10 Best Architectural Printers 2025 in the United States

The Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21 is a solid choice for architects or designers needing large, high-quality prints up to 24 inches wide. Its print resolution maxes out at 1200 x 1200 dpi for color, which ensures sharp, vibrant posters and detailed drawings. It handles both roll and cut-sheet paper, offering flexibility for different project types, and can print on various media like labels and banner paper.

The print speed is moderate, with 15 pages per minute in color, suitable for small to medium batch jobs but not for high-volume production. The printer uses a 4-color CMYK ink system, and comes with a generous 280 ml ink supply, reducing frequent refills and lowering running costs. Connectivity options are versatile, supporting USB, Ethernet, and built-in Wi-Fi, allowing easy connection from computers or mobile devices. Maintenance is user-friendly thanks to a tiltable touchscreen and convenient front/top access for ink and paper replacement.

It lacks duplex (double-sided) printing, and its maximum sheet size is limited to 11 x 17 inches, which might be a constraint for some large-format plans. Weighing 99 pounds, it’s more of a desktop unit than a portable device. This printer is well suited for professionals who want reliable quality and decent speed without complex features, making it a good fit for architectural studios focused on posters, presentations, and moderate-volume printing.

The HP DesignJet T650 is a solid choice for architects, engineers, and construction professionals needing precise and large-format prints. It supports up to 24-inch wide rolls and 13x19 inch sheets, which covers most architectural plans and posters. Its print resolution of up to 2400 x 1200 dpi ensures sharp lines and clear text, essential for technical drawings and detailed renders. The printer offers decent speed, producing about 82 A1/D size prints per hour and roughly 26 seconds per page, which is suitable for busy office environments but not the fastest in its class.

Connectivity options are flexible, with Ethernet, USB, and Wi-Fi support, allowing easy integration into different work setups. The included HP Click software simplifies printing multiple file types directly from CAD and design programs, saving time and reducing waste with features like auto-nesting and PDF error checking. Media handling is a strong point here: the printer can automatically switch between sheet and roll media, has an automatic cutter, and includes a media bin, making it convenient for mixed print jobs without manual intervention. Ink is pigment and dye-based, using HP’s original cartridges that promise quality but may add to consumable costs over time. However, routine maintenance ink use is notably lower than competitors, which helps reduce ongoing expenses.

Weighing 81 pounds, it’s a sizeable device but still manageable for an office. The 2-year onsite warranty adds peace of mind for business users. The print quality and media handling excel, although printing speed may be a bit slow for extremely high-volume needs. It is a print-only device without scanning or copying functions, so it’s best suited to those focused solely on high-quality large-format prints. For those prioritizing accurate, reliable wide-format printing with cost-effective maintenance and good connectivity, the HP DesignJet T650 fits well in architectural and technical project workflows.

The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 is a solid choice for those needing a wide-format printer, especially suited for professional photo and fine art printing. Its print resolution is geared towards high-quality images, making it ideal for detailed architectural prints. The capability to print sizes up to 13” x 19” offers flexibility for various project needs.

It features a 9-color plus Chroma Optimizer ink system, which enhances color accuracy and vibrance, crucial for professional-grade outputs. The printer's connectivity options include Wi-Fi and USB, which cater to modern connectivity needs, and it supports mobile device printing, adding to its convenience. The 3.0” LCD screen aids in ease of use by providing easy access to printer settings and status checks.

Media handling is also diverse, with support for various paper sizes and types, including glossy photo paper, which may be beneficial for presentations and marketing materials. On the downside, the print speed typical in high-resolution printers like this might not be very fast, which could be a drawback for high-volume printing needs. Additionally, the cost of consumables, such as the 9 separate ink cartridges, could be relatively high, impacting long-term operational costs. Nonetheless, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300’s strengths in print quality and versatility make it a strong contender for professionals who prioritize quality and precision in their prints.