The best plotter printers for artists make it easier to produce gallery-size artwork, detailed illustrations, posters, and exhibition graphics without outsourcing every large print. The right model depends on your preferred media, color expectations, available workspace, and print volume.
We compared 10 wide-format options from Canon, Epson, and HP, ranging from compact desktop printers to 36-inch studio and professional models. Use the guide below to match features, operating costs, and workflow needs to your creative practice.
Best 10 Plotter Printers for Artists Picks for 2026
Best Overall
- 36-inch wide-format printing
- Five-color pigment ink system
- Automatic media detection and calibration
Best For: Large posters, illustrations, and studio graphics
Best for Photo Prints
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
- Six-color Claria Photo HD ink
- Borderless prints up to 13 x 19 inches
- Compact desktop design with wireless printing
Best For: Detailed photo, illustration, and portfolio prints
Best Value Large Format
- 36-inch wide-format output
- Five-color LUCIA TD pigment inks
- Wi-Fi compatible
Best For: Wide posters and artwork with straightforward connectivity
Best for Mixed Media Workflows
- Handles rolls and sheets
- Automatic sheet/roll switching
- Includes stand, feeder, cutter, and HP Click software
Best For: Posters, rendered graphics, maps, and mixed media sizes
Best Compact Pick
- 24-inch maximum media width
- Compact desktop-friendly design
- Wireless and Wi-Fi Direct printing
Best For: Artists needing wide-format color prints in a space-conscious studio
Best 36-Inch Production Pick
- Supports media up to 36 inches
- Five-color ink configuration
- Includes listed 1-year onsite warranty
Best For: Studios producing large color artwork over a wired network
Best Workflow Pick
- 36-inch rolls plus 13-by-19-inch sheets
- Automatic sheet/roll switching
- Includes HP Click and 2-year onsite support
Best For: Artists managing varied large-format projects and media sizes
Best Multifunction Plotter for Artists
- Prints, scans, and copies in one large-format unit
- Handles rolls and sheets up to 24 inches wide
- Offers Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile printing
Best For: Artists and studios needing multifunction document workflows
Best Desktop Poster Plotter for Artists
- Prints colorful posters on roll or cut-sheet media
- Includes 280 ml of four-color ink
- Supports Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet
Best For: Artists producing posters, banners, and display graphics
Best Compact CAD Plotter for Artists
- Handles 24-inch rolls with automatic cutting
- Supports precise CAD lines, posters, maps, and patterns
- Includes HP Click file-checking and nesting tools
Best For: Artists and makers working with technical or text-heavy large-format designs
Best Overall – Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340
For artists comparing plotter printers for artists, the Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 is a strong large-format option for posters, illustrations, and other color work. Its 36-inch roll capacity, five-color pigment ink system, automatic media detection, and color calibration make it practical for producing consistent prints across different media.
Best For: Artists who need wide, vibrant poster and graphic prints with convenient media handling.
Pros:
- Prints up to 36 inches wide at up to 2400 x 1200 dpi.
- Five-color pigment inks deliver crisp text, sharp lines, and vibrant images.
- Automatic media detection and color calibration simplify repeatable printing.
- Includes a stand, catch basket, and 300 ml of starter ink.
Cons:
- Its 130.5-pound weight and 57.6-inch width require substantial studio space.
- It is a print-only machine without built-in scanning or copying functionality.
The TM-340 is a capable choice for artists making large posters and display graphics. The stand and automated setup features add convenience, though its size makes it better suited to a dedicated workspace than a compact studio.
Best for Photo Prints – Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is a compact alternative for artists evaluating plotter printers for artists and prioritizing detailed photo and artwork output over very large roll printing. Its six-color Claria Photo HD ink system adds red and gray inks for a wide color gamut and enhanced black-and-white prints, with borderless output up to 13 by 19 inches.
Best For: Artists who want high-quality desktop photo and art prints in sizes up to 13 by 19 inches.
Pros:
- Six-color ink includes red and gray for expanded color and monochrome detail.
- Produces professional-quality borderless prints up to 13 by 19 inches.
- Compact design fits on a desktop and weighs 18.7 pounds.
- Supports wireless printing, automatic two-sided printing, and a 200-sheet front tray.
Cons:
- Its maximum 13-by-19-inch media size is much smaller than a 36-inch plotter.
- The system is designed for Epson Genuine Cartridges.
For artists working primarily with photographs, illustrations, and smaller portfolio pieces, the XP-15000 offers strong color flexibility in a space-conscious design. It is not a roll-feed plotter, but it is easier to place in a home studio or workroom.
Best Value Large Format – Canon imagePROGRAF TM-300
Artists searching for plotter printers for artists may find the Canon imagePROGRAF TM-300 appealing when wide output and straightforward operation matter most. This 36-inch inkjet plotter uses five-color LUCIA TD pigment inks, supports Wi-Fi, and offers 2400 x 1200 dpi resolution for posters, line work, and other large-format projects.
Best For: Artists who need 36-inch printing with pigment inks and wireless connectivity.
Pros:
- Supports media up to 36 inches wide and 59 feet long.
- Five-color LUCIA TD pigment inks are suited to crisp, durable-looking output.
- Offers 2400 x 1200 dpi color resolution.
- Includes Wi-Fi compatibility for flexible studio placement.
Cons:
- The supplied specifications list a one-year on-site warranty.
- Only one sheet is listed for maximum sheet and output capacity.
- The supplied notes do not include a stand or catch basket.
The TM-300 is a practical large-format choice for artists who want wide pigment-ink printing without moving to a more feature-heavy setup. Confirm the included accessories and workspace requirements before buying.
Best for Mixed Media Workflows – HP DesignJet T630
The HP DesignJet T630 is a versatile pick for artists considering plotter printers for artists alongside technical and presentation work. It accepts rolls up to 36 inches wide and sheets up to 13 by 19 inches, while the automatic sheet feeder, roll feed, cutter, media bin, and included stand support a more organized production workflow.
Best For: Artists who print a mix of large posters, maps, rendered graphics, and smaller sheet-based artwork.
Pros:
- Handles both 36-inch rolls and sheets up to 13 by 19 inches.
- Automatically switches between sheet and roll feed.
- Includes a stand, media bin, automatic sheet feeder, and horizontal cutter.
- HP Click software supports PDF checking, alerts, auto-nesting, and drag-and-drop printing.
Cons:
- At 123 pounds and 52 inches wide, it needs substantial floor space.
- It uses HP OEM ink cartridges for optimal print quality and printer longevity.
- The listed one-year limited warranty is shorter than some extended-coverage options.
The T630 stands out when an artist needs flexible media handling and a smoother roll-to-sheet workflow. Its included stand and software are useful for production environments, though the printer is a major investment in space and equipment.
Best Compact Pick – Epson SureColor T3170
For artists looking for plotter printers for artists that fit into a smaller studio or office, the Epson SureColor T3170 offers a practical balance of wide-format capability and compact design. It supports media up to 24 inches wide, reaches 2400 x 1200 dpi resolution, and can produce A1/D-size prints in about 34 seconds.
Best For: Artists who need desktop-friendly wide-format color printing for drawings, posters, and other creative work.
Pros:
- Compact 38-inch-wide design can sit on a desktop or optional stand.
- Prints up to 24-inch-wide media at 2400 x 1200 dpi.
- Wireless, Wi-Fi Direct, USB, and Ethernet connectivity support flexible workflows.
- Large 4.3-inch color touchscreen is designed for straightforward operation.
Cons:
- It is limited to 24-inch maximum media, smaller than the other plotters here.
- The optional stand is sold separately.
- Simplex printing and a 30-sheet capacity may not suit high-volume jobs.
The T3170 is a strong choice when studio space matters as much as print size. Its wireless features and touchscreen make it easy to place into an existing creative setup, while its 24-inch format covers many illustration, presentation, and design needs.
Best 36-Inch Production Pick – Canon imagePROGRAF iPF780
The Canon imagePROGRAF iPF780 is a wired 36-inch plotter suited to artists and studios producing larger drawings, posters, and color graphics. Its 2400 x 1200 dpi resolution, five-ink color system, and included 1-year onsite warranty make it geared toward more substantial wide-format workflows.
Best For: Artists and creative workgroups that need 36-inch color output and prefer a network-ready, Ethernet-based printer.
Pros:
- Handles media up to 36 inches wide for larger artwork and layouts.
- Uses cyan, magenta, yellow, black, and matte black inks.
- Offers 2400 x 1200 dpi color and black-and-white resolution.
- Includes a 1-year onsite warranty from the listed reseller.
Cons:
- At 239 pounds, it is considerably less portable than a desktop plotter.
- Connectivity is wired through Ethernet rather than wireless.
- The listed print speeds are relatively modest, at up to 2.86 color pages per minute.
The iPF780 makes the most sense when 36-inch output is a priority and the printer can remain in a dedicated production area. Its wired network connection and larger ink capacities favor a stable studio or shared-workspace installation over mobile use.
Best Workflow Pick – HP DesignJet T650
For artists who need plotter printers for artists with flexible media handling, the HP DesignJet T650 combines 36-inch roll printing with an automatic sheet feeder for sheets up to 13 by 19 inches. It also includes HP Click software, wireless and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, and a 2-year onsite support package.
Best For: Artists and design professionals printing mixed-size posters, maps, technical drawings, renders, and other large-format projects.
Pros:
- Supports 36-inch rolls and 13-by-19-inch sheets with automatic sheet/roll switching.
- Automatic horizontal cutter and media bin streamline print handling.
- HP Click provides PDF checking, alerts, auto-nesting, and drag-and-drop printing.
- Includes wireless, Gigabit Ethernet, USB, app control, and 2-year onsite support.
Cons:
- Its listed 52-inch width and 37-inch height require substantial floor space.
- HP recommends using only OEM HP 712 and 713 ink cartridges.
- The printer is designed for large-format workflows rather than compact desktop use.
The T650 is the most workflow-focused option in this group. Automatic media switching and HP Click can reduce manual setup for artists handling varied project sizes, while the included support package adds reassurance for a larger studio investment.
Best Multifunction Plotter for Artists – HP DesignJet T830
For artists who need more than printing, the HP DesignJet T830 is a versatile choice among plotter printers for artists. It combines color large-format printing with scanning and copying, supports media up to 24 inches wide, and offers Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile printing.
Best For: Architecture studios, construction offices, and artists who need print, scan, and copy functions in a compact large-format setup.
Pros:
- Prints on sheets and rolls up to 24 inches wide.
- Combines printing, scanning, and copying in one machine.
- Supports Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, HP Smart, and mobile printing.
- Includes HP Click software for project sets and PDF documents.
Cons:
- At 112.4 pounds, it is substantially heavier than the other listed models.
- HP dynamic security may restrict some non-HP cartridges.
- The multifunction design may be more than print-only artists need.
The T830 stands out when workflow flexibility matters as much as image output. Its multifunction design and broad connectivity are useful for collaborative studios, while the included stand and media bin support an organized workspace.
Best Desktop Poster Plotter for Artists – Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21
The Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21 is a practical option for artists focused on posters, banners, and colorful presentation work. This 24-inch printer supports both roll and cut-sheet media, includes automatic feeding and cutting features, and ships with 280 ml of ink.
Best For: Artists creating vibrant posters, banners, and graphics who want a print-only 24-inch machine with wireless and wired connectivity.
Pros:
- Prints crisp text and vibrant images with four-color ink.
- Supports roll media and cut sheets with an automatic sheet feeder.
- Includes a full 280 ml set of ink, with 70 ml per color.
- Offers Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet connectivity.
Cons:
- It is print-only and does not scan or copy.
- The supplied specifications list a maximum media size of 11.69 by 24 inches, so media compatibility should be checked for specific projects.
- Its simplex design does not provide automatic duplex printing.
The TC-21 is appealing for artists who want straightforward large-format color printing without multifunction features. Its included ink supply and automatic roll and sheet handling make it a useful choice for recurring poster and display jobs.
Best Compact CAD Plotter for Artists – HP DesignJet T210
HP DesignJet T210 Large Format 24-inch Plotter Printer, for Easy CAD & Poster Prints (8AG32D)
Check Price On AmazonThe HP DesignJet T210 is a compact 24-inch plotter suited to artists who also work with technical drawings, maps, patterns, or text-heavy layouts. It supports roll media up to 24 inches wide, offers Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet, and includes HP Click tools for checking and submitting files efficiently.
Best For: Artists, designers, and makers who need precise line work, posters, maps, or professional sewing patterns in a relatively lightweight printer.
Pros:
- Supports technical line drawings, renders, posters, maps, and sewing patterns.
- Prints up to 24-inch-wide rolls and uses an automatic horizontal cutter.
- HP Click provides PDF error checking, alerts, auto-nesting, and drag-and-drop submission.
- Weighs 47.4 pounds and supports Wi-Fi, USB, and Gigabit Ethernet.
Cons:
- The automatic sheet feeder is an optional accessory.
- Its listed A1/D print speed is up to 45 seconds per page, slower than the T830.
- HP recommends using HP OEM ink cartridges for print quality and longevity.
The T210 is a strong fit when workspace and workflow efficiency are priorities. It is lighter and simpler than a multifunction plotter, while its file-management tools and broad format support help reduce setup errors and paper waste.
How We Picked the Best Plotter Printers for Artists
We focused on practical features that affect an artist’s day-to-day workflow: maximum paper width, color and ink technology, media handling, connectivity, operating convenience, and the type of work each printer is designed to produce. The selection includes desktop wide-format printers for smaller studios, 24-inch models for posters and artwork, and 36-inch machines for large canvases, plans, and exhibition graphics.
We also considered useful extras such as roll-paper support, automatic cutters, sheet feeders, stands, media bins, touchscreen or mobile control, and multifunction scanning. Because image quality and running costs can vary substantially, buyers should verify current ink prices, supported media, and manufacturer specifications before purchasing.
Quick Comparison
| Best For | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Small studios | Desktop design, wireless printing, compact footprint, and standard sheet support |
| Posters and art prints | 24-inch or wider output, strong color reproduction, roll-paper handling, and borderless options |
| Large artwork | 36-inch maximum width, sturdy media support, accurate color calibration, and a dedicated stand |
| Mixed creative and technical work | Reliable line detail, multiple paper types, automatic media detection, and efficient ink management |
| Studios needing convenience | Wireless control, mobile printing, automatic cutting, sheet feeders, or multifunction features |
Key Buying Factors for Plotter Printers for Artists
Print Width and Workspace
Choose the widest format you regularly need rather than the largest size available. A 24-inch printer suits many posters and art prints, while a 36-inch model is better for oversized illustrations, architectural graphics, and exhibition pieces. Measure doorways, tables, and clearance around the printer before buying.
Color Quality and Ink System
Artists should examine the printer’s color set, black-ink configuration, resolution, and compatibility with fine-art or glossy media. More ink channels can improve tonal transitions and color accuracy, but may also increase replacement costs. For professional work, look for color-management tools and media profiles that support a calibrated monitor-to-printer workflow.
Media Handling
Roll support is valuable for panoramic pieces and long posters, while a sheet feeder is convenient for individual prints. Automatic cutters save time but can be less suitable for specialty papers or artwork that requires manual trimming. Confirm paper thickness, roll diameter, and specialty-media compatibility.
Speed, Connectivity, and Maintenance
Speed matters when producing batches, but advertised rates may vary by quality setting and media. Wireless and mobile printing simplify studio placement, while Ethernet can provide a more stable professional connection. Check cartridge capacity, printhead maintenance, warranty coverage, and the availability of replacement parts.
Who Should Buy Which Plotter Printers for Artists?
Choose a Desktop Wide-Format Model If Space Is Limited
A compact Epson wide-format printer is a sensible choice for artists working primarily with smaller posters, photographs, illustrations, and design proofs. It offers more flexibility than a standard letter-size printer without requiring a full production setup.
Choose a 24-Inch Printer for Versatile Studio Output
Canon and HP 24-inch options suit artists who need larger posters and artwork but do not routinely print at full 36-inch width. Look for automatic roll and sheet handling if you switch frequently between project types.
Choose a 36-Inch Model for Serious Large-Format Work
The Canon and HP 36-inch printers are better suited to professional studios, galleries, architecture-related artwork, and frequent poster production. Their larger footprint and higher consumable commitment make the most sense when oversized output is part of your regular business.
Choose Multifunction Features When Scanning Matters
An all-in-one plotter can be worthwhile for artists who digitize sketches, reproduce physical artwork, or need copies alongside prints. If scanning is occasional, a dedicated printer may provide better value and a simpler workflow.