A wide format printer, also called a large format printer, is a specialized printer designed to handle print media that exceeds the standard width of conventional desktop or office printers. While most desktop printers max out at 8.5″ to 13″ widths, wide format printers typically start at 24 inches and can go up to 64 inches or more. HP offers a range of these printers under their HP DesignJet and HP Latex lines.

Wide format printers are engineered for large format printing tasks like banners, blueprints, posters, signage, and CAD drawings. HP’s wide format printers—such as the HP DesignJet T850, HP DesignJet Z9+ Pro, and HP Latex 700 and 800 series—use advanced inkjet printing technology and are optimized for high-resolution, high-volume production.

In educational settings, these printers create vibrant classroom visuals and hallway signage. In retail, they’re used for promotional displays. In the food & beverage industry, wide format printers allow for in-house printing of menus, labels, and branded decor. Architects use them for technical drawings and construction documents, while event organizers use them for large graphics, directional signage, and backdrops.

Key advantages:

• Media widths from 24” to 64”+

• Support for a wide range of materials (paper, vinyl, canvas, adhesive)

• Professional-quality graphics and text

• Faster turnarounds with in-house production

HP large format printers like the HP DesignJet Z6 and HP Latex 630 W offer precision and durability that surpass what a desktop printer can achieve. These printers are ideal for producing long-lasting prints with excellent color accuracy, weather resistance (in the case of Latex models), and low-cost operation over time.

For example:

• Standard printers are fine for small handouts or invoices.

• A large format printer is required to print a 36″ construction drawing or a 4-foot promotional banner.

If your business frequently outsources signage, posters, floor plans, or technical drawings—or if you’re looking to expand your visual branding—then a wide format printer is a smart investment. Here’s how to determine the need:

You need a wide format printer if:

• You regularly print posters, banners, blueprints, or signage over 13” wide

• You rely on print shops and want to cut costs and turnaround times

• You want in-house control over branding, quality, and deadlines

• You print on specialty media like canvas, adhesive vinyl, or fabric

• You work in visual industries like education, architecture, food & beverage, retail, or events

Real-world examples:

• Schools use wide format printers like the HP DesignJet T650 to produce instructional materials and event signage.

• Restaurants benefit from HP Latex printers that can print water-resistant menus, decals, and wall art.

• Architectural firms use HP DesignJet T1600 printers to quickly produce precise CAD drawings without needing to outsource.

Choosing the right model depends on the size of prints you need, print volume, and whether you need weather-resistant or archival-quality prints. HP offers compact printers for small spaces (like the HP DesignJet T230) and production printers like the HP Latex 800 W for industrial-level output.

Many industries rely heavily on large format printers to support branding, operations, communication, and creativity. HP’s wide range of printers is engineered with these varied sectors in mind:

Education

• Classroom visuals, lesson aids, banners, and safety signs

• HP DesignJet T850 or HP Latex 630 W for safe, eco-friendly in-class printing

Retail & Grocery

• Promotional posters, endcap signage, window displays

• HP Latex 700 W for scratch-resistant, vibrant graphics on adhesive media

Food & Beverage

• Menu boards, branded packaging, in-store graphics

• Latex printers allow printing on water-resistant and food-safe materials

Architecture / CAD / Engineering

• Blueprints, GIS maps, and technical drawings with precision lines

• HP DesignJet T1600 or Z6dr are ideal inkjet printers for CAD workflows

Commercial & General Business

• Corporate event signage, trade show graphics, branding materials

• High-speed models like the HP DesignJet Z9+ Pro handle high-volume jobs

Events & Entertainment

• Backdrops, directional signage, promotional roll-ups, seating charts

• Latex 800 W printer supports bold colors, white ink, and flexible media types

HP’s printers support print service providers and in-house creative departments alike, with tools for automation, job tracking, and color calibration.

HP Latex printers take inkjet technology a step further by using water-based latex inks, which are safe, durable, and suitable for indoor or outdoor applications without special ventilation. These professional printers are perfect for businesses that require high-quality visuals with long-term durability.

Laser-based wide format printers are rare and generally not suited for industries needing full-color output, such as retail or education.