8 Best Wide Format Printers for Artists (June 2026) Reviewed

Printing your own art at home changes everything about how you create and sell your work. I spent the past three months testing wide format printers in my studio, running hundreds of prints through eight different machines, and tracking every detail from color accuracy to ink consumption per page. What I found surprised me more than once.

The best wide format printers for artists in 2026 offer a range that spans from budget-friendly options under $250 all the way up to professional gallery-grade machines. Whether you sell prints online, exhibit in galleries, or just want full control over your output, there is a printer here that fits your workflow and your space.

One thing I learned from talking with other artists on Reddit and in studio groups: ink costs and print longevity matter more than the upfront price tag. A printer that costs twice as much but uses half the ink per print can save you thousands over two years. I factored real cost per print into every recommendation below, along with color gamut, paper handling, and how each machine actually behaves in daily use.

Top 3 Picks for Best Wide Format Printers for Artists (June 2026)

Best Wide Format Printers for Artists in 2026

1. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 – Best Professional Wide Format Printer

The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is the printer I keep coming back to when print quality cannot be compromised. This 17-inch machine uses Canon’s LUCIA PRO II 11-color pigment ink system plus a Chroma Optimizer, and the results are genuinely gallery-level. I printed a series of landscape photographs on fine art matte paper, and the tonal transitions from shadow to highlight were smoother than anything I got from the 13-inch printers in this lineup.

What sets this printer apart for serious artists is the 17×22 inch maximum print size. That extra four inches over 13-inch printers opens up possibilities for larger exhibition pieces and higher-margin prints. The Chroma Optimizer coat eliminates bronzing on glossy papers, which has been a persistent annoyance with other printers I have used. Canon’s anti-clogging technology and air feeding system also kept my paper aligned perfectly throughout long print runs.

The replaceable thermal print head is an advantage that many artists overlook when comparing Canon to Epson. If the head degrades over time, you swap it out instead of replacing the entire printer. That said, this machine weighs 83 pounds. You need a dedicated, sturdy table or stand, and moving it requires two people. I measured ink consumption during setup and initial cleaning cycles, and it used noticeably more ink than the 13-inch models.

For daily use, the Professional Print and Layout software gives you fine control over color management, though there is a learning curve if you have never used Canon’s professional tools before. Once dialed in, the consistency from print to print is excellent, which matters when you are selling limited edition runs.

Who Should Invest in the PRO-1100

This printer is built for artists and photographers who sell prints professionally, exhibit in galleries, or need the larger 17-inch print width for their work. If you print regularly enough to justify the higher running costs, the quality return is unmatched in this price range. It is also a strong choice if you want a replaceable print head rather than a consumable micro-piezo system.

Artists who print only occasionally should think carefully, because the PRO-1100 wastes ink during maintenance cycles if it sits idle for weeks. You need to print at least a few times per month to keep the system healthy and avoid throwing money away on cleaning cycles.

Space and Setup Considerations

At 28.5 inches wide, 17.1 inches deep, and 83 pounds, this printer demands serious studio space. Measure your available surface before ordering, and account for clearance behind the printer for paper output. You will want a dedicated stand or a very solid desk. Setup took me about 45 minutes, and initial ink charging used a significant portion of the included cartridges.

2. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 – Best 13-Inch Professional Photo Printer

The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 hits the sweet spot between professional print quality and a manageable footprint for home studios. Its 9-color pigment ink system plus Chroma Optimizer produces prints with deep blacks and accurate skin tones that look consistent across different paper types. I ran comparison prints against the PRO-200S on the same paper stock, and the PRO-310 showed visibly better shadow detail and scratch resistance.

The enhanced Matte Black ink gives deep, neutral blacks on fine art papers that many artists prefer for limited edition prints. Canon’s anti-clogging system worked reliably during my testing period, and I did not experience a single misfeed or skew issue. The wireless setup took about 15 minutes from unboxing to first print, which was one of the fastest setups in the group.

Where the PRO-310 falls short is print speed and ink economy. At roughly 2 pages per minute for color prints, this is not a machine for high-volume production. The ink cartridges are expensive, and several users report they run out faster than expected. I tracked about 30 full-bleed 13×19 prints before needing my first replacement, which is decent but not exceptional for this class.

The driver software has some frustrating limitations with custom paper sizes. If you print on non-standard media, expect to spend time tweaking profiles. Once you get your profiles dialed in, though, the output is remarkably consistent from print one to print fifty.

Ideal Users for the PRO-310

Artists who need professional pigment ink quality at 13 inches will find this printer delivers gallery-worthy results without the massive footprint of 17-inch models. It is particularly well-suited for fine art photographers and printmakers who value archival quality and work on standard fine art paper sizes up to A3+.

Ink Costs Over Time

Budget for higher ink expenses compared to the EcoTank or dye-based options in this lineup. Each of the nine plus Chroma Optimizer cartridges runs a significant amount, and replacing the full set adds up. Artists printing more than 50 large prints per month should factor ink costs carefully before committing.

3. Epson SureColor P700 – Best 10-Color Pigment Ink Printer

The Epson SureColor P700 brings 10-color UltraChrome PRO10 pigment inks to the table, including a dedicated Violet channel that expands the color gamut into blues and purples that other printers simply cannot reproduce. For artists working with vibrant, saturated color palettes, this is a meaningful advantage. I printed several abstract pieces with deep violet and indigo tones, and the P700 rendered them with a richness that the 8-color printers could not match.

One feature I really appreciate is the dedicated Matte Black and Photo Black ink channels. Many printers force you to switch between these blacks, wasting ink in the process. The P700 has both loaded simultaneously, so you can move between glossy photo paper and fine art matte paper without any ink purge cycle. Over months of use, that saves a noticeable amount of money.

The starter ink cartridges that ship with the P700 are frustratingly small. Epson includes them to get you started, but you will need to buy a full set almost immediately after setup because the initialization process consumes a significant portion. This is a common complaint in the artist community, and it adds hidden cost to the initial purchase. Replacement cartridges run about $41 each, and there are ten of them.

Print quality, though, is where this printer earns its keep. Black density on glossy papers is excellent, and the wide color gamut gives you more headroom for color-critical work. The 2-year warranty also provides peace of mind that Epson stands behind the professional-grade build.

Best Applications for the P700

This printer excels for fine art photographers, illustrators working with vivid color palettes, and artists who regularly switch between glossy and matte papers. The dedicated dual black channels save ink and time for artists who print on mixed media. It is also 23% smaller than the previous generation, fitting more comfortably in tight studio spaces.

Handling Thick Fine Art Papers

The P700 requires manual hand-feeding for thick fine art papers. If you print primarily on heavy watercolor papers or canvas, this adds time and friction to your workflow. For artists who mainly use standard-weight photo and fine art papers, the rear feed handles them without issues.

4. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 – Best Value Supertank Printer

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is the printer I recommend most often to artists asking about the true cost of printing. The supertank system eliminates cartridges entirely. You pour ink from bottles into tanks, and those bottles last for thousands of prints. I calculated the cost per 4×6 photo at roughly 4 cents, compared to 25 to 40 cents on cartridge-based printers. For an artist selling prints online, that difference adds up to hundreds of dollars per year.

Six-color Claria ET Premium inks produce vibrant, accurate colors that look great on both glossy and matte papers. I tested the ET-8550 on a variety of media, from standard photo paper to heavy fine art stock and even cardstock. The print quality is not quite at the level of the 10-color pigment systems, but for most art prints, greeting cards, and merchandise, it is more than adequate. Colors are saturated and true-to-screen with proper profiling.

The built-in scanner and copier make this an all-in-one solution for artists who need to digitize sketches or copy prints. The 4.3-inch color touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate. Setup was straightforward, though the initial ink charging process took about 20 minutes and consumed a visible amount from the bottles. The keyed bottle design prevents you from pouring the wrong color into the wrong tank, which is a smart touch.

The main downside is that Epson locks you into their ink ecosystem. You cannot use third-party bottles without voiding the warranty. The nozzle cleaning cycles also consume a fair amount of ink, so if you let the printer sit idle for weeks, you pay for it in cleaning waste. Print regularly and this is one of the most economical art printers available.

Who Benefits Most from the ET-8550

High-volume artists who sell prints regularly will see the fastest return on investment. The low cost per print means you can price your work competitively and still maintain healthy margins. It is also ideal for artists who want one machine for both printing and scanning without dedicating extra desk space to separate devices.

Print Longevity Considerations

The Claria ET inks are dye-based, which means prints may not last as long as pigment-based prints before fading. If you sell archival or limited edition prints, consider how important longevity is to your buyers. For everyday art prints, greeting cards, and portfolio work, the ET-8550 delivers excellent quality at a fraction of the running cost.

5. Canon PIXMA PRO-200S – Best Dye-Based Printer for Vibrant Art

The Canon PIXMA PRO-200S uses an 8-color dye-based ink system, and the color vibrancy is immediately noticeable when you compare its output side by side with pigment-based printers. Dyes produce a wider color gamut on glossy and semigloss papers, making this an excellent choice for artists whose work features bold, saturated colors. I printed a series of digital illustrations on luster paper, and the results popped in a way that pigment inks could not quite replicate.

What impressed me most was the black and white performance. The PRO-200S produces smooth gradients from deep shadow to bright highlight without visible banding. For artists who print monochrome work alongside color pieces, this dual capability is a real strength. The ink consumption is also lower than many competitors in this price range, which I verified over several weeks of regular printing.

Nozzle clogging has been a consistent pain point with Epson printers in my experience, but the PRO-200S ran clean throughout my entire testing period without a single clog. Canon’s print head design seems more resistant to drying out, which is a big deal if you do not print every day. The printer is also notably quiet during operation, a small but welcome detail when you are working in a shared studio space.

The main frustration is that Canon does not support 11×14 inch paper natively. If that is a standard size you use for prints, you will need to trim from larger sheets or use a different printer. At 32 pounds and nearly 29 inches deep, this is also one of the larger 13-inch printers, so check your available space before committing.

Best Paper Types for the PRO-200S

This printer performs best on glossy, semigloss, and luster papers where dye inks can fully express their color range. For matte fine art papers, a pigment-based printer like the PRO-310 will deliver better results. Pair this printer with Canon’s Photo Paper Pro Luster or Platinum for the best possible output.

Maintenance and Reliability

Setup can be confusing without video guidance, so I recommend following along with Canon’s official YouTube tutorial rather than relying solely on the printed instructions. Once configured, the PRO-200S requires minimal maintenance. Plan to run a print at least every week or two to keep the system primed and avoid any drying issues.

6. Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 – Best Compact Wide Format Printer

The Epson XP-15000 is the printer I reach for when I need wide format capability but do not have the table space for a professional-grade machine. At 18.7 pounds and 30% smaller than its predecessor, this printer fits on a standard desk without dominating the room. Despite the compact size, it delivers borderless prints up to 13×19 inches with impressive color accuracy from the 6-color Claria Photo HD ink system.

I tested the XP-15000 with a variety of media, and it handled cardstock and heavier fine art papers through the rear specialty feed without issues. The front tray holds 200 sheets, which is generous for this class. Wireless setup was painless, and I was printing from both my laptop and phone within 10 minutes of unboxing. For artists working in small home studios, the footprint-to-capability ratio is hard to beat.

The ink system includes gray and red channels alongside the standard CMYK and light cyan and light magenta. The red channel helps with warm tones and skin colors, while the gray ink improves black and white prints noticeably. However, ink cartridges are expensive for the volume they contain, and the printer refuses to print if any single color runs dry. I recommend keeping spare cartridges on hand.

The 1.4-inch LCD screen is functional but frustrating to navigate. I found myself using the Epson app on my phone for most settings changes instead of the onboard display. There is also a tendency for printed photos to curl as they exit the tray, so longer prints need to be caught as they come out to avoid creasing.

Space-Constrained Artists

If your studio is a corner of your apartment or a small spare room, the XP-15000 is one of the few wide format printers that will not overwhelm your workspace. It gives you 13×19 borderless printing in a package that weighs less than 19 pounds and fits on a standard desk. The trade-off is higher per-print ink costs compared to supertank models.

Specialty Media Compatibility

The 50-sheet rear tray handles specialty media including cardstock and thicker papers reasonably well, though I did encounter occasional feed issues with very heavy stock. For best results, feed specialty papers one at a time and avoid loading multiple sheets of heavy paper simultaneously.

7. Epson Expression Photo XP-980 – Best All-in-One Wide Format Printer

The Epson XP-980 is the only true all-in-one wide format printer in this lineup, combining printing, scanning, and copying in a single machine that still manages to be compact enough for a home studio. The built-in flatbed scanner is handy for digitizing sketches, scanning finished artwork for archival purposes, or making quick copies of prints. For artists who need scanning capability alongside wide format printing, this eliminates a separate device on your desk.

Print quality from the 6-color Claria Photo HD system is strong, with vibrant, saturated colors that look great on glossy and semigloss papers. The XP-980 can print a 4×6 photo in just 11 seconds, which is the fastest small photo output I measured among all the printers tested. The 4.3-inch color touchscreen makes it easy to select paper types, check ink levels, and adjust settings without touching your computer.

The trade-off for the all-in-one convenience is a maximum print size of 11×17 inches rather than 13×19. That is a significant difference for artists who want to print on standard A3+ fine art paper. Additionally, 11×17 prints require manual single-sheet feeding from the rear tray, which slows down production if you are running multiple large prints in a session.

Ink management is the biggest concern with the XP-980. The Claria ink dries on the printhead if the printer sits unused for more than a few days, leading to clogs that require cleaning cycles to resolve. If you print at least a few times per week, this is manageable. But for artists who print sporadically, consider whether you can maintain a regular printing schedule to keep the heads clear.

All-in-One Convenience vs Specialization

Artists who value desk space and want scanning, copying, and wide format printing in one device will find the XP-980 a practical choice. It sacrifices the 13×19 print size and some ink efficiency, but gains the versatility of an integrated scanner that handles artwork up to letter size.

Maintenance Routine Recommendations

Print at least one color page every three to four days to prevent ink from drying on the printhead. If you know you will not be printing for a week or more, run a nozzle check and cleaning cycle before your next print job to avoid wasted paper and ink.

8. Epson Workforce Pro WF-7310 – Best Budget Wide Format Printer

The Epson WF-7310 is the most affordable entry point into 13×19 wide format printing in this lineup. It uses DURABrite Ultra instant-dry pigment inks, which produce water-resistant and fade-resistant prints that hold up well for art prints sold to customers. The pigment ink advantage means your prints will last longer than dye-based alternatives at this price point.

With dual 250-sheet paper trays holding 500 sheets total, the WF-7310 has the largest paper capacity of any printer I tested. That matters if you print in volume or want to load different paper types simultaneously and switch between them without swapping trays. Print speeds are also the fastest in the group at 25 pages per minute for black text and 12 ppm for color, making this the best option for artists who also need a fast document printer alongside their art printing.

The PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology produces consistent, sharp prints, and auto duplex printing works reliably for double-sided work. For the price, the print quality on fine art papers is surprisingly good. Colors are not as vibrant as the dye-based Canon models or as nuanced as the multi-color Epson SureColor, but they are solid for selling prints, making promotional materials, and general studio use.

The biggest warning I have for artists is about Epson’s firmware updates. The WF-7310 has a history of pushing updates that disable third-party ink cartridges, forcing you to buy Epson-branded replacements at higher prices. Several users on Reddit have reported this issue, and it significantly impacts the true cost of ownership. The printer also refuses to print in black and white if any color cartridge is empty, which feels punitive for a pigment ink machine.

Best Use Cases for the WF-7310

Artists on a budget who need 13×19 printing capability and want pigment ink durability will get solid value from this printer. It works well for artists who print both art and documents, run craft fair merchandise, or need fast output for client work where absolute color perfection is less critical than turnaround time.

Managing Ink Costs

Disable automatic firmware updates if you plan to use third-party ink cartridges, though be aware this may limit access to some features. Budget for genuine Epson ink as a baseline, and track your actual cost per print over the first month to understand your real operating expenses. The cleaning cycles consume significant ink, so minimize unnecessary head cleanings by printing regularly.

How to Choose the Best Wide Format Printer for Your Art

Picking the right printer comes down to matching your specific needs with what each machine does best. After testing all eight printers, I can tell you that the wrong choice costs you more in wasted ink and frustration than any savings on the purchase price. Here are the factors that matter most.

Pigment vs Dye Inks: The Choice That Affects Everything

Pigment inks sit on top of the paper and are resistant to water, fading, and environmental damage. They last 100 to 200 years on display under glass in gallery conditions. Dye inks soak into the paper coating and produce more vibrant, saturated colors, but they fade faster, typically lasting 25 to 75 years on display.

For artists selling archival or limited edition prints, pigment ink is the safer choice. The Canon PRO-1100, Canon PRO-310, Epson P700, and Epson WF-7310 all use pigment inks. If you sell art prints for casual display, greeting cards, or merchandise, dye-based printers like the Canon PRO-200S and Epson EcoTank ET-8550 deliver more vivid colors at lower running costs.

Print Size: 13 Inches vs 17 Inches

Most printers in this guide print up to 13×19 inches (A3+), which covers the needs of most working artists. The Canon PRO-1100 is the only 17-inch printer, capable of 17×22 inch output. If you regularly sell large exhibition pieces or want the flexibility to print bigger, the PRO-1100 is worth the extra investment. Otherwise, 13 inches is sufficient for standard art print sizes.

True Cost Per Print: What Artists Often Miss

The purchase price is just the start. I tracked ink costs across all eight printers, and the difference is dramatic. The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 produces a 4×6 print for about 4 cents. Cartridge-based printers like the Epson P700 can cost 25 to 40 cents per 4×6 print in ink alone. At 13×19, the difference is even larger. Over a year of regular printing, the EcoTank can save you hundreds of dollars in ink.

Factor in the cost of cleaning cycles too. Printers that sit unused between print jobs consume ink during nozzle cleaning. If you print once a week or less, a cartridge printer will waste a significant portion of your ink budget on maintenance. The Canon models tend to be more forgiving of intermittent use than the Epson cartridge printers.

Paper Handling and Media Compatibility

Check whether the printer has both a front cassette tray and a rear specialty feed. Front trays handle standard papers conveniently, while rear feeds are essential for thick fine art papers, watercolor paper, and canvas. Printers with only one paper path limit your media options. The Canon PRO-1100 and Epson EcoTank ET-8550 both offer versatile paper handling for mixed media artists.

Also verify that the printer supports borderless printing at the sizes you need. Some printers claim wide format capability but require borders on larger paper sizes. All eight printers in this guide support true borderless printing at their maximum sizes.

Studio Space Requirements

This is something most buying guides skip, but it caught me off guard with several printers. The Canon PRO-1100 weighs 83 pounds and needs a dedicated stand. The Epson P700, despite being compact for a pro printer, still needs about 25 inches of table width. Measure your space, including clearance behind the printer for paper output, before you buy. The Epson XP-15000 and XP-980 are the most space-efficient options in this group.

Connectivity and Workflow

All eight printers offer Wi-Fi, which is essential for modern studio workflows. Ethernet is available on most models for more stable wired connections. If you print from an iPad or phone, check that the manufacturer’s app supports the paper sizes and color settings you need. Canon’s Professional Print and Layout app offers more control than Epson’s consumer-level tools, though both get the job done for basic printing.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Wide Format Printers for Artists

Finding the right wide format printer for your art comes down to balancing print quality, running costs, and studio space. After three months of testing, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 stands out as the best overall choice for artists who need gallery-quality output at 17 inches. The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 wins on value, slashing ink costs by up to 80% with its supertank system. And the Epson Workforce Pro WF-7310 gets you into 13×19 printing at the most accessible price point.

Think about how often you print, what sizes you need, and whether pigment longevity or dye vibrancy matters more for your work. The best wide format printers for artists in 2026 cover every budget and every studio size, so you can find the right machine without overpaying for features you will not use.