7 Best Architectural Printers 2025 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a versatile all-in-one printer designed to handle a variety of tasks, including printing, scanning, and copying. It features a high-accuracy printhead and Claria ET Premium 6-color inks, allowing for vibrant colors and sharp text, which is crucial for architectural prints and creative projects. A significant advantage is its cartridge-free printing system, which uses high-yield ink bottles, dramatically reducing the cost of consumables and environmental waste. Specifically, it can print 4x6 photos for just 4 cents each, compared to the higher costs associated with traditional ink cartridges.

Additionally, it offers a broad media handling capacity, supporting borderless prints up to 13x19 inches and other specialty media like cardstock and CD/DVDs. The print speed is fairly competitive, with monochrome prints at 16 ppm and color prints at 12 ppm, along with a quick 15-second turnaround for 4x6 photos. The printer’s connectivity options are robust, featuring wireless, USB, and Ethernet connections, complemented by app support for mobile printing, making it highly convenient for modern users. The inclusion of a 4.3-inch color touchscreen facilitates easy operation.

However, users should be aware of some drawbacks, such as its relatively high upfront cost and a substantial size, which may require considerable desk space. While the print quality is excellent, the speed may not suffice for high-volume printing environments. For architects and creative professionals looking for high-quality prints with economical long-term running costs, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a compelling choice, provided the initial investment and space requirements are manageable.

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.

The Canon imagePROGRAF TA-30 with stand is a large format inkjet printer designed for professionals who need high-quality, large-scale prints. One of its standout strengths is its impressive print speed, capable of producing 113 posters of 24x36 inches per hour, making it ideal for high-volume printing tasks. The maximum print resolution of 2400 x 1200 ensures sharp and detailed outputs, which is crucial for architectural prints and detailed posters.

The printer supports a wide range of paper sizes and types, including banner paper and glossy photo paper, giving users flexibility in their print projects. The included wireless printing option and USB connectivity provide convenient and versatile ways to print from various devices, enhancing its usability in modern office environments. The printer comes with over $250 worth of ink, which is a significant benefit since it reduces initial operating costs.

Users should consider the ongoing costs of consumables, as large-format printers typically require more ink, which can add up over time. On the downside, the printer is quite bulky and heavy, with dimensions of 36 x 113 x 24 inches and a weight of 181.2 pounds. This makes it less suitable for small office spaces. Additionally, while it offers manual duplex printing, automatic double-sided printing isn't available, which might be a drawback for those looking to save paper. Despite these drawbacks, the Canon imagePROGRAF TA-30 is a robust option for those needing reliable and high-quality large-format printing capabilities, particularly in architecture, design, and marketing fields.