option for architects. It prints multi-size A3/B and A1/D or A0/E projects automatically, without manually switching the media source. It also uses 95% less ink for routine maintenance vs. other competitor plotter printers, saving you time and money from job prep to final print.
Overall, the HP DesignJet T630 is a great option for architects looking for a reliable and easy-to-use wide format printer.
HP DesignJet T650
If you are an architect or construction professional looking for a reliable and sustainable wide format printer, the HP DesignJet T650 may be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The printer is designed to produce precise, accurate line-quality and crisp text, making it ideal for technical line-drawings, renders, posters, and detailed map prints.
- The HP DesignJet T650 is equipped with HP Bright Office Inks which plot up to 31% more line accuracy and up to 65% more gamut, ensuring high-quality results.
- With the HP Click software, you can create beautiful, professional quality posters in minutes, even if you have no graphic design experience.
Cons
- At 76 pounds, the printer is quite heavy and may be difficult to move around.
- While the printer uses up to 95% less ink for routine maintenance compared to some competitor plotter printers, ink cartridges can still be pricey.
- The HP DesignJet T650 may not be the best option for those who need to print on media larger than 24 inches wide.
The HP DesignJet T650 is not only designed to produce high-quality prints, but it also comes with a range of features that make it easy to use and cost-effective. With the HP Smart app, you can manage your plotter printer from virtually anywhere, anytime, and print your projects up to 2x faster. The printer is designed to fit your office and budget and uses up to 30% recycled plastic, making it a sustainable choice for those who care about the environment.
Overall, the HP DesignJet T650 is a great choice for architects, engineers, and construction professionals who require a reliable and sustainable wide format printer that produces high-quality prints.
HP DesignJet T230 Large Format 24-inch Plotter Color Printer
If you’re an architect looking for a reliable and efficient wide format printer, the HP DesignJet T230 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- This printer is perfect for printing technical line-drawings, renders, and detailed map prints with precise, accurate line-quality and crisp text.
- With high-speed printing as fast as 35 seconds per A1/D plot, you can print your projects up to 2x faster and save time from job prep to final print.
- The HP Smart app allows you to print your jobs and manage your plotter from virtually anywhere, anytime.
Cons
- The printer uses up to 95% less ink for routine maintenance, but ink cartridges can be expensive to replace.
- The automatic sheet feeder accessory is included, but it can be a bit finicky and may require some troubleshooting.
- The printer is relatively heavy, weighing in at 60.9 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around your office.
The HP DesignJet T230 is designed to fit your office and budget. It uses up to 30% recycled plastic during the manufacturing process, making it a more sustainable option that reduces CO2 emissions up to 7.3 tons/year. With the included HP Click software, you can easily submit jobs and create beautiful, professional quality posters. The printer also supports a variety of media sizes, including up to 24-inch wide media rolls and up to 13-inch by 19-inch sheets.
Overall, if you’re an architect in need of a reliable and efficient wide format printer, the HP DesignJet T230 is definitely worth considering. Its high-speed printing, remote management capabilities, and sustainability features make it a great choice for any office.
HP DesignJet T630 Large Format Printer
If you’re an architect looking for a reliable wide-format printer, the HP DesignJet T630 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- With high-speed printing that’s as fast as 30 seconds per A1/D plot, you can avoid waiting by the printer and be more productive.
- The HP Click software (included) makes it easy to create and print beautiful, professional quality posters in minutes, even if you have no graphic design experience.
- The printer is designed to fit your office and budget, with the world’s smallest plotters and up to 95% less ink used for routine maintenance compared to some competitor plotter printers.
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with the drivers and HP app not working properly.
- The printer is on the heavier side, weighing 77 pounds, which may be a concern for those with limited space.
- While the printer is eco-friendly and features a sustainable design, it may not be as environmentally friendly as some other options on the market.
If you’re looking for a printer that can handle technical line-drawings, renders requiring precise, accurate line-quality and crisp text, posters, and detailed map prints, the HP DesignJet T630 is a great option. With a variety of connectivity options, including Gigabit Ethernet, Hi-Speed USB 2.0, and Wi-Fi, you can print from virtually anywhere, anytime with the HP Smart app.
In addition to its impressive speed and quality, the HP DesignJet T630 is also designed with your convenience in mind. With sheet feed, roll feed, automatic sheet/roll switch, media bin, and automatic horizontal cutter, you can easily handle a variety of media sizes and types. And with HP Bright Office Inks that plot up to 31% more line accuracy and up to 65% more gamut, you can be confident that you’ll get the results you expect.
Overall, if you’re an architect looking for a reliable, high-quality wide-format printer that’s easy to use and fits your budget, the HP DesignJet T630 is definitely worth considering.
Canon imagePROGRAF TC-20M
If you’re an architect looking for a wide format printer that can fit in a small space, the Canon imagePROGRAF TC-20M might be worth considering.
Pros
- With the ability to print multi-size documents up to 24 inches, this printer is perfect for printing large colorful flyers and posters for advertisements, health & safety signage, announcements, as well as CAD renderings and technical documents.
- The built-in flatbed scanner is a unique feature that allows you to digitize hard copy originals such as documents, diagrams, and drawings and send them to the cloud or a USB drive.
- The enlarge copy feature is another great feature that allows you to enlarge smaller original documents such as letter-size up to 24 inches without using a computer.
Cons
- The high-capacity ink bottles provide 70ml of ink per bottle, which reduces filling frequency and supports continuous printing of large color documents, but the ink can be a little expensive.
- The original ink runs out very fast since a bunch is used to prime the printer, so keep that in mind if you plan to do a lot of printing.
- The printer showed up defective for some customers, so be aware of that before purchasing.
The Canon imagePROGRAF TC-20M is a great option for architects who need a wide format printer that doesn’t take up too much space. With the ability to print multi-size documents up to 24 inches, the built-in flatbed scanner, and the enlarge copy feature, this printer offers a lot of flexibility. Keep in mind that the ink can be a little expensive, and some customers have had issues with defective printers. Overall, if you’re looking for a compact wide format printer, the Canon imagePROGRAF TC-20M is worth considering.
Canon imagePROGRAF TA-20 5-Color 24″ Large Format Printer Plotter with Stand
If you’re an architect looking for a wide-format printer, the Canon imagePROGRAF TA-20 might be a good option for you.
Pros
- The printer comes with a stand and basket, making it easy to use and store.
- With five ink cartridges included, you’ll be able to print high-quality color images.
- The printer comes with a printhead, so you won’t have to purchase one separately.
Cons
- The initial page print time is 15 seconds, which might be slower than other printers on the market.
- Although the printer can handle paper roll sizes from 8″ to 24″, it can only accommodate 2″ cores.
- The printer’s maximum print speed for both color and monochrome is only 2 pages per minute.
The Canon imagePROGRAF TA-20 is a reliable and user-friendly printer that can produce high-quality color images. However, the initial page print time is slower than other printers on the market, and the printer’s maximum print speed is only 2 pages per minute.
That being said, the printer comes with a stand and basket, making it easy to use and store. Additionally, with five ink cartridges included, you’ll be able to print high-quality color images without having to purchase additional cartridges. Finally, the printer comes with a printhead, which is a nice bonus.
Overall, if you’re an architect looking for a wide-format printer, the Canon imagePROGRAF TA-20 is worth considering.
Brother MFC-J5340DW Business Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer
If you’re an architect looking for an affordable all-in-one printer that can handle wide format printing, the Brother MFC-J5340DW Business Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer is a solid choice.
Pros
- With Brother MaxiDrive Inkjet Technology, this printer delivers fast and durable color inkjets.
- Triple layer security helps keep sensitive documents secure while printing.
- Print up to 11″x17″ paper from the 250-sheet capacity paper tray or the single sheet bypass tray.
Cons
- The printer can be temperamental and may require troubleshooting.
- The machine only has one paper feed drawer, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- Ink cartridges can be expensive and may not last very long.
This printer is a smart choice for architects who frequently print, copy, scan, and fax. With print speeds up to 28ppm and a 250-sheet paper tray capacity, this printer makes handling large print jobs a breeze. It also has a 50-page automatic document feeder for copying, scanning, or faxing up to 8.5″x11″ documents.
One of the standout features of the Brother MFC-J5340DW is its Brother MaxiDrive Inkjet Technology, which delivers Brother’s fastest and most durable traditional color inkjets ever. This printer also has triple layer security to help create secure connections to the device and network, safeguarding sensitive documents while printing.
The Brother MFC-J5340DW can print up to 11″x17″ paper from the 250-sheet capacity paper tray or the single sheet bypass tray. Users can connect to the printer through built-in dual band wireless, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, local USB connection, or print & scan on-the-go through the Brother Mobile Connect App.
While this printer has many great features, it can be temperamental and may require troubleshooting. Additionally, the machine only has one paper feed drawer, which may be inconvenient for some users. Ink cartridges can also be expensive and may not last very long.
Overall, the Brother MFC-J5340DW Business Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer is a solid choice for architects in need of an affordable all-in-one printer that can handle wide format printing.
HP DesignJet T850 Large Format 36-inch Color Plotter Printer
If you are an architect, engineer, or construction professional looking for a wide format printer, the HP DesignJet T850 could be a great choice for you.
Pros
- With its precise and accurate line quality, this printer is ideal for printing technical-line drawings, renders, posters, maps, and other similar documents.
- The printer comes with a 2-year Warranty Care Pack that includes onsite and remote support, HP parts, and fast device service.
- The HP Click feature allows you to print in fewer steps and avoid reprinting with print preview, which can save you time and money.
Cons
- This printer is quite heavy, weighing in at 155.7 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around.
- The initial page print time is 25 seconds, which may be slower than some other printers on the market.
- The printer is quite expensive, which may not be suitable for those on a tight budget.
The HP DesignJet T850 is a great choice for architects, engineers, and construction professionals who need to print large documents with precise and accurate line quality. With its 2-year Warranty Care Pack and HP Click feature, this printer is an excellent investment for those who value quality and efficiency. However, due to its weight and price, it may not be suitable for everyone.
HP DesignJet T730 Large Format Wireless Plotter Printer – 36″
If you’re an architect, engineer, or construction professional looking for a reliable 36-inch printer that’s easy to use in the office or on the job site, the HP DesignJet T730 is worth considering.
Pros
- Produce prints three times faster than previous HP models, with D/A1-size prints in just 25 seconds
- Reduce time and waste with convenient features like automatic sheet feeding and half-scale printing
- Print on-the-go with HP Mobile Printing and enjoy a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with defective or inaccurate printing, as well as paper jams
- The printer may have compatibility issues with certain software and operating systems
- At 105.8 pounds, the printer is quite heavy and may be difficult to move around
The HP DesignJet T730 is a solid choice for architects, engineers, and construction professionals who need a dependable, high-performance printer. With its fast print speeds and convenient features like automatic sheet feeding and half-scale printing, you can save time and reduce waste on the job site. Plus, with a range of connectivity options including Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet, you can print from virtually anywhere using your smartphone or tablet.
However, some users have reported issues with defective or inaccurate printing, as well as paper jams. Additionally, the printer may have compatibility issues with certain software and operating systems. And at 105.8 pounds, the printer is quite heavy and may be difficult to move around.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient wide-format printer for your architectural needs, the HP DesignJet T730 is definitely worth considering.
HP DesignJet T850 Large Format 36-inch Color Plotter Printer (2Y9H0A)
If you are an architect, engineer, or construction professional looking for a wide format printer that can produce precise and accurate line quality, then the HP DesignJet T850 could be a suitable option for you.
Pros
- Ideal for printing maps, technical drawings, posters, and renders with precise, accurate line quality and crisp text
- Can handle up to 36-inch wide media rolls and has a maximum media roll diameter of 100mm
- Comes with a range of media handling options, including roll feed, sheet feed input tray, automatic horizontal cutter, and media bin
Cons
- Expensive compared to other wide format printers on the market
- Only has a monochrome and color print speed of 1 page per minute, which may not be fast enough for some users
- Only has a limited 1 GB memory, which may not be sufficient for large and complex print jobs
If you are willing to invest in a high-quality wide format printer, the HP DesignJet T850 could be an excellent choice for you. This printer is designed to produce precise and accurate line quality, making it ideal for printing maps, technical drawings, posters, and renders.
One of the standout features of the HP DesignJet T850 is its ability to handle up to 36-inch wide media rolls, which is ideal for printing large format documents. Additionally, the printer comes with a range of media handling options, including roll feed, sheet feed input tray, automatic horizontal cutter, and media bin, which makes it easy to switch between different types of media.
However, the HP DesignJet T850 is an expensive printer, so it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget. Additionally, the printer only has a monochrome and color print speed of 1 page per minute, which may not be fast enough for some users. Lastly, the printer only has a limited 1 GB memory, which may not be sufficient for large and complex print jobs.
Overall, if you are looking for a high-quality wide format printer that can produce precise and accurate line quality, the HP DesignJet T850 could be an excellent choice for you.
HP DesignJet T850 Large Format 36-inch Color Multi-Function Plotter Printer
If you’re an architect, engineer, or construction professional looking for a reliable wide-format printer that can handle technical drawings, renders, posters, and maps with precise line quality and crisp text, the HP DesignJet T850 is worth considering.
Pros
- Comes with a 2-year Warranty Care Pack, including onsite and remote support, HP parts, and next business day device service if needed
- Can handle a wide range of media sizes (up to 36-in wide rolls) and types, including bond, coated, and heavyweight paper
- Features an easy-to-use front-loading scanner with personalized one-click shortcuts from the LCD panel, simplifying scan and copy workflows while collaborating with colleagues
Cons
- Large and heavy, weighing in at 183.6 pounds and measuring 27.6″D x 55.4″W x 38.1″H, so it may not be suitable for small offices or studios with limited space
- Expensive compared to some other wide-format printers on the market
- Some users have reported occasional issues with software compatibility and connectivity
The HP DesignJet T850 is a versatile and powerful wide-format printer that can handle a variety of media types and sizes, making it a popular choice among AEC, GIS, and MCAD professionals. With its 2-year Warranty Care Pack, you can be confident that you’ll have access to onsite and remote support, as well as genuine HP parts and fast device service if needed. The printer’s front-loading scanner and personalized one-click shortcuts also make it easy to collaborate with colleagues and simplify scan and copy workflows.
However, it’s important to note that the HP DesignJet T850 is a large and heavy printer, so it may not be the best choice for small offices or studios with limited space. Additionally, it’s more expensive than some other wide-format printers on the market, so it may not be the most budget-friendly option. Finally, some users have reported occasional issues with software compatibility and connectivity, so it’s important to make sure the printer is compatible with your existing software and network before making a purchase.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and high-quality wide-format printer that can handle a variety of media types and sizes, the HP DesignJet T850 is definitely worth considering.
Canon imagePROGRAF TA-30 with stand 36” Large Format Inkjet Printer Grey w/ printer stand Printer
If you’re an architect looking for a low-cost wide format printer, the Canon imagePROGRAF TA-30 might be a great choice for you.
Pros
- Print up to 113 24×36 posters per hour (27 Sec/D sized print)
- Wireless printing
- Over $250 worth of ink included
Cons
- Ink is expensive
- Ink cartridges hold a small amount of ink compared to other plotters
- Some users have reported issues with the printer after a few months of use
The Canon imagePROGRAF TA-30 is a compact 36-inch wide format printer that is perfect for small offices, design companies, schools, and architectural and engineering firms. It comes with a free poster creation software that gives you all the tools you need to create impactful work for your business.
One of the biggest advantages of the Canon imagePROGRAF TA-30 is its fast printing speed. You can print up to 113 24×36 posters per hour with a D sized print taking only 27 seconds. The printer also has wireless printing capabilities, which means you can print from anywhere in your office without having to connect your computer to the printer.
Another great feature of the Canon imagePROGRAF TA-30 is that it comes with over $250 worth of ink included. This is a great value for first-time large format print users who might not be familiar with the cost of ink. However, some users have reported that the ink is expensive and that the ink cartridges hold a small amount of ink compared to other plotters.
While the Canon imagePROGRAF TA-30 is a great low-cost option for wide format printing, some users have reported issues with the printer after a few months of use. It’s important to keep this in mind when considering this printer for your business.
Overall, if you’re an architect looking for a low-cost wide format printer, the Canon imagePROGRAF TA-30 is definitely worth considering. Its fast printing speed, wireless printing capabilities, and included ink make it a great value for small offices and design companies.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best wide format printer for architects, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features that you should look at before making a purchase:
Print Quality
Print quality is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a wide format printer. Architects need printers that can produce high-quality prints with sharp lines and vivid colors. Look for a printer that has a high resolution, at least 2400 x 1200 dpi, and uses pigment-based inks for better color accuracy and longevity.
Size and Capacity
Architects often need to print large documents, so the size and capacity of the printer are important considerations. Look for a printer that can handle paper sizes up to 36 inches wide and has a large paper capacity to minimize the need for frequent paper changes.
Connectivity
A good wide format printer should have multiple connectivity options for easy integration with your existing workflow. Look for a printer that has USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi connectivity options.
Cost
Wide format printers can be expensive, so it’s important to consider the cost of the printer and its ongoing maintenance and ink costs. Look for a printer with a reasonable upfront cost and low ongoing maintenance costs.
Additional Features
Some wide format printers come with additional features that can be useful for architects, such as automatic document feeders, duplex printing, and cloud printing capabilities. Consider which features are important to your workflow and look for a printer that has them.
In conclusion, when choosing the best wide format printer for architects, consider print quality, size and capacity, connectivity, cost, and additional features. By carefully considering these factors, you can find a printer that meets your needs and helps you produce high-quality prints for your architectural projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated printers for producing high-quality architectural drawings?
When it comes to producing high-quality architectural drawings, some of the top-rated printers are Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000, Epson SureColor P800, and HP DesignJet Z9+. These printers offer exceptional color accuracy and resolution, making them ideal for architects who want to produce detailed and precise drawings.
Which wide-format printers offer the best color accuracy for architectural renderings?
The wide-format printers that offer the best color accuracy for architectural renderings are the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000, Epson SureColor P800, and HP DesignJet Z9+. These printers use advanced color management technology and high-quality ink to produce accurate and vibrant colors, which is essential for architectural renderings.
What are the most reliable large format printers for continuous architectural use?
The most reliable large format printers for continuous architectural use are the HP DesignJet Z9+, Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000, and Epson SureColor P800. These printers are designed to handle high-volume printing and are built to last, making them ideal for architects who need to produce large quantities of prints on a regular basis.
How do the best printers for architects compare in terms of speed and efficiency?
The best printers for architects are known for their speed and efficiency. The HP DesignJet Z9+ is one of the fastest printers on the market, with a print speed of up to 1,500 square feet per hour. The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 and Epson SureColor P800 are also fast and efficient, with print speeds of up to 13 and 10 pages per minute, respectively.
What features should architects look for in a printer for large-scale blueprints?
Architects should look for a printer that can handle large-scale blueprints, which means it should have a wide-format printing capability. They should also consider the printer’s resolution, color accuracy, and speed. Other features to look for include automatic document feeders, wireless connectivity, and compatibility with different types of paper.
Which large format printers provide the best value for professional architectural firms?
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000, Epson SureColor P800, and HP DesignJet Z9+ are all excellent choices for professional architectural firms. While they may be more expensive than other printers, they offer exceptional value in terms of their quality, reliability, and efficiency. Additionally, they come with features that are essential for architects, such as wide-format printing, high-resolution printing, and advanced color management technology.
