In this post, I’ll share my top picks for the best printers for graphic design, both inkjet and laser, to help you find one that fits your needs and budget. Let’s dive in:
Overview: Best Printers for Graphic Design
Best for:
- Freelancers, home office graphic designers, small creative agencies
- Printing illustrations, reports, proposals, client proofs
Best for:
- Student graphic designers
- Freelancers on a tight budget
- Printing posters, invites, photo projects
Best for:
- Student graphic designers
- Small creative businesses on a budget
- Posters, signage, presentations, and more
Best for:
- Freelance graphic designers
- Home office use
- Everyday printing of documents, posters, graphics
Best for:
- Graphic design studios and agencies
- In-house printing of posters, graphics, presentations
- High volume printing
Best for:
- Graphic design agencies
- Corporate creative departments
- High volume printing
Best for:
- Graphic design studios
- Sign shops, photographers
- Long-lasting fine art and photo reproductions
Best for:
- Professional photographers
- Fine artists, painters, graphic designers
- Reproducing artwork for display or sale
Best for
- Graphic design agencies and studios
- Corporate in-house design departments
- High production volume environments
Best for:
- Graphic design agencies
- Corporate creative departments
- High volume monochrome printing
Best for:
- Student graphic designers
- Home offices and freelancers
Best for:
- Professional graphic design agencies
- Corporate in-house creative departments
- Extremely high volume color printing
Best Inkjet Printers for Graphic Design
First up are inkjet printers. Known for their versatility, inkjets excel at printing high quality photos, graphics, and illustrations with precise color accuracy. They are ideal for printing test prints, drafts, proofs, and final versions of graphic design projects. Here are my top recommendations in various price ranges.
Budget Graphic Printer: Epson EcoTank ET-2800
Epson Budget Pick for Art Prints, Stickers, Vinyl, Cricut, and Transfer paper
4-color dye-based ink tank system :: 5770×1440 DPI :: Prints up to 8.5″×47.2″ (A4+++) :: Scanner 1200x2400 DPI :: Supports vinyl stickers :: Late 2021 model :: Wireless & AirPrint :: Hybrid dye-based & pigment-based (BK) model: ET-2850
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a supertank all-in-one printer geared for home offices and small businesses on a budget. It has a compact, space-saving design with surprisingly low running costs thanks to its refillable ink tank system.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ➕ Very low ink costs – pennies per page | ➖ Smaller 100 sheet paper tray capacity |
| ➕ Exceptional print quality for the price | ➖ Lacks support for specialty media like canvas or thicker stock |
| ➕ Reliable performance | |
| ➕ Easy to set up and use | |
| ➕ Compact, flexible design |
Budget A3 Graphic Printer #1: Canon Pixma iX6820
Value Pick for Art Prints, Stickers, Vinyl, Transfer paper, and Transparencies
5-color hybrid dye- and pigment-based ink system :: 9600×2400 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 13″×19″ (A3+) :: Supports transparencies and vinyl stickers :: Max paper thickness: 6mil (0.15mm) :: Early 2014 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
The Canon Pixma iX6820 is an excellent choice for designers needing the ability to print borderless, gallery-quality images and graphics up to A3+ size. Despite the low price, it doesn’t compromise on professional-level output.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ➕ Surprisingly affordable for A3+ printing | ➖ No specialty media support |
| ➕ Vibrant, accurate color reproduction | ➖ Smaller ink cartridges mean higher long-term costs |
| ➕ Crisp details and clarity in prints | |
| ➕ Reliable performance from Canon | |
| ➕ Compact, sleek design |
Budget A3 Graphic Printer #2: Epson XP-15000
Budget Pick for Art Prints, Cardstock, Canvas, Stickers, Vinyl, and Transfer paper
6-color dye-based ink system :: 5760×1450 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 13″×19″ (A3+) :: Max paper thickness: rear feed 23mil (0.6mm) manually :: Late 2017 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
The Epson XP-15000 takes wide-format printing to the next level with wireless connectivity, two paper trays, and the ability to print up to 1-meter long banners – all at a very affordable price point
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ➕ Very low cost for A3+ and banner printing | ➖ Smaller ink cartridges mean higher long-term costs |
| ➕ Vibrant, accurate color | ➖ Lacks CD/DVD printing |
| ➕ Sharp details and image quality | |
| ➕ Versatile paper handling | |
| ➕ Convenient wireless connectivity |
Budget All-in-one Graphic Printer: HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e
All-in-one Pick for Cardstock and Stickers, Vinyl, and Transfer paper
4-color pigment-based ink system :: 4800×1200 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 8.5″×11″ (A4) :: Max paper thickness: bottom feed tray 90lb - 110lb / 245gsm - 300gsm Cover cardstock :: Early 2021 model :: Wireless & AirPrint :: BONUS 6 months Instant ink with HP+
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e is a budget-friendly all-in-one geared for freelancers and home offices. Despite the low price, it provides professional quality printing, copying, scanning and fax capabilities
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ➕ Very affordable price | ➖ Max paper size 8.5”x14” |
| ➕ Reliable print quality | ➖ No specialty media support |
| ➕ Good print speeds | |
| ➕ Wireless networking built-in | |
| ➕ Compact, space-saving design |
All-in-one A3 Graphic Printer #1: Epson EcoTank ET-8550
Eco All-in-one Pick for Art Prints, Cardstock, Canvas, Stickers, Vinyl, and Transfer paper
6-color hybrid dye-based & pigment-based ink system :: 5760×1440 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 13″×19″ (A3+) :: 4800x1200 scan resolution :: Max paper thickness: rear feed 50mil (1.3mm) manually :: Early 2021 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 takes wide-format all-in-one printing to the next level with incredibly low ink costs and the ability to print up to A3+ sizes borderlessly. It’s ideal for design professionals needing to print posters, presentations, photos and more in-house
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ➕ Incredibly low ink costs – pennies per print | ➖ Larger space required |
| ➕ Stunning print quality | |
| ➕ Versatile A3+ printing | |
| ➕ Large touchscreen display | |
| ➕ 500 sheet paper capacity |
With its supertank ink system and wide-format printing, the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 delivers exceptional value for design studios ready to bring affordable high-volume A3+ printing in-house.
All-in-one A3 Graphic Printer: Epson EcoTank ET-16600 (alternative ET-15000)
|
|
Taking wide-format printing to the next level, the Epson EcoTank ET-16600 offers incredible print speeds up to A3+ size all with ultra-low ink costs. It’s the perfect in-house workhorse printer for busy design firms and professionals
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ➕ Blazing fast print speeds | ➖ Larger space required |
| ➕ Ultra-low ink costs | |
| ➕ Vibrant, accurate color | |
| ➕ Versatile wide-format printing | |
| ➕ High 500 sheet paper capacity |
Alternatively consider: the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 which offers similarly impressive performance and value with a slightly more compact size.
Archival A3 Graphic Printer: Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310
Great for Art Prints, Canvas, Cardstock, Stickers, Vinyl, and Transfer paper
10-color pigment-based ink system :: 4800×2400 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 13″×19″ (A3+) :: Max paper thickness: rear feed 11.8mil (0.3mm); manual feed 23.6mil (0.6mm) :: Late 2024 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
When your graphic design projects demand gallery-level quality and durability, the Canon imagePROGRAF-300 delivers professional, archival A3+ prints with vivid colors, sharp details, and fade-resistant longevity.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ➕ Gallery-quality prints | ➖ Larger size |
| ➕ Vivid, accurate colors | ➖ No scanning/copying capabilities |
| ➕ Impressive sharpness and clarity | ➖ High ink costs over time |
| ➕ Archival prints last over 100 years | |
| ➕ Professional media handling |
Archival A2 Graphic Printer: Epson SureColor P900
Art Studio Pick for Art Prints, Canvas, Cardstock, Stickers, Vinyl, and Transfer paper
10-color pigment-based ink system :: 5760×1440 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 17″×22″ (A2+) :: Max paper thickness: rear feed 11.8mil (0.3mm); manual feed 60mil (1.5mm) :: Late 2020 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
Smaller version: SureColor P700 13″ Inkjet Color Printer
For graphic artists and photographers needing archival print quality in a larger A2 (17”) format, the Epson SureColor P900 delivers stunningly accurate color and incredible fine detail worthy of being displayed in galleries.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ➕ Remarkable print quality | ➖ Significant physical size |
| ➕ Vivid, accurate colors | ➖ High ink costs over time |
| ➕ Impressive clarity and fine details | ➖ No scanner or copier functions |
| ➕ Archival prints last over 200 years | |
| ➕ Professional 17” media handling |
Professional Graphic Printer: HP DesignJet Z6 24”
When you need a professional-grade large format printer for reproducing graphics, illustrations, presentations, and more up to 24” wide, the HP DesignJet Z6 24” offers impressive speed, quality, and capabilities.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ➕ Blazing fast print speeds | ➖ Significant physical size |
| ➕ Vivid, accurate colors | ➖ High ink costs over time |
| ➕ Handles heavy print loads with ease | ➖ Lacks scanning/copying capabilities |
| ➕ Versatile media handling up to 24” wide | |
| ➕ Advanced security features |
Best Laser Printers for Graphic Design
Now let’s look at top laser printer recommendations for graphic design professionals. Known for speed, sharpness, and efficiency – laser printers excel at printing documents, illustrations, architectural plans and more. Here are my picks for the best laser printers for graphics use across budget levels.
Budget Monochrome Laser Graphic Printer: Lexmark B3442dw
Wireless with Ethernet, Mobile-Friendly and Cloud Connection with Automatic Two-Sided Printing CarbonNeutral Certified Office Printer (4-Series)
The Lexmark B3442dw monochrome laser printer provides blazing fast print speeds up to 47 pages per minute combined with enhanced 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution and robust paper handling – perfect for high productivity printing
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ➕ Extremely fast print speeds | ➖ Monochrome printing only |
| ➕ Sharp, detailed monochrome prints | ➖ Larger size |
| ➕ High paper input capacity | |
| ➕ Robust media handling | |
| ➕ Network ready |
With industrial-level speeds and robust performance, the Lexmark B3442dw powers through high-volume monochrome print jobs with ease.
Budget Color Laser Graphic Printer: Lexmark C3326dw
with Ethernet, Mobile-Friendly, Wireless Office Printer with Automatic Two-Sided Printing (3-Series)
The Lexmark C3326dw color laser printer offers stunning print quality with vibrant color and crisp detail combined with fast print speeds and 2-sided printing convenience at an affordable price point.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ➕ Fast color print speeds | ➖ Smaller capacity paper tray |
| ➕ Vibrant, accurate color | ➖ Lacks LCD touchscreen controls |
| ➕ Automatic two-sided printing | |
| ➕ Compact size | |
| ➕ Budget-friendly purchase price |
Studio Color Laser Graphic Printer: HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M751dn
For professional graphic design teams that print high volumes of color documents like presentations, charts, infographics and more – the HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M751dn offers next-level performance, crisp quality and robust paper handling to keep productivity at peak levels.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ➕ Blazing fast 45 ppm print speeds | ➖ Significant upfront cost |
| ➕ Vibrant, accurate color | ➖ Large size |
| ➕ Huge 2,200 sheet input capacity | ➖ Lacks copying/scanning |
| ➕ Advanced toner for sharp detail | |
| ➕ Made for high-volume print production |
Main Criteria for Choosing a Graphic Printer
Define the job first
- Color-critical proofs vs. client comps vs. short-run deliverables.
- Max size: A4, A3/A3+ (SRA3), or wide format (rolls).
- Stocks: coated text/cover, synthetics, envelopes, labels.
Color accuracy & management
- ICC profile support and a true “no color adjustment” path.
- PostScript/PDF Direct (or RIP like Fiery) for reliable transparency/overprint.
- Pantone/spot-color handling (solid spot accuracy, spot→CMYK simulation).
- Calibration/linearization (ideally built-in or supported) and G7/FOGRA-friendly workflows.
- Solid B&W neutrality (advanced B&W/photo mode on inkjets).
Print technology (pick by output)
- Photo/Proofing: pigment inkjet, extended gamut (LC/LM/gray + extra hues), variable droplet.
- Office/comps/volume: color laser/LED for speed, sharp text, durable solids.
- Consider white/clear/fluorescent toner only if you truly use special effects.
Resolution, screening & detail
- Laser/LED: true 1200×1200 or 2400 with good halftone options (AM/FM/stochastic).
- Inkjet: high native dpi + fine dithering; check gradients/flat tints for banding.
Media handling & registration
- Heavy stock rating (at least 250–350 gsm on a straight/rear path).
- Borderless (inkjet) or precise bleed + trim (laser).
- Duplex registration tight enough for brochures/books; accurate skew control.
- Special sizes: SRA3, banners/long sheets (laser), roll support (inkjet).
Speed, duty cycle & finishing
- PPM in real quality mode, first-page-out time, monthly duty vs. your volume.
- Finishing: duplex, stapling, booklet, hole-punch, large trays/stackers.
Costs & maintenance
- TCO: price/ml (ink) or cost per page (toner), plus drums/fusers/maintenance tanks.
- Nozzle/printhead upkeep (inkjet) or consumable life (laser).
- Easy clean/alignment and accessible parts.
Connectivity, workflow & security
- Ethernet + USB (Wi-Fi optional), AirPrint/Mopria, hot folders.
- Drivers for macOS/Windows, long-term OS support.
- Secure print, user accounts, quotas for teams.
Footprint, noise & service
- Measure with trays/rolls out; acceptable noise for your studio.
- On-site warranty, local parts/ink/toner availability, responsive support.
3 quick tests (with your files & paper)
- Pantone swatches & logo CMYK → spot accuracy and neutral grays.
- Sky gradient + flat tint → no banding, even solids, clean hairlines at 0.25 pt.
- Heavy stock duplex → clean feed, tight registration, no scuffs/head rub.
Rule of thumb:
- Need speedy comps & brochures? Choose an A3 color laser/LED with PostScript, good duplex registration, and finishing options.
- Need color-critical proofs? Choose A3+ pigment inkjet with extended gamut, ICC/RIP, and reliable heavy-stock handling.
I hope my guide has helped you choose your new printer for graphic design, and you will have a lot of fun with your creative projects!
Other articles in the Printers and Scanners series:
- Best Canvas Printer
- Best Giclée Printer
- Best Budget Art Printer
- Best Art Scanner Printer
- Best A3 Art Printer
- Best Printer for Illustrators
- Best Cardstock Printer
- Best Printer for Stickers
- Best Printer for Cricut Print and Cut
- Best Screen Printing Printer
- Best Inkjet Printer for Heat Transfer
- Best Ink Tank Printer
- Best Art Scanner for Artworks
- Best Camera for Artwork Photography
- Artograph Inspire 1200 Digital Art Projector Review
- Artograph Flare 450 Digital Art Projector Review
Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”). I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »
