[ Free Consultation ] Are you interested in getting a new wide-format poster printer but have no idea where to start? Get help from our top tech experts in a free consultation call.
Click Here to Schedule Your Free Consultation Call

 

Many of our clients are asking us about printing posters and other signage. Poster printing used to be a privilege reserved exclusively for high-end commercial print shops due to the cost of the equipment. 


However, poster creation and printing are much more accessible and cost-effective for everyone today. The equipment has become more powerful,  easier to use, and affordable. If you are considering exploring a new printer for poster printing, here are some things to consider:

 

Types of Wide Format Printers for Poster Printing

People commonly use wide-format printers like the Canon S-Series and HP DesignJet Z-Series to print posters. These printers boast a high resolution and can print a wide range of colors, making them perfect for producing high-quality posters.

 

Canon PRO S Series

If you're a graphic arts print service provider who needs to handle large volumes of printing while maintaining optimal color management, you might find the Canon PRO S-Series Plotter Printers useful. This series includes the PRO-4100S (44-inch) and PRO-6100S (60-inch) models, specifically designed for your needs.PRO-6100S (60-inch) models are specifically designed for your needs.

 

 

 

HP DesignJet Z Series

The HP DesignJet Z-Series is a top-of-the-line option for those who prioritize precision and consistency in their poster printing. With models like the Z6 and Z9+, this series is designed for professional photographers, graphic designers, and print service providers who demand the highest quality from their equipment.

 

These printers boast impressive features such as advanced color management, automatic color calibration, and the ability to print on a variety of media types. The HP DesignJet Z-Series is ideal for creating high-impact indoor prints that are sure to wow your audience with their stunning detail and vibrant colors. Whether you're printing large-scale photographs or intricate graphics, the HP DesignJet Z-Series is sure to deliver exceptional results every time.

 

 

 

Printing Posters at a Print Shop

If you work from home and need to produce some large signs or posters, you can take your poster design to a local print shop that offers poster printing services. You can upload your creation to their website, bring it in on a USB drive, and print it at the store.

 

This method is acceptable for occasional printing or low-volume work. However, it can be expensive. If you have an ongoing need for printing posters, having your printer can be a better solution as it significantly reduces the cost per print by tens of dollars per page. The final prices depend on the variable input costs of ink and print media.

 

Printing Posters at Home

While it may seem like a good idea to print a poster on multiple sheets of paper and piece them together, there are better approaches than this, and, likely, you will ultimately not be happy with the results. 

Instead, a small 24-inch roll-fed printer in your home office or home studio is a much better option for printing posters. These smaller models take up a small amount of floor space but still pack the power of the larger models. Plus, Canon and HP poster printers can print on various media, including photo paper, vinyl, and canvas.

 

Printing Posters for Business

When printing posters for business, it is crucial to have access to high-quality printing equipment. While printing posters at a print shop is a viable option for occasional or low-volume work, businesses that require frequent poster printing should consider investing in a printer for their office or studio.

 

HP DesignJet Z9+ Enviro PSP 03

A printer on-site lets you quickly and easily print as many posters as you need without waiting for a print shop to do it. This situation provides more flexibility and control over the printing process, which is essential for businesses that must meet tight deadlines.

 

Your printer can significantly reduce print costs by tens of dollars per page. The final prices depend on the variable input costs of ink and print media. Investing in a printer for your business can save time and money in the long run while ensuring that your posters are of the highest quality.

 

Tips for Making Great Posters

When making great posters, there are a few essential tips to remember. First and foremost, it's crucial to use high-quality images and graphics. This practice means selecting images that are high-resolution and in focus. Likewise, an image must be clear and pixelated to maintain the overall quality of the poster.

 

To make a great poster, keep the design simple and uncluttered. Achieve this by using a clean layout with ample white space and avoiding overloading the sign with too many images or too much text. If a poster is cluttered, it can be overwhelming and challenging to read, which may discourage viewers from engaging with the message.

 

In terms of text, it's crucial to ensure that it is easy to read. Use a legible and appropriate font for the poster's content. Use only a few variable fonts; otherwise, the poster may look disorganized and confusing. Similarly, using too many clashing colors can distract from the message you are trying to convey. It's best to stick to just a few colors that complement one another.

 

Finally, it's important to avoid using low-quality images. These can be pixelated or blurry, making the poster look unprofessional. Instead, ensure that all images, photos, and graphics are high quality. This approach helps yield better results to fit with the overall aesthetic of the poster.

 

Final Thoughts on Poster Printing

Technology advancements have made creating and printing high-quality posters more accessible and cost-effective. However, whether you want to print a few signs for personal use or regularly produce posters for your business, it is essential to consider the correct type of wide-format printer that suits your needs.

 

To print high-quality posters that effectively convey your message, you must still meet traditional standards, such as using high-quality images and paying close attention to design principles. However, following these guidelines can produce eye-catching, effective, and budget-friendly posters using a new HP or Canon poster printer.


Poster Ideas and Inspiration

Check out these marketing ideas for using a wide format printer for advertising and promotional graphics. I hope they can help stimulate some ideas.


  • Window displays

  • Hanging displays

  • Mounted posters

  • Ceiling banners

  • Back-lit signs

  • Seasonal product announcements

  • Special offers

  • Company announcements

  • OSHA posters and charts

  • And other posters to print



Get your system for posters to print

 

 

Learn more about innovative Canon technology in our Definitive Guide to Canon Plotters.


Editor's note: This article was initially published in November 2011 and has been updated for relevance and accuracy.

 

You Can Count on TAVCO

In the complex landscape of AEC, you need a vendor as committed to quality and reliability as you are. TAVCO brings you just that—with high-performance tools like our durable large-format plotters, cutting-edge 3D scanners, and innovative software solutions. 

 

We build long-term relationships fortified by unwavering support and innovative solutions that keep you ahead of the curve. Plus, when you have questions or need advice—including cost-effective options—you can always speak directly with a live TAVCO specialist, not a bot or an automated attendant.

👇👇👇

Ready to take the next step? Chat with a TAVCO specialist today to tailor solutions for your unique needs.

🛒 Or explore our range of products at www.tavcotech.com.

 

Other notable web pages about best poster printers:

We Are Teachers | HP | Techradar | PC Mag

Kevin Vaughan
Post by Kevin Vaughan
December 15, 2022
Kevin Vaughan is the Vice President of TAVCO and heads up Sales, Digital Marketing, and E-Commerce channels. With over two decades of experience, he has received various awards for sales performance and channel growth. Published articles focus on AEC technologies including laser scanning, 3D cameras, CAD software, and large format plotters. When he is not geeking out on new technologies, you can find him hanging with his wife and kids, playing guitar, or Scuba diving.

Comments