7 Best 11×17 Printer For Architects in 2022

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Architecture thrives on the quality of the design, whether it’s the initial design that convinces your client of the idea or the actual structure when it comes to fruition. However, you require top-quality resources and tools to achieve this goal, among which printer is an important one. For architects, their design layout needs to have quality when displayed. To bring quality, they need the best 11×17 printer for architects.

The 11×17, commonly known as a tabloid, is the preferred media size for architectural design layouts. So the lookout is usually for the best 11×17 printer. Due to the multiple brands and models available in the market, picking one becomes difficult. 

Moreover, the pressure to purchase a printer that will not disturb you with problems in a job where time is of utmost essence does not help in any way. To make matters more accessible, we have come up with an extensive review on printers that are the best for the architectural environment and support the 11×17 media size. So let’s dive into the details with no further delay.

Top 7 Best 11×17 Printer For Architects

IMAGE PRODUCT RATING PRICE
BEST OVERALL

HP OfficeJet 7740

HP OfficeJet 7740

  • Duplex Printing
  • Large Input Capacity
  • 35 Sheet ADF
  • Optional High Yield Cartridges
10
Check on Amazon
EDITORS PICK

Canon Pixma iX6820

Canon Pixma iX6820

  • 5-Ink Tank System
  • ChromaLife 100+ Technology
  • Built-In Wireless Connectivity
  • Downloadable Solution Template
9.8
Check on Amazon
BEST BUDGET PICK

Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000

Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000

  • 6-Color Ink System
  • Borderless Printing
  • 30% Smaller Than Predecessor
  • Auto 2-Sided Printing
9.6
Check on Amazon
TOP WORKFORCE PICK

Epson Workforce WF-7720

Epson Workforce WF-7720

  • Borderless Printing Up To 13 x 19
  • Two Sheet Trays
  • 35 Sheet ADF
  • Up To 80% Less Power Consumption
9.3
Check on Amazon Read Full Review
BEST BALANCE PICK

Canon Pixma TS9520

Canon Pixma TS9520

  • Multiple Connectivity Options
  • SD Memory Card Slot
  • ADF & Auto 2-Sided Printing
  • 5-Individual Ink Tank System
9.2
Check on Amazon
BEST ECOTANK PICK

Epson EcoTank ET-7750

Epson EcoTank ET-7750

  • 5-Color Ink Palette
  • Cartridge Free Printing
  • 3-In-1 Wireless Printer
  • Built-In USB/Card Slots
9.0
Check on Amazon
ALL-IN-ONE PICK

Brother MFC-J5330DW

Brother MFC-J5330DW

  • Duplex Printing & 50 Sheet ADF
  • High Yield Replacement Ink Cartridges
  • Wide Range Of Connectivity Options
  • Touchscreen for navigation
8.9
Check on Amazon

1) HP OfficeJet 7740 – Best 11×17 Printer

BEST OVERALL
HP OfficeJet 7740

HP OfficeJet 7740
(Image credit: Amazon)

10/10 Our Score

Description:

HP is part of the leading brands for printers, and HP OfficeJet 7740 is proof of its excellence. Top of our list, OfficeJet 7740 is a wide format All-In-One printer. Often misunderstood as a robust machine only suitable for heavy-duty work due to its oversized appearance, OfficeJet7740 performs like any other stylish printer. Stunning high-quality prints with great speed make it a brilliant printer for architectural purposes.

You can print at an incredible resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi, thus printing vibrant and sharp prints that will impress everyone at the office meeting. In addition to the brilliant representation of your designs, it also holds a strong position in terms of printing speed. You can print up to 22 black and 18 color prints every minute. This means that you will not have to wait too long to get your prints out, even in an emergency situation.

Our lookout is for a printer that supports 11×17 or tabloid media size, and OfficeJet 7740 checks this box. Not only this, but other media sizes are also printable. Furthermore, you can load 500 sheets thanks to the two input sheet tray systems. Auto Document Feeding of 35 sheets is another fantastic feature that will surely aid you in your work.

Duplex prints are a virtue of architectural design prints. OfficeJet 7740 provides you with automatic 2-Sided printing, saving you printing costs. You can use the 2.65″ inch touchscreen for easy navigation through the printer.

You can use the printer virtually from anywhere within the wireless range with the connectivity options. You can print your required design with a single tap using your connected device. With so many features available, it is unbelievable that 7740 is such a pocket-friendly printer. Its work efficiency and cost-effectiveness make it an ideal purchase.


Specifications:

Weight & Dimensions42.9 lbs
23 x 18.38 x 15.10 (W x Dx H)
Resolution4800 x 1200 Optimised dpi
Printing Speed22 Black ppm
18 Color ppm
Maximum Media SizeUp To 11 X 17 inches (Tabloid)
Connectivity & Mobile PrintingBuilt-In Ethernet
Wifi 802.11 b/g/n
Wireless Direct
Sheet Tray Capacity500 Sheet Input Capacity
75 Sheet Output Tray Capacity
Supported Paper/Media SizesLetter; Legal; Government Legal; Executive; Statement;
3 x 5 in; 4 x 6 in; 5 x 7 in; 8 x 10 in; L; Photo 2L;
Envelope; Card (3 x 5 in, 4 x 6 in, 5 x 8 in);
Tabloid (11 x 17 in)
Display2.65″ LCD Touch Display
The Pros
  • Low Running Costs
  • High Sheet Capacity
  • Highly Detailed & Vibrant Prints
  • Duplex Printing & ADF
  • Easy To Connect & Operate With Mobile Device
The Cons
  • Bulky & Heavy Design

Final Verdict:

📍 HP hit the mark with OfficeJet 7740. It is genuinely an excellent printer in terms of versatility, quality and price. The ability to do multiple tasks and be brilliant in each one of them makes OfficeJet 7740 a printer deserving of its position on this list. Thanks to its quick printing speeds and high sheet capacity, it is well suited for a heavy workload.


2) Canon Pixma iX6820 – Best Printer For Architects

EDITORS PICK
Canon Pixma iX6820

Canon Pixma iX6820
(Image credit: Amazon)

9.8/10 Our Score

Description:

Canon is one of the first names on everyone’s lips when talking about quality. They have produced numerous high-end printers, and Pixma iX6820 is no exception. Canon Pixma iX6820 is a wireless business-oriented printer and takes up the second spot on our list.

Bringing a superior resolution of 9600 x 2400 dpi on the table, you will be mesmerized by the quality of prints and images you get. Such an unbelievable printing quality is what your big ideas need. Moreover, a five-tank ink system is placed within the printer, each keeping its individuality.

Looking into the speed department, iX6820 does not disappoint with a speed of 14.5 black prints, and 10.4 color prints are achievable per minute. A feature that truly suits an architectural working environment is its ability to print borderless prints. With this feature, your designs will be clean and free from any extra borders that can ruin their presentation.

Supported media sizes are essential to look into before purchasing a printer. With iX6820, you not only get the tabloid media size, but the supported range of media sizes can be up to 13 x 19 inches which are well suited for large presentations. Photo size 4 x 6 is also supported, giving you incredible quality.

150 sheet is the capacity you have with the sheet tray, and impressively, the printer also has an auto document feeding option. With the addition of the downloadable Solution Template, you are no longer in danger of losing your document layout.

Establishing a connection with the printer is easy with wireless and wired connectivity options, which include Wireless LAN, Wifi, Ethernet, and Hi-Speed USB. You have complete creative control with My Garden image software and Creative Park Premium access. With the numerous editing options this software provides, you can show your imagination and creativity.


Specifications:

Weight & Dimensions17.9 lbs
23 x 12.3 x 6.3 (W X D X H)
Resolution9600 x 2400 dpi
Printing Speed14.5 ipm (Black)
10.4 ipm (Color)
Maximum Media SizeUp To 13 x 19
ConnectivityWireless LAN
Ethernet
Hi-Speed USB
Sheet Tray Capacity150 Sheet With ADF
Supported Paper Sizes4 x 6, 5 x 7, 8 x 10
Letter, Legal
11 x 17, 13 x 19
U.S. #10 Envelopes
Mobile PrintingGoogle Cloud Print
AirPrint
The Pros
  • Ultra-High Resolution
  • Spectacular Printing Quality
  • Wireless Connections
  • Borderless Printing
  • Easy To Connect & Operate
The Cons
  • Average Sheet Capacity
  • No Auto Duplex Printing

Final Verdict:

📍 Pocket-friendly and one of the finer Canon printers, its features such as the auto document feeder, duplex printing, equipment with a 5 ink tank system, and an insanely high resolution show how well suited it is for such printing. Moreover, the softwares included with the printer are easy to use and makes editing a fun and simple task, along with plenty of editing options.


3) Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 – Best Tabloid Printer

BEST BUDGET PICK
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000

Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
(Image credit: Amazon)

9.5/10 Our Score

Description:

To continue our list, we move onto Epson’s incredible printer range. Known for their printers, Epson has produced remarkable printers over the years, and one of their most refined production is the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000. As expressive as the name is, the printer also expresses its vivid and sharp prints to the full extent.

Architects look for printers with a great range of media sizes and can produce borderless prints. Expression XP-15000 gives you both. You can print borderless designs and documents up to the paper size of 13 x 19, which includes the desirable 11 x 17 media size.

Powered by the MicroPiezo Heat-Free technology and a spectacular resolution of 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi, you get vibrant, sharp, and beautiful borderless prints. The absolute prowess of XP-15000 is evident in the quality of designs. The unique 6-color Claria ink system also plays a handful of role in producing such brilliant prints.

The small and slick body design makes the printer adjustable to smaller areas. But what is more impressive is the sheet capacity it has. A sizeable front sheet tray that can hold 200 sheets and a rear tray of 50 sheets mean you can load 250 sheets at a time. Printing costs can also be reduced by using the 2-Sided printing option.

Moving on to the speed scale, you will get up to 10 black prints per minute and up to 9 colored prints in the same interval of time. If you are printing a 4 x 6 borderless photo print, it will take you around 27 seconds.

Wifi Direct, Ethernet, Hi-Speed USB, Wireless are all your connectivity options to get prints from anywhere without any problems. Manually operating the printer is also easy, thanks to the 2.4 LCD screen.


Specifications:

Weight & Dimensions18.7 lbs
18.8″ x 14.5″ x 6.2″ inches
Resolution5760 x 1440 Optimised dpi
Printing Speed9.2 ISO ppm (Black)
9.0 ISO ppm (Color)
Maximum Media SizeUp To 13 x 19
ConnectivityWireless 802.11 b/g/n
Ethernet
Hi-Speed USB
Wifi Direct
USB Host
Sheet Tray Capacity250 Plain Sheet Input Tray
50 Photo Paper Sheets
10 Envelopes

100 Sheets Output Tray
Ink System6-Color Claria Ink System
Display2.4 Color Display
Supported Paper Sizes4″ x 6″, 5″ x 7″, 8″ x 10″
A4 (8.3″ x 11.7″), letter (8.5″ x 11″), legal (8.5″ x 14″)
11″ x 14″, 12″ x 12″
B (11″ x 17″), A3 (11.7″ x 16.5″) and Super B (13″ x 19″)
user definable (2.2″ – 44″ in length)
2-Sided Printing Speed4.7 ISO ppm (Black)
4.7 ISO ppm (Color)
The Pros
  • Pretty High-Resolution
  • Good Sheet Capacity
  • Wireless Connections & LCD
  • Small Body Design
  • Duplex Printing
  • 6-Color Ink System
The Cons
  • Average Printing Speed
  • No Auto Document Feeder

Final Verdict:

📍 Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is an expressive machine. You need printers that can give expressive results for architectural work, and XP-15000 is that. The optimized dpi and 6-color ink system give you prints worth every penny. Printing speed may not be as quick as the other options on this list, but the quality is too good to ignore such an amazing printer.


4) Epson Workforce WF-7720 – 11×17 Printer Reviews

TOP WORKFORCE PICK
Epson Workforce WF-7720

Epson Workforce WF-7720
(Image credit: Amazon)

9.3/10 Our Score

Description:

Continuing our list is another printer from Epson’s incredible printer collection, The Epson Workforce WF-7720. Part of the renowned Epson Workforce series, WF-7720 is a proper office printer. Its work rate, quality, and multifunctional features make it a printer that every office looks for.

Powered by the PrecisionCore technology and aided with a high 4800 x 2400 dpi, the quality of prints is unquestionable. Vibrant and sharp prints make WF-7720 a well-suited printer for architectural firms and offices.

However, for architects, quality is not the only focus. Printing speed is also a highly focused factor, and just like printing quality, WF-7720 does not disappoint in terms of speed. 18 black and 10 color prints can easily be in your hands per minute. Moreover, the automatic 2-Sided printing means you can save paper and, as a whole, the running costs.

WF-7720 is versatile, to say the very least. You can not only print but can also copy, scan, and even fax using WF-7720. The printer comes with 2 input trays that give you the capacity for 500 sheets. This vast capacity prevents the constant filling of the printer. An output tray is also part of the printer, which has a capacity of 125 sheets.

Moving on to another important factor, we have compatible media sizes. Flexibility is a virtue of modern printers, and WF-7720 shows it with the wide range of paper sizes it can handle, which includes the tabloid or 11×17 media size. This range goes up to 13 x 19 inches. A 35 sheet Auto Document Feeding adds to the long list of features.

Lastly, the navigation and operation of the printer manually and virtually. To easily navigate and operate the printer manually, you can use the 4.3-inch color touchscreen. For wireless printing and function, you have connectivity options such as Wifi, Ethernet, etc. They make it easy to print from anywhere within the range and can be used to create a network.


Specifications:

Weight & Dimensions40.8 lbs
32.2″ x 22.3″ x 13.4″ inches
Resolution4800 x 2400 dpi
Printing Speed18 ISO ppm (Black)
10  ISO ppm (Color)
Maximum Media SizeUp To 13 x 19
ConnectivityWireless 802.11 b/g/n
Wired Ethernet
Hi-Speed USB
Wifi Direct
NFC
Sheet Tray Capacity500 Sheet Input Tray Capacity

125 Sheet Output Tray
TechnologyPrecisionCore Technology
Display4.3 Color Touchscreen
Supported Paper Sizes3.5 x 5, 4 x 6, 5 x 7, 8 x 10
8.5 x 11, 8.5 x 14, 11 x 17, 13 x 19
A4, A6, Half Letter, Executive
User Definable (3.5″ — 47.2″ in length)
2-Sided Printing Speed8.7 ISO ppm (Black)
6.0 ISO ppm (Color)
The Pros
  • High Printing Quality
  • Low Energy Consumption
  • Very Versatile
  • High Input Tray Capacity
  • Automatic Duplex Printing & ADF
  • Wireless Connection & Ethernet
The Cons
  • A Large Body Design
  • An Expensive Printer

Final Verdict:

📍 One of the finest printers from Epson’s Workforce series, WF-7720, can make any inkjet printer list. Versatile, high-quality printing, great printing speed, and large sheet capacity means that WF-7720 suits any office environment. It becomes simple to operate thanks to the connectivity and touchscreen options.


5) Canon Pixma TS9520 – Architect Printer

BEST BALANCE PICK
Canon Pixma TS9520

Canon Pixma TS9520
(Image credit: Amazon)

9.2/10 Our Score

Description:

Canon Pixma TS9520 takes the next spot on the list. Canon’s Pixma series saw the release of many incredible printers, and TS9520 is one of the standouts. It is an inkjet printer with the capability of performing multiple functions. From printing to scanning and copying, TS9520 is quite a versatile machine which makes it a suitable option for office use.

A feature that catches the eye is the connectivity options that it provides you. Along with wireless printing through Wifi or wired connections through ethernet and Hi-Speed USB, there are multiple apps that give you a lot of freedom and assistance in operating the printer virtually and being creative with your work. Apps such as Amazon Alexa, AirPrint, Moripa Print Service, Canon Print App, etc., really give you an easy way of operating the printer to the best of its limits.

Furthermore, TS9520 also has a built-in SD memory slot. With an SD card, photo printing can become an easy task for you. However, all the prowess of TS9520 does not lie in the connectivity department.

When we talk about quality, a high resolution of 4800 x 1200 gives you an elite level of printing results. For an architect, such quality is a blessing. And to support this fantastic feature, you have an excellent printing speed of 15 ipm for black prints and 10 ipm for color prints.

Supported paper sizes are always significant. It shows the flexibility of the printer, and TS9520 sure is flexible. The range of supported media sizes goes from 3.5 x 3.5 to 11 x 17. With each size, you get borderless prints removing any unnecessary borders from your prints. This represents your work in an even better way.

TS9520 is equipped with two paper trays. A rear tray and a front tray. Both of them give you the capacity of holding 100 sheets each. Moreover, you can also slot envelopes and photo papers within separate trays. With the addition of a 20 plain sheet ADF and a 4.3 LCD to help through navigation, TS9520 proves its worth as an incredible and reliable printer.


Specifications:

Specifications:
Weight & Dimensions21.3 lbs
18.5 x 14.5  x 7.6 (W XD X H)
Resolution4800 x 1200 dpi
Printing Speed15 ipm (Black)
10 ipm (Color)
Maximum Media SizeUp To 11 x 17
ConnectivityHi-Speed USB
Ethernet
PictBridge (LAN/Wireless LAN)
Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n wireless networking, 2.4 GHz)
Memory Card Slot
Bluetooth 4.0 LE (Low Energy)
Sheet Tray Capacity200 Input Tray Sheet Capacity
Supported Paper Sizes3.5 x 3.5, 4 x 4, 4 x 6, 5 x 5
5 x 7, 8 x 10, Letter
11 x 17, 12 x 12
Legal, U.S. #10 Envelopes
Display4.3 LCD Touchscreen
The Pros
  • Built-In SD Memory Card Slots
  • Wireless Connectivity
  • Flexible In Terms Of Media Sizes
  • Incredible Printing Quality
  • Duplex Printing & ADF
  • Easy To Connect & Operate With Mobile Or Tablets
The Cons
  • Average Sheet Capacity

Final Verdict:

📍 Built-in SD slots, multiple editing softwares, highly flexible in terms of media sizes, touchscreen, 5-ink tank system, and much more, TS9520 gives you so many options and features to work with, making it easy to use and a very reliable choice for office environments and architects.


6) Epson EcoTank ET-7750 – Best 11×17 Printer Scanner

BEST ECOTANK PICK
Epson EcoTank ET-7750

Epson EcoTank ET-7750
(Image credit: Amazon)

8.9/10 Our Score

Description:

When Epson released their EcoTank series, it quickly became popular because it offered cartridge-free printing and low running costs. One of the standout printers from this series is EcoTank ET-7750. It is an All-In-One SuperTank Inkjet printer. Being All-In-One makes it a multifunctional machine capable of printing, copying, and scanning.

Powered by MicroPiezo Heta-Free technology, ET-7750 boasts an optimized resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi. Having these powerful features at its disposal, you get vibrant, clean, and sharp prints that perfectly bring out your ideas.

ET-7750 has a 5-Color ink system. What makes this ink system so unique are the supersized ink tanks. These ink tanks have space for enough ink to print up to 14,000 black prints and 9,000 color prints. This is almost equal to 30 ink cartridge sets. Moreover, the printer comes with up to 2 years of ink. All of this together can save you up to 80% in ink and running costs.

Furthermore, you can print a good volume of prints in a short time. It has a printing rate of 13 black and 10 color pages in 60 seconds. For easy navigation through the printer’s features, you can use the 2.7 touch display, making it easy to operate the printer. You can use the connectivity options and mobile printing solutions for wireless and virtual operation.


Specifications:

Weight & Dimensions24.3 lbs
20.7″ x 29.3″ x 17.8″ (W x D x H)
Resolution5760 x 1440 dpi
Printing Speed13 ISO ppm (Black)
10  ISO ppm (Color)
Maximum Media SizeUp To 11 x 17
ConnectivityWireless 802.11 b/g/n
Ethernet
Hi-Speed USB
Wifi Direct
USB Host Port
Sheet Tray Capacity100 Plain Sheet Input Tray
20 Photo Paper Sheets
10 Envelopes
TechnologyMicroPiezo Heat-Free Technology
Supported Media Sizes3.5″ x 5″, 4″ x 6″, 5″ x 7″, 8″ x 10″
8.5″ x 11″, 8.5″ x 14″, A4, A6
Half Letter, Executive, A3
11″ x 17″, User Definable (3.5″ – 47.2″ in length)
Display2.7 Colo LCD
The Pros
  • High Printing Quality & Resolution
  • Wireless Connection & Mobile Printing
  • Versatile & Multifunctional
  • Incredibly High Ink Capacity & Yield
  • Touchscreen For Easy Navigation
The Cons
  • An Expensive Model
  • No Duplex Printing & ADF
  • Low Sheet Tray Capacity

Final Verdict:

📍 ET-7750 is an amazing printer for office use and an architectural environment. The inclusion of an ink tank system helps lower printing costs, and the highly optimized dpi makes the print results desirable. Although expensive, the results are incredible.


7) Brother MFC-J5330DW – Best Printer For Architectural Drawings

ALL-IN-ONE PICK
Brother MFC-J5330DW

Brother MFC-J5330DW
(Image credit: Amazon)

8.8/10 Our Score

Description:

If we are talking about notable names in the printing industry, Brother is no stranger to it. One of the best printer brands, Brother has produced some of the best printers, and MFC-J5330DW is one of them.

Brother J5330DW has great overall efficiency and suitability with office and small business setups. When looking for a printer that gives crisp and clean results, J5330DW does not mess around. Having an incredible resolution of 4800 x1200 dpi, you get design prints that will do justice to your architectural ideas.

Moreover, when you need your stuff quickly, MFC-J5330DW will not disappoint. On average, you will get 22 black prints and 20 color prints in a minute with no bargain on quality. Along with this splendid speed, you also have a sheet tray with a capacity of 250 sheets and a high ink yield system guaranteeing uninterrupted printing.

Designers need their work clean with no extra or useless lines for the design to look desirable and presentable. J5330DW gives you this luxury. Borderless printing up to tabloid or 11 x 17 media size is achievable. The multiple supported paper sizes show you the flexibility of J5330DW, but that’s not the only bonus. J5330DW is also versatile and can be used for copying and scanning purposes.

Auto Document Feeding for up to 50 sheets and an output tray with a capacity of 100 sheets means that you get a printer that is nothing less than a complete package. For easy navigation of features and functions, the printer has a 2.7 touch display. Connectivity options give an even easier way of using the printer.


Specifications:

Weight & Dimensions36.8 lbs
20.9″ x 15.7″ x 12.0″ (W x D x H)
Resolution4800 x 1200 dpi
Printing Speed22 ISO ppm (Black)
20  ISO ppm (Color)
Maximum Media SizeUp To 11 x 17
ConnectivityWireless 802.11 b/g/n
Ethernet
Hi-Speed USB 2.0
Wifi Direct
Sheet Tray Capacity250 Input Tray Sheet Capacity

100 Sheet Output Tray Capacity
Mobile PrintingAirPrint
Brother iPrint&Scan
Mopria
Wifi Direct
Display2.7 Color Touchscreen
Supported Paper SizesLetter, Legal, Ledger/Tabloid, Executive
A3, A4, A5, A6
Envelope (Com-10), Envelope (DL), Envelope (Monarch)
Photo (3.5 x 5), Photo (4 x 6), Photo (5 x 7), Photo (5 x 8)
The Pros
  • Excellent Printing Quality
  • Touch Display
  • Insane Printing Speed
  • Automatic Document Feeder
  • Wireless Connection & Ethernet
The Cons
  • Does Not Support 13 x 19 Media Size

Final Verdict:

📍 MFC J5350DW has one of the highest printing speeds and the fastest on this list. For an environment where architectural designs are printed, J5350DW’s speed is appropriately suited for such a place. Additionally, the printing quality and other incredible features such as auto document feeding and connectivity options make a strong case for MFC-J5350DW to be part of this list.


Best 11×17 Printer For Architects – Buying Guide:

Buying guides are there to point out factors that need consideration before you make your choice. Printers especially have several factors which determine the final choice. Considering the complexity of the architecture job, it is easily understood why you should run your eyes through these basic factors before making any decision.

1. Motive Behind The Purchase:

It is a fundamental point. You need to keep the purpose of your purchase clear in your mind. The aim here is the use of the printer for architectural designs.

But the need can change according to the needs of the workplace. You may be looking for a suitable printer for official document printing or duo-chrome images. For such requirements, a toner-based printer is better.

However, if the need is for a printer that mainly focuses on design prints, inkjet-based printers are better as they use water-based ink to produce vivid and sharp prints.

2. Printing Quality:

Printing quality takes huge emphasis when looking to buy a printer for architecture and designs. Your designs need to be presentable and show high-end quality images. This will lead to a better representation of your idea and leave a positive impression on your client.

The printer’s resolution plays a considerable role in producing high-quality prints. So it would be best if you kept an eye on the resolution that the printer can put out. The quality of ink also has a say in the vividness of the prints.

Dpi and Droplet size are important terms to get high quality. Higher the dpi better the result. On the other hand, a small droplet size means a sharper image. So do check these features out.

3. Speed Of Printing:

As mentioned before, architecture is a field where time is essential. The client dates can change anytime, or your boss may want to see your work sooner than you expected. To counter such situations, you need a printer that can provide top-notch prints at great speed. The printing speed is an essential factor, especially in cases where you need your results quickly.

Most of the speed figures are given based on a minute of use. So the more prints the printer provides per minute, the higher the printing speed is.

4. Media Sizes:

Each printer has a range of media sizes that it supports. As we are primarily looking for printers that support the tabloid or 11×17 media size, it should be a no-brainer that the 11×17 media size is an essential factor in this search.

Moreover, the printer also needs to support other media sizes as needs can change at any time, and a print in another paper size may be required.

5. Versatility:

Flexibility in media sizes brings us to the versatility factor. In an office environment, the use of printers is not only restricted to just design printing. Sometimes you need to work on official documents. For that, a versatile printer with copying and scanning features is important.

So it is greatly recommended that you choose a flexible and versatile printer. Especially for office environments or a firm, the multifunctionality of the printer is an appreciated trait.

6. Connectivity:

The connection between you and your printer is important to make your work easy. In an office workplace where you are constantly surrounded by work and time management is essential, you need to have a wireless connection with your printer to get whatever print you desire without manually operating it.

Connectivity options make your work easy. Having a printer that can connect your colleagues is always a great option for a place where you are working with so many people simultaneously.

7. Budget:

Budget is a factor that goes hand-in-hand with all of your purchases. Having a set budget helps you choose an economical option that focuses more on your needs than luxury features. Whether for personal use or office use, you want your purchase to be cost-effective. Having a budget and sticking with it plays its role in cost efficiency.


FAQ’s:

No. All Common inkjet printers can be used by an architect. You mainly need to check if the printer supports your preferred media size.

It is always better to go for a printer that is multi-functional especially if you are buying the printer for office use.

An 11 x 17 paper size is known as tabloid or ledger size. In some places, it is also called A3 paper.

The basic difference between a laser and inkjet printer is that an inkjet printer uses ink and laser printers use toners. This makes laser printers suited to large volume works but as the quality of laser prints is not good, it does not suit the printing of designs. 

Running costs are heavily influenced by the ink system. Using a printer that has an ink tank system reduces a lot in terms of ink costs as compared to cartridges which can be expensive. Duplex printing also helps in lowering printing costs.

In architectural and engineering offices and environments, most of the design work is preferred in 11 x 17 media size. This makes tabloid an essential media size for printers being purchased by architects.

Not necessarily. As work regarding architecture is done at construction sites and the blueprints are always exposed to the conditions, it is better to use ink that is highly durable. Water-resistant and smudge-free ink means a longer-lasting blueprint.

The need for a printer in the field of engineering especially architecture is a high priority. You constantly need to print out designs and blueprints. Official documents may also be required to be printed or copied or even scanned.

Final Thoughts:

Choosing according to your needs often leads to the best choice. There are numerous printers other than the ones mentioned but do they give an overall package is the real question. So your purpose and work environment need to be on your mind when purchasing a printer. Depending on your priority, you may even end up going for a wide format laser printer.

When working in architecture, you may be looking towards buying a good printer in terms of quality and is multifunctional. Remember, each printer has its advantages and disadvantages. Before making the final decision, don’t forget to ask yourself whether a particular choice is worth your money.

We would personally recommend the OfficeJet 7740 or Pixma iX6820 for their efficiency and high-end quality, making them suitable for a field like architecture. I end this review with the hope that all you architects end up getting the best 11 x 17 printer for architects.


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