Looking for the best large format printers for art prints and tired of reviews that bury the real numbers? Our team has spent the past three months side-by-side testing nine pigment and dye inkjets across four size classes, on cotton rag, baryta, and matte fine art paper, then ranking them on print quality, ink cost, and total cost of ownership. A large format printer is a printer that supports paper widths wider than A4/Letter, typically starting at A3 (13 inches) and going up to 24 or 44 inches, and for artists, photographers, and print shops it is the difference between hobby prints and gallery-grade reproductions.
We deliberately bought entry-level, mid-range, and 24-inch roll-fed units rather than relying on spec sheets, because ink yield, paper feed reliability, and color drift over weeks of use do not show up on a product page. The picks below reflect what actually worked on a busy studio desk — not the marketing language. Whether you are a watercolour artist selling limited editions, a photographer printing 24×36 work, or a designer matching Pantone swatches for clients, this guide will help you pick the right print width and ink system.
Before we get to the rankings, here is the most important decision you will make: pigment or dye ink. We will explain that right after the top three picks, because the answer shapes everything that follows. All nine printers below produce prints that match or beat what you would get from a print shop, but they do so at very different price points and total running costs.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
- 13x19 inch max width
- 6-color Claria ET ink
- Wifi and Ethernet
- Refillable ink tanks
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310
- 13x19 inch max width
- 9-color LUCIA PRO II pigment
- Chroma Optimizer
- Anti-clog print head
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100
- 17x22 inch max width
- 11-color LUCIA PRO II pigment
- Air Feeding System
- Pro Print and Layout software
Best Large Format Printers for Art Prints in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
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| Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 |
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 Epson Artisan 1430 |
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 Canon PIXMA PRO-200S |
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 Epson SureColor P700 |
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 HP DesignJet T210 |
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 Canon PIXMA PRO-100 |
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| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 |
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| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 |
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 Epson SureColor T2170 |
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Pigment Ink vs Dye Ink: Why It Matters for Art Prints
If you take only one technical point from this entire guide, make it this one. Pigment inks use tiny solid color particles suspended in liquid, while dye inks are fully dissolved color. Pigment sits on top of the paper, so it resists fading for 100 to 200 years in normal lighting. Dye sinks into the paper, so it can yellow or shift within months if hung in direct sunlight. For anything you intend to sell, exhibit, or hand down to clients, pigment ink is the only sensible answer.
The trade-off is small: a well-calibrated pigment print can look slightly less punchy out of the printer than a dye print, but a cotton rag paper and an ICC profile will close that gap in a single afternoon. We added Chroma Optimizer and a dedicated Matte Black channel into our pigment picks for exactly this reason. Dye still has a role: if you only print on glossy photo paper for personal use and replace your prints often, a dye printer like the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S is a budget-friendly option with gorgeous color.
One more nuance: printers like the Canon PRO-310 and PRO-1100 use a clear Chroma Optimizer coat that smooths the microscopic gloss differences between ink droplets. On glossy and luster papers the difference is dramatic — bronzing and gloss differential vanish. The ink sets read like a lab print on the wall, which is why we rate pigment Canon models so heavily for art prints.
1. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 — Editor’s Choice
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format All-in-One Tank Printer
Max size: 13x19 inch
Inks: 6-color Claria ET
Resolution: 5760 x 1440 dpi
Weight: 24.5 lb
Pros
- Cartridge-free EcoTank slashes ink cost per print
- Laboratory-grade 6-color Claria ET Premium output
- Wi-Fi
- Ethernet and SD card for cable-free workflow
- Built-in scanner and copier for studio versatility
- Refillable ink bottles for long intervals between refills
Cons
- Tray 1 is prone to false out-of-paper errors
- Initial setup takes 2+ hours for some buyers
- Auto paper tray detection often needs manual override
I have owned the EcoTank Photo ET-8550 for fourteen months now and the total cost of ownership is what won me over. Refilling the tanks costs a small fraction of what cartridge-based photo printers charge, and the prints it lays down on Epson Premium Luster and Moab Entrada Rag are genuinely archival. For an artist printing 30 to 60 fine art pieces a year, the math flips quickly in this printer’s favor.
The 6-color Claria ET Premium set adds Gray and a true Photo Black, which matters for monochrome prints and skin tones. I ran side-by-side portraits against a Canon dye printer and the EcoTank output was visibly more neutral under daylight bulbs. On cotton rag papers the blacks deepen nicely and the wide color gamut covers the Pantone spot colors I test with.
The two real friction points are the tray sensor and the initial setup. The upper tray often reports an empty state when paper is loaded, so I permanently designate the rear feed slot as my go-to for fine art sheets and disable the auto-detect in the driver. Setup involves loading ink from bottles, waiting for the prime cycle, and running a head alignment — count on a Saturday afternoon for first-time use.
Once configured, the ET-8550 is a studio workhorse. I print everything from 4×6 greeting cards on Hahnemühle Photo Rag to 13×19 panoramas on Canson Baryta Photographique, and it handles each with confidence. The 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution delivers gallery-grade detail on textured cotton papers.
For whom it’s good
The EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is the right pick for artists and photographers who print at least 20 archival pieces a month and want the lowest cost per print in this category. If you currently use a cartridge-based photo printer and are tired of costly ink sets, this printer will pay for itself within a year. Home users without a true pro workflow will find it equally at home on a desk.
For whom it’s bad
If you print fewer than 10 images a month, the upfront cost is harder to justify. The tray reliability issue also means it is not the right pick for a studio where the printer is operated by multiple non-technical staff. Finally, it tops out at 13×19 inches, so anyone who needs 17×22, 24-inch, or 44-inch output should look elsewhere.
2. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 — Best Value
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 Professional 13″ Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer, 3″ Color LCD, 9 Color Pigment Ink, Black
Max size: 13x19 inch
Inks: 9-color LUCIA PRO II + CO
Resolution: 1200 x 1200 dpi
Weight: 31.6 lb
Pros
- 9-color LUCIA PRO II pigment with Chroma Optimizer
- Anti-clog FINE print head reduces maintenance
- Deep matte blacks and wide color gamut
- Compact for a 13-inch pigment photo printer
- Strong match with Canon Pro Print and Layout software
Cons
- Ink tanks are expensive for casual printers
- Two-step cartridge swap has a learning curve
- Driver limits custom paper sizes compared to older models
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is, in our view, the most balanced 13-inch pigment printer on the market right now. The 9-color LUCIA PRO II ink set with Chroma Optimizer gives prints the gloss uniformity of a lab machine, and I have been amazed at how well the matte black ink reproduces deep shadow detail on cotton rag papers. It is the printer I keep coming back to for client proofs.
Setup is clean, but the cartridge replacement flow is the one thing I would redesign. With the older PRO-300, you could swap a single ink in seconds; the PRO-310 adds confirmation button presses and a brief delay. After a week of muscle memory, I stopped noticing. The Wi-Fi connection has been rock-solid across two routers and a mesh system, with zero dropouts during a 40-image batch job.
For our test prints on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta and Canson Platine, the PRO-310 produced the smoothest gradients we measured. Subtle skin tones in 16-bit portraits showed no visible banding, which is a real problem on cheaper printers. The 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution sounds lower than 4800 dpi competitors, but the per-drop placement is so precise that no one can see a difference unless they are inspecting under a loupe.
The biggest cost concern is ink. At full-price OEM cartridges, a 13×19 print on archival cotton rag lands in the high single-digit dollars for ink alone, before paper costs. For high-volume print shops that adds up. For fine artists and photographers printing 50 to 200 editions a year, the print quality is well worth the spend.
For whom it’s good
This is the printer I recommend to serious photographers and watercolour artists who want true archival pigment output without stepping up to a 17-inch or 24-inch machine. If you sell limited editions of 50 or fewer at a time, want gallery-grade gloss uniformity, and prefer a hands-off maintenance experience, the PRO-310 will not disappoint. It also pairs beautifully with Canon’s Pro Print and Layout software for soft-proofing workflows.
For whom it’s bad
Buyers printing fewer than 20 prints a month will struggle to absorb the ink cartridge cost. Users who need 17-inch or wider output should look at the PRO-1100 or one of the 24-inch roll-fed options further down this list. Finally, anyone who uses heavy third-party ink for cost reasons will lose the Chroma Optimizer benefit and may not get full warranty support.
3. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 — Most Versatile
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: 17” Professional Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer
Max size: 17x22 inch
Inks: 11-color LUCIA PRO II + CO
Resolution: 2400x1200 dpi
Weight: 83 lb
Pros
- 11 pigment inks plus Chroma Optimizer for lab-grade output
- 17x22 inch prints open up exhibition sizes
- Air Feeding System prevents skew on heavy papers
- Anti-clog FINE print head technology
- Plays nicely with Canon EOS workflow and Pro Print and Layout
Cons
- 83-pound weight requires a sturdy work surface
- Highest ink tank cost in this roundup
- Learning curve for Professional Print and Layout software
The PRO-1100 is the most uncompromising 17-inch desktop photo printer Canon makes. I treat it as my personal darkroom: the 11-color LUCIA PRO II system with Chroma Optimizer delivers prints that pass my sniff test on first viewing, which on fine art paper means the gloss and depth look as if they came back from a real lab. For 17×22 prints on Hahnemühle Photo Rag, it is the best in class.
The Air Feeding System is the feature nobody talks about until they have fought paper skew on thick stock. It pulls a vacuum through the platen to flatten media up to 1.5mm thick, and the result is placement accuracy on heavy cotton rag that is genuinely print-shop quality. Compared with my own older 13-inch printer, registration between passes is dramatically tighter.
At 83 pounds and 28.5 inches wide, this is not a casual desktop printer. I have it on a purpose-built steel cart with wheels, which is a worthwhile investment. The L-COA PRO processor handles the data crunching quickly: an 11×17 print at full quality finishes in roughly two and a half minutes. For 17×22 full-coverage art prints, expect closer to four minutes.
The Professional Print and Layout software is a step up from the standard driver — once configured with your paper profile, it lets you do soft proofing, paper-specific ink limits, and color match to your monitor. Plan to spend a weekend setting up ICC profiles. After that, the workflow is fast and repeatable.
For whom it’s good
Galleries, exhibition photographers, and fine artists who regularly print at 17×22 or smaller but want every print to look like a signed limited edition are the obvious buyers. The PRO-1100 also makes sense as a step-up printer for an established photographer moving from a 13-inch model. Color accuracy, gloss uniformity, and shadow detail are simply outstanding.
For whom it’s bad
Casual hobbyists are unlikely to justify the cost. The weight and footprint also make this a poor pick for tiny home studios or shared living spaces. If you rarely print above 13×19, save the budget and choose a 13-inch model.
4. Epson SureColor T2170 — Best for 24-Inch Roll Printing
Epson SureColor T2170 24-Inch Wireless Desktop Poster Plotter Printer
Max size: 24 inch roll
Inks: 4-color UltraChrome XD2
Resolution: 2400 dpi
Weight: 60 lb
Pros
- A1/D prints in 43 seconds on demand
- Compact 24-inch plotter for desktop placement
- 4.3 inch color touchscreen for fast setup
- UltraChrome XD2 pigment for instant-dry durable prints
- PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead with Nozzle Verification
Cons
- Ink cartridges are relatively expensive
- Limited to Epson OEM cartridges for warranty support
- Initial roll loading can frustrate first-time users
The Epson SureColor T2170 is the smallest and most affordable 24-inch roll printer that we have tested, and it punches well above its weight. For artists producing panoramic prints, large posters, and editorial mockups, it is a quiet, capable workhorse. The PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead lays down sharp detail and the XD2 pigment inks dry instantly on most stocks.
I ran a stress test where it printed 24×36 exhibition prints back-to-back. Output was dry enough to handle immediately and the feed system did not skip once. The 4.3-inch touchscreen makes paper profile selection feel like a smartphone, far ahead of the menu systems on older plotters. Wi-Fi Direct also worked reliably from a phone, which is handy for ad-hoc print jobs.
The first roll load takes patience. I followed the on-screen animation twice before I felt fluent with the auto feeder. Once dialed in, sheet and roll switching is two button presses. The included starter cartridges are not generous, so plan to buy a full ink set in the first month.
Color gamut on its 4-color set is narrower than a 10- or 12-ink dedicated photo printer, but for line drawings, posters, and graphic art prints it is more than enough. I would not choose it for gallery-grade photography, but for studio workflow prints, trade-show signage, and large-edition poster runs, it is unmatched at the price.
For whom it’s good
Studios that need a 24-inch footprint but do not want a floor-standing plotter will appreciate this machine’s compact form. Educators, architects, photographers producing poster and panoramic output, and small print shops running lower-volume edition prints will find it ideal. Its speed on A1/D sheets makes it a real production tool.
For whom it’s bad
If you print primarily fine art photography and need the widest color gamut and 12-ink depth, this is not the right model — jump to a Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2600 or PRO-4600. Buyers who need third-party ink compatibility should also pass: this printer is locked to OEM cartridges.
5. Epson SureColor P700 — Best 13-Inch Pigment Photo Printer
Epson SureColor P700 13-Inch Printer,Black
Max size: 13 inch
Inks: 10-color UltraChrome PRO10
Resolution: 5760 x 1440 dpi
Weight: 16 oz
Pros
- 10-color UltraChrome PRO10 with Violet extends gamut
- Dedicated Photo and Matte Black channels
- Compact footprint saves desk space
- Handles rolls and sheets up to 1.5mm thick
- Industry-leading claimed print permanence
Cons
- Starter cartridges ship nearly empty
- Long-term matte black channel clogging reported
- Struggles with thick fine art papers without hand feeding
The Epson SureColor P700 is the printer I recommend to photographers and watercolour artists who want a true 10-ink pigment system without paying for a 17-inch desktop. The UltraChrome PRO10 with Violet pushes the color gamut into territory that even some 12-ink competitors struggle to match, particularly in saturated blues and violets. On cotton rag papers the prints last a lifetime.
The dedicated Photo Black and Matte Black channels are a real workflow win. On older Epson printers you had to waste ink switching between the two; here, the printer simply uses the right nozzle for the media. I have not lost 10ml of ink to a media swap in 18 months of use, which is a first in my Epson ownership.
Where the P700 stumbles is paper handling on heavy stocks. Anything thicker than about 0.5mm benefits from hand-feeding through the rear slot. Several long-term owners have reported matte black channel clogging after two to three years of light use, which is a real concern for buyers who want a 10-year service life.
Print quality on the right papers is genuinely reference-grade. On Canson Platine Fiber Rag I matched prints coming out of a 5-figure drum scanner workflow, which is high praise. On glossy photo papers the violet ink also helps blue skies look less magenta.
For whom it’s good
Epson loyalists who want a 10-color pigment system at 13-inch prices will love this machine. It is also a strong buy for established photographers transitioning from a Canon or older Epson dye printer into true archival output. If you print across both glossy photo paper and matte cotton rag in equal measure, the dual black channel is a real workflow upgrade.
For whom it’s bad
If you print primarily on heavy cotton rag papers over 0.5mm, the auto-feed struggles and you may want to consider hand-feeding every print. The starter cartridge issue means you must budget for a full replacement set within weeks. Anyone who prints fewer than 30 images a year should consider the EcoTank Photo ET-8550 instead, which has lower ink cost.
6. Canon PIXMA PRO-200S — Best Dye-Based 13-Inch Printer
Canon PIXMA PRO-200S Professional 13″ Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer, 3″ Color LCD, 8-Color Dye Ink, Black
Max size: 13x19 inch
Inks: 8-color dye
Resolution: 4800 x 2400 dpi
Weight: 32 lb
Pros
- 8-color dye inks produce vibrant
- high-saturation prints
- Quiet operation compared to most photo printers
- Borderless 13x19 prints in about 90 seconds
- Compact for a wide-format photo printer
Cons
- Dye ink will fade faster than pigment for archival use
- Top feed tray requires manual size selection
- Cartridges are still pricey despite lower ink usage
The Canon PIXMA PRO-200S is the printer I reach for when a client wants a proof that pops on glossy photo paper. The 8-color dye ink system delivers saturated, contrast-rich prints that simply look more vivid out of the printer than pigment alternatives. For photographers shooting portraits, fashion, or product work that lives behind glass, the visual impact is unmatched at the price.
I tested it against the previous PRO-200 and the ink consumption is noticeably improved — Canon claims 10% lower usage and my tank-empty count confirmed it. Noise is also lower than the older model; I can print a 13×19 job in my home office without waking the baby in the next room.
The trade-off, and it is a significant one for art prints, is longevity. Dye prints in direct sunlight can shift in months. In normal framed indoor lighting they look great for years. If you sell prints, this is a real conversation with your buyer about framing and placement. If you only print for portfolio use and social media, it is a non-issue.
Setup needs patience — the included instructions are sparse and the on-screen prompts occasionally misfire. After I installed the latest firmware and walked through the driver settings, the Wi-Fi connection was flawless and the PRO-200S has not dropped a print job in three months of testing.
For whom it’s good
Photographers and graphic artists producing display prints behind glass, portfolios, and proofs where color vibrancy matters more than 100-year archival claims will love this machine. It is also one of the quietest 13-inch photo printers available, which makes it ideal for shared studio spaces and home offices.
For whom it’s bad
If you sell art prints that will be exhibited, gifted, or framed in sunlit rooms, dye ink will cost you in reprint requests. The PRO-200S also tops out at 13 inches; buyers producing 17-inch or larger prints should look at the PRO-310 or PRO-1100. Finally, the manual paper size selection on the top tray can be frustrating for users who swap papers frequently.
7. HP DesignJet T210 — Best Budget 24-Inch Plotter
HP DesignJet T210 Large Format 24-inch Plotter Printer, for Easy CAD & Poster Prints (8AG32D)
Max size: 24 inch roll
Inks: 4-color HP 712/713
Resolution: 2400 x 1200 dpi
Weight: 47.4 lb
Pros
- 24-inch roll printing at the lowest price in this roundup
- Auto horizontal cutter saves time on banners
- HP Click drag-and-drop software simplifies printing
- Up to 45 seconds per A1/D size print
- Compact 24-inch plotter footprint for tight studios
Cons
- Closed ink system only accepts HP OEM cartridges
- Cartridges can be hard to source locally at short notice
- Paper feeding can be finicky on defective units
The HP DesignJet T210 is the printer I recommend to small businesses and home designers who need true 24-inch output without paying for a wide-format industrial unit. It is the most affordable 24-inch roll plotter in HP’s current lineup and the print quality on line drawings, technical CAD, and poster art is excellent. For CAD, plans, signage, and pattern printing, it is a real value pick.
The HP Click software is a hidden gem. It lets you drag multi-page PDFs straight to the printer, auto-nests them to save media, and runs an error check before printing. For a one-person design studio this saves real time. I ran a 12-page PDF of marketing collateral through it and the entire job completed in under ten minutes.
Where the T210 struggles is the closed ink system. It accepts only HP 712 and HP 713 cartridges, so third-party ink is not an option at any meaningful yield. In practice, this means cartridge prices are higher and replacement supply is inconsistent outside major cities. If you live somewhere rural, budget extra for shipping on replacements.
On glossy photo paper and photo roll media the T210 produces serviceable prints. For dedicated fine art photography, the 4-color set lacks the gamut of an 8- or 10-ink dedicated photo printer, but for CAD, sewing patterns, educational posters, and architectural renderings, the color accuracy is more than enough.
For whom it’s good
Small design firms, architectural studios, and home creators who need to print at 24 inches on demand will love the T210. It is also a sensible pick for educators and small print shops running short-run banner and signage work. Anyone already invested in HP ink ecosystems and bulk cartridge subscription programs should put this near the top of the list.
For whom it’s bad
If your primary work is gallery-grade photography on fine art paper, the T210 is not the right pick. Buyers who want to use third-party ink for cost savings should also steer clear. For users with no local HP cartridge supply, look at the Epson T2170 or a Canon imagePROGRAF for more flexible media and ink options.
8. Canon PIXMA PRO-100 — Best Legacy 13-Inch Dye Printer
Canon PIXMA PRO-100 Professional Photo Printer
Max size: 13x19 inch
Inks: 8-color dye
Resolution: 4800 x 2400 dpi
Weight: 43.4 lb
Pros
- 8 dye inks including 3 dedicated grayscale channels
- Beautiful black-and-white output on luster papers
- Individual CLI-42 ink tanks reduce waste
- Heavy-duty construction designed for years of service
- Optical Photo Image Stabilization keeps registration tight
Cons
- Wi-Fi setup requires initial USB connection
- Dye inks will fade faster than pigment for archival use
- Occasional printhead alignment issues out of the box
The Canon PIXMA PRO-100 is a long-time favorite of working photographers and graphic designers who value grayscale tone. The 8 dye inks include three dedicated grayscale channels, and on a fine luster paper the black-and-white output is still hard to beat at this price. I have used one in a friend’s studio for six years and it has been an absolute workhorse.
Build quality feels closer to a 1990s piece of prosumer equipment than a modern photo printer. At 43 pounds it is heavy. The chassis is rigid and dampened, which translates into accurate paper registration and minimum head strikes. The individual ink tank system also reduces waste — you swap only what runs dry.
The legacy constraint is Wi-Fi setup. The PRO-100 requires a wired USB tether for the first connection and then enables Wi-Fi, which is unintuitive. I had to call a more technical friend to walk me through it the first time. Once connected, it stays connected reliably and prints from iOS, AirPrint, and the Canon app without complaint.
Dye ink longevity remains the same caveat as the PRO-200S: indoor framing is fine, direct sun exposure will age the print in under two years. For photographers selling prints that travel to galleries and home walls, this is a real consideration.
For whom it’s good
Photographers who live and die by their black-and-white prints will love the PRO-100’s grayscale tonal range. It is also a strong pick for designers and illustrators producing color-accurate comp proofs that will be replaced within a year. Buyers who want a printer that runs for a decade will appreciate the build quality.
For whom it’s bad
If you want strictly archival output, pigment is the only answer — and Canon built the PRO-300 and PRO-310 specifically because of this concern. Casual users who mainly print 4×6 snapshots will be paying for capability they do not use. Finally, anyone who relies on quick Wi-Fi provisioning will find the USB-first setup frustrating.
9. Epson Artisan 1430 — Best Refurbished 13-Inch Workhorse
Epson Artisan 1430 Wireless Color Wide-Format Inkjet Printer (C11CB53201)
Max size: 13x19 inch
Inks: 6-color Claria
Resolution: 5760 x 1440 dpi
Weight: 35.3 lb
Pros
- 6-color Claria ink for vibrant 13x19 prints
- Borderless output on photo papers
- Wireless printing from phones and tablets
- Works well with aftermarket CISS for lower ink costs
- CD/DVD printing capability for specialty projects
Cons
- Recurring paper feed issues with multi-sheet pickup
- Wi-Fi setup is cumbersome and unreliable
- OEM ink cartridges are expensive without CISS
The Epson Artisan 1430 is the printer I recommend to old-school artists who already know and love this platform. It is a refurbished-certified model from years ago, which means prices are far below modern equivalents. For users who already maintain a continuous ink system or who print high volumes on a budget, the 1430 is a legitimate workhorse.
The 6-color Claria ink set produces vibrant prints on glossy and luster photo paper, and on the right fine art stock it is more than acceptable. With a third-party CISS installed, ink cost per print drops dramatically and the total cost of ownership can rival much more expensive units. CD and DVD printing is a niche feature but real for artists who sell physical media.
The Achilles heel is paper handling. The pickup rollers on the 1430 occasionally pull multiple sheets at once, which makes thicker fine art papers a manual-load-only affair. The Wi-Fi setup is also distinctly vintage — about half of buyers find it easier to tether via USB and forget wireless entirely. Once running on a wired setup, it is stable for years.
This is not a printer for casual users. It is for hobbyists and professionals who want a 13-inch photo printer and are willing to invest a weekend in CISS installation, profile loading, and driver setup. The vintage price reflects the work needed, but the upside is a wide-format printer that still produces respectable output at a fraction of modern prices.
For whom it’s good
Artists on a tight budget who already know how to install aftermarket ink systems will get a lot of mileage from this machine. It is also a sensible pick for studios producing CD and DVD archival media. Anyone who wants a reliable wired-connection printer for years of daily use will appreciate the build quality.
For whom it’s bad
Casual users who want a plug-and-play experience should move on. The Wi-Fi workflow is dated. If you print primarily on fine art cotton rag above 250gsm, the paper feed will frustrate you. Finally, in 2026 this is a refurbished model, so warranty coverage varies by seller.
How to Choose a Large Format Printer for Art Prints?
Choosing a large format printer for art prints comes down to five questions, and the answers should narrow your list to one or two machines before you read another spec sheet. Print size, ink chemistry, ink count, running cost, and software ecosystem matter far more than raw resolution numbers. Below is the framework our team uses when readers ask us for personal recommendations.
What print size class do you actually need?
Match the printer to your largest finished piece, not your most common. If 99% of your prints stay at 11×14, a 13×19 (A3+) desktop printer is plenty. If you regularly sell 17×22 limited editions, step up to a 17-inch desktop like the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100. If your work targets 24×36, panoramic prints, or trade-show output, you need a 24-inch roll-fed plotter like the Epson SureColor T2170 or HP DesignJet T210. Anything wider is commercial territory.
Pigment or dye ink?
This is the decision that matters most for art prints. Pigment inks (Canon LUCIA PRO II, Epson UltraChrome, HP Vivera) are archival and last 100 to 200 years in normal lighting. Dye inks (Canon PIXMA PRO-100/PRO-200S, HP consumer models) are richer out of the printer but can fade in months under direct sunlight. For anything sold, exhibited, or gifted, choose pigment. Dye remains a great choice for portfolios, proofs, and personal display prints.
How many inks does the set have?
More inks means wider color gamut and smoother gradients. A 4-color system (HP DesignJet T210, Epson T2170) is fine for line drawings, CAD, and posters. An 8-ink system (Canon PRO-200S, PRO-100) adds dedicated grayscale channels and richer color. A 10-ink system (Epson SureColor P700) adds violet for expanded blues. A 12-ink system (Canon PRO-310 with Chroma Optimizer) is gallery-grade. Match the ink count to the work, not to the brochure.
What is the total cost of ownership?
Ink cartridge cost usually exceeds the printer’s purchase price within two to three years of active use. A 13×19 archival cotton rag print can run into double-digit ink costs at OEM prices, before paper. The EcoTank Photo ET-8550 slashes this by using refillable ink bottles. Printers with third-party CISS or Ink-Owl compatibility can be dramatically cheaper at the cost of some color accuracy and warranty coverage. Always budget 5-year ink costs, not just the printer sticker.
Studio footprint and weight
A 13-inch desktop printer is genuinely desktop-friendly at 25 to 35 pounds. A 17-inch desktop like the Canon PRO-1100 hits 83 pounds and needs a sturdy steel cart. A 24-inch plotter like the Epson T2170 hits 60 pounds and demands dedicated floor or counter space. None of these belong in a small closet. Plan ventilation too: pigment ink printers should run in dry, climate-stable rooms to avoid head clogging.
Canon, Epson, or HP?
For pure fine art photography and watercolour reproduction, Canon and Epson dominate. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO models lead on automated maintenance and gloss uniformity thanks to Chroma Optimizer. Epson SureColor P-series leads on color gamut with violet ink. HP DesignJet leads on raw print speed and the HP Click workflow for technical drawing and CAD. All three brands are reliable; your decision should come down to matching the printer to your typical paper and color priorities.
Software and color management
Canon’s Professional Print and Layout software is the deepest in the industry for soft-proofing and ICC-managed workflows. Epson Print Layout is simpler but adequate for most photographers. HP Click is excellent for batch technical drawing jobs. If you already use Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, any of these will integrate, but plan to spend a weekend setting up profiles and paper definitions before you need to print under deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best printer for high-quality art prints?
For true gallery-grade art prints, our top recommendation is the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 for 13-inch work and the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 for 17-inch output. Both use pigment ink with Chroma Optimizer for archival prints that resist fading for 100+ years. If you print primarily on glossy photo paper for personal use and want the lowest cost per print, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is the best all-around value.
What is the best large format printer for 24×36 prints?
For 24×36 prints, you need at least a 24-inch roll-fed printer. The Epson SureColor T2170 is the most affordable reliable choice for casual use, while the HP DesignJet T210 handles CAD, posters, and signage at a similar price point. For gallery-grade 24-inch pigment art prints in a professional studio, step up to a Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2600 or Epson SureColor P7570.
What is the best printer for art prints in 2026?
In 2026, the best all-around printer for art prints remains the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 at 13 inches and the Canon PRO-1100 at 17 inches for pigment output. For buyers prioritizing lowest ink cost and cartridge-free operation, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 leads. For 24-inch roll printing, the Epson SureColor T2170 and HP DesignJet T210 are the strongest values. Dye-based specialists should look at the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S.
Which printer is used to print large drawings?
Large-format drawings, technical line art, and CAD are the natural home for 24-inch roll-fed plotters like the HP DesignJet T210 or Epson SureColor T2170. These printers use 4-color ink sets optimized for sharp lines and posters rather than wide gamut fine art reproduction, and they auto-feed rolls and sheets up to 24 inches wide. For gallery-quality line drawings on cotton rag paper, the 13-inch and 17-inch pigment printers reviewed above also work well at smaller sizes.
What is a large format printer?
A large format printer is a printer that supports paper widths wider than A4/Letter, typically starting at A3 (13 inches) and going up to 24 or 44 inches or larger. For art prints, large format printers are pigment-based inkjet printers from Canon, Epson, and HP that print at resolutions up to 5760 x 1440 dpi and produce archival, gallery-quality prints on cotton rag, baryta, and canvas media.
Final Verdict: Which Large Format Printer Should You Buy in 2026?
After three months of side-by-side testing, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 remains our Editor’s Choice for the broadest group of buyers — its cartridge-free ink system delivers the lowest cost per archival print and its 6-color Claria ET ink set produces genuinely gallery-grade results. Artists and photographers who need the highest print quality at 13 inches should look at the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310. Professionals producing 17×22 or 17×25 editions will not be disappointed by the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100. For 24-inch roll printing, the Epson SureColor T2170 is the standout value, and the HP DesignJet T210 takes the CAD-and-poster category.
The best large format printers for art prints are not the most expensive machines — they are the ones matched to your print size, ink chemistry, and ink cost tolerance. Start with the pigment-versus-dye question, lock in your print size class, then choose the printer whose running cost matches how often you print. Your art prints will outlast any of these machines by decades.