The best plotter printers for artists make it easier to turn digital illustrations, photography, CAD-inspired artwork, and large posters into finished physical pieces. The right model depends on your preferred media, print size, color expectations, workspace, and ongoing ink costs.
This roundup compares 10 wide-format options from HP and Epson, including desktop-friendly printers, photo-focused all-in-ones, and larger DesignJet models built for serious output.
Best 10 Plotter Printers for Artists Picks for 2026
Best CAD-to-Canvas Pick
- 24-inch roll printing for oversized artwork
- Automatic roll and sheet handling
- HP Click simplifies file setup
Best For: Technical drawings, patterns, posters, and maps
Best Photo-Focused Choice
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
- Six-color photo ink with red and gray
- Borderless output up to 13 by 19 inches
- Compact desktop-friendly design
Best For: Detailed photos, illustrations, and monochrome art prints
Best Supported Large-Format Pick
- 24-inch roll and 13-by-19-inch sheet support
- Automatic media switching and cutter
- Two-year onsite and phone support
Best For: Professional studios producing frequent large-format work
Best Compact 24-Inch Plotter
- 24-inch roll support in a compact design
- 43-second A1/D print speed
- Pigment ink and wireless printing
Best For: Posters, line drawings, and small-studio large-format work
Best for Technical Precision
- Supports rolls up to 36 inches wide
- Automatic sheet/roll switching and cutter
- HP Click workflow tools included
Best For: Technical drawings, maps, posters, and oversized studio work
Best for Affordable Art Prints
- Six-color refillable ink system
- Prints media up to 13 by 19 inches
- Includes scanning and copying
Best For: Photo prints, graphics, and creative projects
Best for Comfort
- Includes two-year onsite HP support
- Handles rolls up to 36 inches wide
- Automatic media switching and HP Click software
Best For: Professional studios needing supported large-format output
Best Compact Pick
- Prints A1/D-size output in about 34 seconds
- Compact 24-inch wide-format design
- Wireless and Wi-Fi Direct connectivity
Best For: Artists needing wide-format color printing in a compact workspace
Best Full-Featured Studio Pick
- Handles 24-inch rolls and 13-by-19-inch sheets
- Includes stand, media bin, and sheet feeder
- HP Click supports streamlined job preparation
Best For: Studios producing varied large-format posters, maps, and line work
Best Warranty Value
- Supports 24-inch-wide roll media
- Includes two-year HP Care Pack coverage
- Automatic cutter simplifies roll printing
Best For: Small studios wanting reliable wide-format printing with added coverage
Best CAD-to-Canvas Pick – HP DesignJet T210
HP DesignJet T210 Large Format 24-inch Plotter Printer, for Easy CAD & Poster Prints (8AG32D)
Check Price On AmazonFor artists who need plotter printers for artists that can handle both detailed line work and oversized creative output, the HP DesignJet T210 offers a practical 24-inch format. Its roll and sheet feeding, automatic cutter, and HP Click workflow make it well suited to posters, maps, patterns, and precision-heavy designs.
Best For: Artists creating technical drawings, sewing patterns, posters, maps, and crisp CAD-style renders.
Pros:
- Prints on media rolls up to 24 inches wide.
- Supports automatic roll or sheet feeding with a horizontal cutter.
- HP Click provides PDF checking, auto-nesting, and easy drag-and-drop printing.
- Works over Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, or USB and supports mobile management.
Cons:
- The optional automatic sheet feeder is needed for sheets up to 13 by 19 inches.
- Uses HP 712 ink cartridges and an HP 713 printhead.
- Its 47.4-pound build requires dedicated workspace.
The T210 is a strong choice when accurate lines and flexible large-format handling matter more than specialized photo printing. It offers useful automation for artists moving between different project sizes.
Best Photo-Focused Choice – Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is a compact option for artists seeking plotter printers for artists with an emphasis on vivid, detailed photo and artwork prints rather than true 24-inch plotting. It produces borderless prints up to 13 by 19 inches and uses six-color Claria Photo HD ink for an expanded color range.
Best For: Artists printing gallery-style photos, illustrations, color studies, and black-and-white work up to 13 by 19 inches.
Pros:
- Six-color ink includes red and gray for a wide color gamut and enhanced monochrome output.
- Supports borderless printing up to 13 by 19 inches.
- Compact desktop design is 30 percent smaller than its predecessor.
- Includes a 50-sheet specialty-media tray and automatic two-sided printing.
Cons:
- Its maximum media size is 13 by 19 inches, smaller than the other plotters here.
- Epson Genuine Cartridges are required for the intended system and warranty coverage.
- It is designed for photo and office printing, not roll-fed output.
Choose the XP-15000 if color richness and desktop convenience are your priorities. It is less suitable for oversized posters or continuous roll media, but it is a capable choice for detailed art prints within A3+ dimensions.
Best Supported Large-Format Pick – HP DesignJet T650
For artists who want plotter printers for artists with broad media flexibility and stronger service coverage, the HP DesignJet T650 is a well-equipped 24-inch model. It combines roll and sheet support, automatic switching, fast A1/D printing, and two years of onsite and phone support.
Best For: Professional artists, architects, and designers producing technical drawings, maps, posters, and large-format renders.
Pros:
- Handles rolls up to 24 inches wide and sheets up to 13 by 19 inches with the included feeder.
- Automatically switches between roll and sheet media and includes a cutter and media bin.
- Prints an A1/D-size page in up to 26 seconds, according to the supplied specifications.
- Includes two-year onsite and phone support.
Cons:
- At 65 pounds and 24 by 40 by 37 inches, it needs substantial space.
- Uses HP 712 cartridges and an HP 713 printhead.
- Its large-format focus may be more than needed for artists making only small prints.
The T650 stands out for production convenience and included support. It is a strong fit for studios that regularly alternate between large rolls and smaller sheets and want help available if setup or service issues arise.
Best Compact 24-Inch Plotter – Epson SureColor T2170
The Epson SureColor T2170 gives artists a relatively compact path to 24-inch printing. Among plotter printers for artists, it is appealing for its desktop-oriented design, 43-second A1/D print speed, touchscreen controls, wireless connectivity, and pigment-based UltraChrome XD2 ink.
Best For: Artists and small studios printing posters, blueprints, line drawings, and other sharp 24-inch-wide work.
Pros:
- Prints A1/D-size output in 43 seconds and supports resolutions up to 2400 dpi.
- Accepts rolls up to 24 inches wide and sheets up to 11 by 17 inches.
- PrecisionCore printhead and nozzle verification support consistent detail.
- Offers wireless, Wi-Fi Direct, USB, and a large 4.3-inch color touchscreen.
Cons:
- The optional stand is sold separately.
- Media is not included with the printer.
- It is designed exclusively for Epson cartridges.
The T2170 is a practical middle ground for artists who want oversized output without a more elaborate studio setup. Its pigment ink and wireless controls make it especially convenient for posters and line-focused work.
Best for Technical Precision – HP DesignJet T630
For artists who also create maps, posters, or highly detailed line work, the HP DesignJet T630 is a large-format option among plotter printers for artists. It supports media rolls up to 36 inches wide, plus sheets up to 13 by 19 inches with its automatic feeder, making it useful for oversized creative and technical projects.
Best For: Artists, architects, and designers producing precise line drawings, renders, maps, posters, and signage.
Pros:
- Prints on rolls up to 36 inches wide.
- Automatic sheet/roll switching, cutter, and media bin simplify handling.
- HP Click software supports PDF error checking, alerts, and auto-nesting.
- Offers Ethernet, USB, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Cons:
- Its 123-pound, 52-inch-wide design requires substantial workspace.
- Uses HP OEM 712 and 713 ink supplies.
- Designed for printing only, without general-purpose scanning or copying.
The T630 is a practical fit when accurate lines and genuinely large output matter more than compact size. Its included stand, media bin, and automated media handling make it particularly suitable for a studio or professional workspace.
Best for Affordable Art Prints – Epson EcoTank ET-8550
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a strong choice for artists who prioritize vibrant photo-quality prints and manageable ink costs over roll-fed output. As one of the more compact plotter printers for artists, it handles media up to 13 by 19 inches and includes scanning and copying for broader creative workflows.
Best For: Artists making photo prints, graphics, illustrations, and creative projects up to 13 by 19 inches.
Pros:
- Uses refillable six-color Claria ET Premium inks.
- Prints up to 13 by 19 inches, including common photo and A3 sizes.
- Includes printer, scanner, and copier functions.
- Ink bottles are designed to reduce cartridge waste and replacement frequency.
Cons:
- It does not support the 36-inch-wide roll media used by dedicated plotters.
- Supplied connectivity details list USB rather than Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
- Its intended uses are centered on home creative printing rather than large-format technical production.
Choose the ET-8550 if your artwork fits within 13 by 19 inches and you want economical, high-quality color printing with an integrated scanner and copier. It is less suitable for oversized posters or continuous roll projects.
Best for Comfort – HP DesignJet T650
The HP DesignJet T650 combines large-format capability with a two-year onsite support package, making it a compelling option for artists and professionals who need dependable oversized output. It handles rolls up to 36 inches wide and sheets up to 13 by 19 inches while automatically switching between media sources.
Best For: Artists, design studios, architects, and engineers producing large posters, maps, technical drawings, and CAD output.
Pros:
- Supports 36-inch-wide rolls and up to 13-by-19-inch sheets.
- Automatic sheet/roll switching and horizontal cutting streamline production.
- Includes a two-year HP Care Pack with onsite support.
- HP Click offers error checking, auto-nesting, and simplified file printing.
Cons:
- The 52-inch-wide, 37-inch-tall footprint requires dedicated space.
- Uses HP OEM 712 ink cartridges and a 713 printhead.
- It is a print-only device without built-in scanning or copying.
The T650 is the better fit when uptime and support are important alongside large-format capability. Its automated media handling and stated speed of up to 82 A1/D prints per hour make it suited to active professional workflows.
Best Compact Pick – Epson SureColor T3170
For artists seeking plotter printers for artists that fit a smaller studio or office, the Epson SureColor T3170 combines a desktop-friendly design with wide-format color printing. It supports media up to 24 inches wide, offers 2400 x 1200 dpi resolution, and can produce A1/D-size prints in about 34 seconds.
Best For: Artists and designers who want compact, connected wide-format printing for posters, plans, and other color work.
Pros:
- Compact 38-inch-wide design can sit on a desktop or optional stand.
- Supports media up to 24 inches wide with 2400 x 1200 dpi resolution.
- Wireless and Wi-Fi Direct connectivity supports printing from computers, tablets, and smartphones.
- Large 4.3-inch color touchscreen simplifies operation.
Cons:
- The optional stand is sold separately.
- It has a 30-sheet maximum capacity and simplex printing.
- The listed print speed is 6 color pages per minute, so high-volume jobs may take longer.
The T3170 is a practical choice when workspace and convenience matter as much as output size. Its wireless features and compact footprint make it especially appealing for independent artists, while the 24-inch maximum media width supports substantial presentation prints.
Best Full-Featured Studio Pick – HP DesignJet T630
The HP DesignJet T630 is one of the more versatile plotter printers for artists who work with posters, maps, technical drawings, or other large-format projects. It handles rolls up to 24 inches wide and sheets up to 13 by 19 inches, with an included automatic sheet feeder, stand, media bin, and automatic roll-to-sheet switching.
Best For: Artists, studios, and design professionals producing mixed-size posters, maps, renders, and precise line work.
Pros:
- Supports 24-inch-wide rolls and up to 13-by-19-inch sheets.
- Included stand, media bin, automatic sheet feeder, and horizontal cutter improve workflow.
- HP Click software provides PDF error checking, alerts, auto-nesting, and drag-and-drop printing.
- Offers Ethernet, USB, and Wi-Fi connectivity plus mobile management through HP Smart.
Cons:
- At 63 pounds and 40 inches wide, it requires substantial floor space.
- It is designed for HP 712 and HP 713 OEM ink cartridges.
- The listed color and black-and-white speed is 1.9 pages per minute.
The T630 is a strong fit for artists who need flexible media handling rather than a simple desktop printer. Its included accessories and workflow software reduce manual setup, while the wide roll support accommodates larger posters and presentation pieces.
Best Warranty Value – HP DesignJet T230
For artists comparing plotter printers for artists on a practical budget, the HP DesignJet T230 offers 24-inch roll printing for posters, patterns, signage, maps, and technical artwork. It includes a two-year HP Care Pack, automatic horizontal cutting, and wired or wireless connectivity for flexible studio use.
Best For: Artists and small studios that need 24-inch output with straightforward media handling and extended warranty coverage.
Pros:
- Prints on rolls up to 24 inches wide and supports multiple large-format media types.
- Automatic horizontal cutter helps finish roll-fed projects efficiently.
- Includes a two-year onsite warranty support package.
- Supports Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi, mobile devices, and desktop operating systems.
Cons:
- The automatic sheet feeder for up to 13-by-19-inch sheets is optional.
- The listed print speed is 1.7 pages per minute.
- It is designed for HP 712 and HP 713 OEM ink cartridges.
The T230 makes sense for buyers who prioritize dependable wide-format capability and warranty coverage over faster production. It is a straightforward option for posters, sewing patterns, indoor signage, and other projects that benefit from 24-inch roll support.
How We Picked the Best Plotter Printers for Artists
We focused on the factors that matter most for creative work: maximum paper width, color and photo capability, media handling, connectivity, footprint, operating costs, and suitability for posters, illustrations, photography, and presentation pieces. The selection includes both dedicated wide-format printers and photo-oriented alternatives, so artists can match the printer to the work they produce most often.
We also considered practical differences between 24-inch and 36-inch machines. A wider printer can handle larger finished pieces, but it typically requires more room, higher media costs, and a larger budget. Wireless printing and automatic sheet handling are useful for studios where convenience matters as much as output size.
Quick Comparison
| Best For | Recommended Type | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday posters and CAD-style artwork | 24-inch HP DesignJet | Practical wide-format workflow and straightforward operation |
| High-quality photos and fine-art color | Epson photo printer | Photo-focused ink systems and broad media flexibility |
| Large studio prints | 36-inch HP DesignJet | Supports wider artwork and poster formats |
| Compact creative workspaces | Epson desktop plotter | Wide-format capability in a smaller footprint |
| Lower ink cost over time | Epson EcoTank | Refillable tank design can reduce cartridge replacement |
Key Buying Factors for Plotter Printers for Artists
Print Width and Workspace
Choose a 24-inch model if you mainly create posters, architectural-style drawings, canvas pieces, or artwork for standard display frames. A 36-inch printer is better for oversized posters and gallery-scale work, but measure your available space before buying. Account for clearance around the printer and room for finished prints.
Color Quality and Ink System
Photographers and digital artists should prioritize printers designed for detailed color reproduction and smooth tonal transitions. Dedicated photo models may be preferable for art prints, while DesignJet models are often better suited to line drawings, diagrams, posters, and mixed creative output. Cartridge-based systems can deliver excellent results, whereas refillable tanks may offer a lower cost per print.
Media Handling and Workflow
Check whether the printer supports rolls, cut sheets, heavier paper, specialty media, or automatic sheet feeding. Features such as a media bin, stand, wireless printing, and easy mobile or computer connectivity can make a meaningful difference in a busy studio.
Running Costs
Do not compare printers by purchase price alone. Estimate ink usage, specialty paper, replacement printheads if applicable, and the cost of large-format media. If you print frequently, an efficient ink system may matter more than a lower initial price.
Who Should Buy Which Plotter Printers for Artists?
Choose a compact Epson desktop model if space is limited but you still need wide-format output. Pick an Epson photo-focused printer for photography, detailed illustrations, and gallery-style color work. A 24-inch HP DesignJet is a sensible all-around choice for posters, technical artwork, and regular large prints. Choose a 36-inch HP DesignJet when maximum print width and a more substantial studio workflow are the priorities.
Before ordering, confirm operating-system compatibility, supported media sizes, included accessories, warranty coverage, and whether the printer ships with a stand or requires one separately. The best choice is the model that fits both your artwork dimensions and the amount you realistically print each month.