Plotter printers

Everything You Need to Know About Plotters and Their Applications

Many printing applications rely on plotters because of their numerous benefits, including their unique scalability, precision, and quality capabilities. It's important to know more about plotter printers to make the right choice for your applications, such as printing architectural renderings, blueprints, posters, topographical maps, or other print materials that have benefitted from the disruption that plotter printers have brought.


Whether you're new to the print industry or a seasoned professional, this guide will cover just about everything there is to know about plotter printers. We’ll answer questions like "What is a plotter used for?" and "What is a plotter, and how does it work?" Knowing the answers to these can point you in the right direction when looking for the perfect plotter for your application, ensuring you get the most from this technology.

What Purpose Do Plotter Printers Serve Businesses?

Unlike standard printers, plotter printers specialise in printing large-format prints of all types with professional levels of quality and precision. They use a unique mechanism to print all types of media, including architectural drawings, posters, blueprints, maps, and much more, using features you won't find with conventional printers.

What Is a Plotter Printer and How Does It Work?

Before getting a plotter, you must know about plotter printer functionality and what sets it apart from other print technologies.


Plotter printers are devices that use pens and paper to develop drawings based on commands from a computer. In using this mechanism, plotters are notably less efficient than other types of printers. However, they're capable of producing large prints of the highest quality and accuracy, making them ideal for many professionals.

Fundamental Components of the Best Plotter Printer

You should also know about plotter printer components and what to look for in the right plotter.

Print Heads

This is the part of the printer that supplies ink and toner to the print media during operation, and it requires occasional cleaning and maintenance to function properly.

Paper Feed Mechanism

These parts provide paper to complete the print project. These mechanisms can use either roll or paper tray mechanisms to feed paper into the system.

Carriage Assembly

The carriage assembly helps regulate the printer's temperature while also detecting errors during printing. In turn, this component ensures the printer works the way it should throughout operation.

Control Interface

A good plotter printer will also have a reliable, user-friendly control interface. Dependable plotter printers will often use a touchscreen interface that allows for easy setup and print customisation.

Uses and Applications of Plotter Printers

So, what is a plotter printer used for, exactly? Let's take a look at some specific applications for these printers:

Large or Wide Format Printing

Many applications in need of large or wide format prints will use plotters. If you must print large, high-quality prints with consistent accuracy and precision, plotters are often the right solution.

Technical Drawings

One specific application for plotter printers is technical drawings. Engineers, architects, and other professionals may use plotters to print everything from architectural and composite drawings to isometric projection and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) drawings.

Art and Design

Artists and graphic designers often depend on plotter printers to develop high-quality posters, artwork, and other types of prints, typically in a large format.

GIS Mapping

A topographical application for plotter printers could involve geographic information system (GIS) mapping, with the ability to produce detailed maps of streets, vegetation, and other geographical features.

Educational Documents

The right plotter can also print all types of educational documentation, including signs, banners, school newspapers, and teaching aids, among other materials.

2D Modeling

Professionals may use plotters to develop 2D models via computer-aided modelling (CAM) or computer-aided drawing (CAD) software.

Uncovering Plotter Advantages and Disadvantages

In addition to applications, you should also know about plotter printer benefits and potential inconveniences before selecting a printer model.

What Are the Advantages?

Plotter printers offer several benefits that make them worth implementing in a wide range of applications, including:

Quality and Precision

The use of plotter printing technology allows for fine lines, intricate cuts, and improved quality across all prints. One element that helps with this is a vector image, which keeps quality consistent regardless of image size and complexity.

Large-Scale Documents

Using CAD or CAM software and other technology, it's easy to use plotters to print large- and wide-format images of all types with clear images and text.

Print Versatility

Choose from a range of resolutions and other settings to print nearly any type of media with optimal precision and overall quality.

Request Customisation

Using interfaces and software, it's easy to customise prints with your plotter based on unique project needs.

Longevity and Durability

The best plotter printers offer superior durability and can last many years with proper use and maintenance.

What Are the Challenges Faced When Owning a Plotter?

While plotters come with multiple advantages over standard printers, there are some potential downsides to keep in mind, such as:

Application Complexity

Plotters could be difficult to manage and program if an application is particularly complex. As such, you may need some expertise to get the most from your print application.

Maintenance Needs

Cleaning and maintaining print heads and other equipment is essential in maintaining your plotter's functionality. Thankfully, automated maintenance and other features can help with this.

Limitations in Colour Options

Some plotters may have limitations when it comes to colour options. As such, you'll want to ensure your plotter can maintain colour accuracy with sufficient ink and toner options.

Initial Cost of Purchase

Plotters can be considerably more expensive to purchase than standard printers, but this initial cost is often worth it as it allows professionals to print consistently high-quality media. Subsequently, businesses often see high ROI with these printers.

Reach Out to HP With Your Large Format Printing Needs

With some more knowledge about plotter printers and their capabilities, you can begin selecting the right option for your application. Regardless of your needs, HP has a selection of some of the best large format plotters and other printers on the market.


Get in touch with HP for more information about our plotter options and find the ideal solution today!

Explore plotter printers for your professional needs

HP DesignJet T230 Large Format up to A1 Plotter Printer - 24", with Mobile Printing

  • Print Speeds: Up to 35 sec/page on A1/D, 68 A1/D prints per hour
  • Media Sizes: 24-in wide rolls; A4, A3 wide sheets
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T), mobile printing, email printing, Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Wi-Fi 802.11

£756.00

HP DesignJet T250 Large Format up to A1 Plotter Printer - 24" , with Mobile Printing

  • Print Speeds: Up to 30 sec/page on A1/D, 76 A1/D prints per hour
  • Media Sizes: 24-in wide rolls; A4, A3 wide sheets
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T), mobile printing, email printing, Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Wi-Fi 802.11

£882.00

HP DesignJet T650 Large Format up to A1 Plotter Printer - 24" , with Mobile Printing

  • Print Speeds: Up to 26 sec/page on A1/D, 81 A1/D prints per hour
  • Media Sizes: 24-in wide rolls; A4, A3 wide sheets
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T), mobile printing, email printing, Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Wi-Fi 802.11

£1,380.00

HP DesignJet T650 Large Format up to A1 Plotter Printer - 36" , with Mobile Printing

  • Print Speeds: Up to 25 sec/page on A1/D, 76 A1/D prints per hour
  • Media Sizes: 36-in wide rolls; A4, A3 wide sheets
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T), mobile printing, email printing, Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Wi-Fi 802.11

£2,038.80

HP DesignJet Studio Wood Large Format up to A1 Plotter Printer - 24", with Mobile Printing

  • Print Speeds: Up to 26 sec/page on A1/D, 81 A1/D prints per hour
  • Media Sizes: 24-in wide rolls; A4, A3 wide sheets
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T), mobile printing, email printing, Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Wi-Fi 802.11

£1,500.00

HP DesignJet Studio Wood Large Format up to A1 Plotter Printer - 36" , with Mobile Printing

  • Print Speeds: Up to 25 sec/page on A1/D, 82 A1/D prints per hour
  • Media Sizes: 36-in wide rolls; A4, A3 wide sheets
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T), mobile printing, email printing, Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Wi-Fi 802.11

£2,400.00

HP DesignJet Studio Steel Large Format up to A1 Plotter Printer - 24" , with Mobile Printing

  • Print Speeds: Up to 26 sec/page on A1/D, 81 A1/D prints per hour
  • Media Sizes: 24-in wide rolls; A4, A3 wide sheets
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T), mobile printing, email printing, Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Wi-Fi 802.11

£1,500.00

HP DesignJet Studio Steel Large Format up to A1 Plotter Printer - 36" , with Mobile Printing

  • Print Speeds: Up to 25 sec/page on A1/D, 82 A1/D prints per hour
  • Media Sizes: 36-in wide rolls; A4, A3 wide sheets
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T), mobile printing, email printing, Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Wi-Fi 802.11

£2,400.00

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