Computers and technology

Printers, proofing and output devices for graphic designers

Laser printers, inkjets, dye sublimation, solid wax proofing devices and office and studio printers are all used to varying degrees by graphic designers.

Although web designers might only use an office printer for invoicing, or for making up proofs to show the client, print graphic designers will probably want to make much more extensive use of output devices.

Graphic designers use printers differently from most office workers, in that graphics quality is crucial, as is precise font positioning and layout. In addition, standard A4 printers are often not a large enough format for designers, who need to see how their design proofs look at full size with bleed. So often an A3 printer is a must. And then, of course, there is color proofing. If you are working as part of a team of designers, it is also worth checking that the printer has an ethernet network port, so that it can be accessed by the whole group.

Color printing and proofing

Until very recently, reproducing simulations of offset-litho color reproduction in a studio environment was not a realistic option. Color printers were expensive and office color printers were simply not accurate enough and were geared more at outputting vibrant PowerPoint slides, than accurately color matching prints.

Although photomechanical, or digital pre-press proofs – such as Cromalins and Matchprints – will still be more accurate than most of the printers that a design studio can afford, there are some very good quality color printers available now for a fraction of the price that they once were.

Laser or Inkjet printers

Laser printers are generally much faster than inkjet printers, but they are also more expensive. Additionally, the color quality of some of the cheaper models leaves much to be desired. It is also worth noting that, whilst replacement laser toner cartridges are more expensive than inkjet cartridges, the toner lasts much longer.

Colour inkjet printers have become extremely cheap – although more expensive professional ink-jet proofing devices are also available and have largely replaced dye sublimation at the high end. With some models of inkjet, it is almost cheaper to buy a new printer, than pay for the replacement cartridges. However, the image quality between different models is also variable and, if color accuracy is important, it is worth checking out a number of models in action before committing any serious money. Popular manufacturers of Inkjet printers include HP, Epson, Canon and Tektronix.

Color calibration and printer profiles

Ideally a color printer will have a color printing profile that can be used to calibrate the accuracy of the color output against a number of input and output devices in the design and production workflow. An example of this would be Apple's ColorSync color management system.

PostScript or PostScript emulation?

PostScript is an Adobe patented technology that many printers use to accurately reproduce the printed file onto paper. The more expensive printers will have true Adobe PostScript, but others will emulate PostScript output.

For graphic designers it is very important to be able to print to a PostScript device. All professional graphics applications are utilize this technology and accurate rendering of images, especially vector graphics, is only possible on a PostScript printer. Although there are workarounds to this, including creating a PDF file and then printing from that, as well as software PostScript RIP packages, it is not an ideal solution for any volume of printing work.

Mac or PC | Monitors | Hard Disks | Printers | Portable or Desktop | Input Devices | Freelancer or Studio

Some printing and color calibrations discussion in the design forums

• Macintosh forums
• Windows graphic design forums
• Studio management forums
• Color printer discussion
• Inkjet printer help
• Buying an inkjet printer, advice