Choosing a large-format printer for signage means matching the printer’s maximum width and media support to the signs you actually make. A 24-inch model may suit smaller posters and plans, while a 36- or 60-inch printer can handle wider designs. The options below range from straightforward poster printers to models with scanning and copying features, so consider your sign sizes and workflow before you buy.
Quick Comparison
| Printer | Maximum width | Notable features | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 | 36 inches | Five-color pigment ink, media detection, wired and wireless connectivity | Posters and signage where automatic media setup is useful |
| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-6000 | 60 inches | Professional photographic large-format printer | Very wide photographic graphics and display work |
| Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21 | 24 inches | Roll and cut-sheet printing, automatic sheet feeder, built-in Wi-Fi | Smaller posters and mixed sheet-and-roll jobs |
| Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 MFP | 36 inches | Printer and scanner, adjustable screen, full-frontal operation | Small workspaces that need printing and scanning |
| Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21M | 24 inches | Flatbed scanning, enlargement, cloud functions, automatic sheet feeder | Small-format originals that need to be enlarged for posters |
Our Picks: Best Large Format Inkjet Printers For Signage reviews
Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340: A 36-Inch Printer With Automatic Media Detection
The TM-340 is a 36-inch poster and plotter printer designed for wide-format output. Its five-color pigment ink system is specified for crisp text, sharp lines, and vibrant images, making it a strong fit for signs that mix lettering with colorful artwork.
One of its most useful features is automatic media detection. After you load media, the printer can identify its type and width, as well as its remaining length. That can make routine roll changes easier, especially in a shared workplace where different media may be used. Automatic color calibration is also included to help keep print output consistent.
The tilting touchscreen and animated setup and maintenance guides are aimed at making operation more approachable. USB and Ethernet connections support wired setups, while wireless connectivity provides another option. The main tradeoff is its 36-inch maximum width: it gives you more room than a 24-inch printer, but it cannot match the width of the PRO-6000.
Pros:
- Five-color pigment ink for text, lines, and colorful poster graphics
- Detects media type, width, and remaining length automatically
- Supports wired and wireless connections
- Includes a tilting touchscreen and guided setup instructions
Cons:
- Its 36-inch maximum width may not suit extra-wide signage
- Check that your intended sign media is compatible before ordering
Verdict: Choose the TM-340 if you want a versatile 36-inch poster printer with helpful media-handling features and clearly specified pigment inks.
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-6000: A 60-Inch Option for Wide Graphics
The PRO-6000 stands out for its 60-inch maximum print width, the largest listed among these five printers. It is described as a professional photographic large-format inkjet printer, so it may be worth considering when signage includes wide photographic graphics or display imagery.
The supplied product information offers little detail about its ink set, media handling, connectivity, or day-to-day controls. That makes it harder to compare its workflow with the more fully described TM-340 and TC-21 models. Before buying it for signage, confirm that its supported media and features fit your specific production needs.
A printer this wide is best considered when you have a real need for oversized output. If most of your work fits within 24 or 36 inches, one of the smaller printers may be a more practical match. The listing also notes that a one-year on-site warranty is included through the named reseller.
Pros:
- Offers a 60-inch maximum print width
- Identified as a professional photographic large-format printer
- May suit very wide photographic display graphics
Cons:
- The supplied details do not specify ink, connectivity, or media-handling features
- Its broad format may be unnecessary for smaller signage jobs
Verdict: Consider the PRO-6000 when you need a 60-inch print width, but verify its media support and workflow details before choosing it for sign production.
Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21: A Compact 24-Inch Printer for Posters
The TC-21 is a 24-inch desktop roll printer that can also print on cut sheets. Its four-color ink system is described as delivering crisp text and vibrant images for posters. For smaller signs, event notices, and other graphics that fit within its width, it offers a simpler alternative to a wider-format machine.
It supports roll media and has an automatic sheet feeder, so you can switch between those formats depending on the job. The tilting touchscreen and animated installation guides are designed to help with setup and maintenance. USB and Ethernet are available, and built-in Wi-Fi allows wireless printing from a computer, smartphone, or tablet.
The 24-inch limit is the key constraint for signage. It may be enough for many posters, but designs that need to be printed wider will require a different model or a separate production step. Its listed ink set has four colors, while the TM-340 has five, so consider the TM-340 if that difference matters to your work.
Pros:
- Prints on both roll media and cut sheets
- Automatic sheet feeder adds flexibility for paper jobs
- Offers USB, Ethernet, and built-in Wi-Fi
- Includes a tilting touchscreen and guided setup
Cons:
- Maximum print width is 24 inches
- Uses a four-color ink system rather than the TM-340’s five colors
Verdict: Pick the TC-21 if your signage fits within 24 inches and you want both roll and cut-sheet printing in one printer.
Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 MFP: A 36-Inch Printer With a Scanner
This TM-340 MFP combines a 36-inch large-format printer with scanning. It is described as suitable for posters, CAD documents, signage, and other wide-format work, so it may be a useful choice when you need to digitize or work from existing documents as well as produce new prints.
The flat-body design, full-frontal operation, and adjustable 4.3-inch screen are intended to support use in smaller spaces. The Canon Large Format Printer App provides access to how-to videos, printing and photo events, firmware, and software updates. The product information also notes that Canon offers media options such as metallic, rag, glossy, and adhesive-backed types; check compatibility for the specific material you plan to use.
This model is a strong alternative to the standard TM-340 if scanning is part of your workflow. The supplied details do not give as much information about its ink system or automatic media detection as the standard TM-340, so compare those features if they are important to your jobs.
Pros:
- Combines 36-inch printing with scanning
- Designed for posters, CAD documents, and signage
- Flat-body design and full-frontal operation suit space-conscious setups
- Adjustable 4.3-inch interface screen
Cons:
- The supplied product details do not specify its ink configuration
- Confirm that your chosen sign media is supported by the printer
Verdict: Choose the TM-340 MFP if you need a 36-inch printer and scanner in one unit, especially for a workspace where multifunction equipment is useful.
Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21M: A 24-Inch Printer for Enlarging Originals
The TC-21M is a 24-inch multifunction printer with a flatbed scanner. Its standout feature is the ability to enlarge smaller originals directly from the scanner, which can be handy when you are turning a paper notice, drawing, or other original into a larger poster. It also has a USB flash drive port for printing from a drive.
The listed features include cloud printing and scanning, a tilting 2.7-inch touchscreen, and an automatic sheet feeder. The feeder can load up to 100 letter-size sheets or up to 50 sheets of 11-by-17-inch paper, providing options for smaller print tasks alongside large-format work.
Its maximum width is 24 inches, so it will not suit signs that need to be wider than that. The supplied product data also marks this listing as unavailable, so check its current listing status before planning a purchase. Compared with the TC-21, its main appeal is the scanner and direct enlargement capability.
Pros:
- Can enlarge originals directly from its flatbed scanner
- Supports printing from a USB flash drive
- Includes cloud printing and scanning features
- Automatic sheet feeder handles letter and 11-by-17-inch paper
Cons:
- Maximum print width is 24 inches
- The supplied product data marks the listing as unavailable
Verdict: The TC-21M is worth considering if enlarging scanned originals is central to your workflow, but confirm availability and accept the 24-inch width limit.
How to Choose a Large-Format Inkjet Printer for Signage
Match the printer width to your finished sign
Start with the widest sign you expect to print, not just the size of your most common poster. These models range from 24 to 60 inches wide. A 24-inch printer can suit smaller graphics, while a 36-inch unit gives you more room for wider designs. The 60-inch PRO-6000 is the widest option here, but its extra width only helps if your work calls for it.
Check the media you plan to print on
Signage may call for different materials, such as glossy or adhesive-backed media. Confirm that the printer supports the specific media type, width, and thickness you plan to use. A printer’s ability to accept roll or cut-sheet media can also shape your workflow. The TC-21, for example, is specified for both rolls and sheets, while the TM-340 lists automatic media detection.
Consider the artwork and ink information
Signs with fine lettering and sharp lines have different needs from image-heavy posters. Compare the ink details the manufacturer provides, and avoid assuming that every model uses the same ink system. The standard TM-340 is listed with five-color pigment ink, while the TC-21 is listed with four colors. For models with fewer supplied ink details, confirm the configuration before purchasing.
Decide whether you need scanning or copying
If you regularly work from paper originals, a printer with a scanner may save steps. The TM-340 MFP includes scanning, and the TC-21M is described as able to enlarge originals directly from its flatbed scanner. If your signage is created digitally, a standard printer may be a simpler fit.
Think about setup, connections, and available space
Check how the printer will connect to your computers and where it will sit. USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi options vary by model, so match them to your workplace setup. Also consider whether you will use roll media, sheet feeding, or both, and whether the machine’s maximum width and layout fit the space you have available.
Compare the features you will actually use
Touchscreens, guided setup, automatic media detection, and cloud functions can make specific tasks easier, but they should not replace checking core requirements such as width and media compatibility. Make a shortlist based on the jobs you print most often, then weigh extra features against the practical needs of your signage workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What width should I choose for a signage printer?
Choose a printer that can handle the widest sign you expect to make. The models here offer maximum widths of 24, 36, or 60 inches. Remember to check the printer’s supported media width as well as the dimensions of your finished design.
Which printer in this list is the widest?
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-6000 is listed with a 60-inch maximum width. The supplied information describes it as a professional photographic large-format printer but does not provide detailed media or workflow specifications.
Which option includes a scanner?
The Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 MFP is described as a printer and scanner. The Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21M also includes a flatbed scanner and is specified for enlarging originals directly.
Can these printers handle both rolls and sheets?
The TC-21 is explicitly described as supporting roll media and cut sheets, with an automatic sheet feeder. The TC-21M includes an automatic sheet feeder. Check each model’s listing for the media formats and sizes it supports before buying.
Is the standard TM-340 or the TM-340 MFP better for signage?
Both are 36-inch options, but they serve different needs. The standard TM-340 lists five-color pigment ink and automatic media detection. The TM-340 MFP adds scanning and is described for signage and other wide-format tasks. Choose based on whether you need scanning and which printer details matter most for your work.
Is the TC-21M available to buy?
The supplied product data marks its listing as unavailable. Availability can change, so check the product listing before making plans to purchase it.
Conclusion
For a balanced signage setup, the Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 is the strongest fit in this group when you want 36-inch output, five-color pigment ink, and automatic media detection. Choose the TM-340 MFP if scanning is important, the TC-21 if your signs fit within 24 inches, or the PRO-6000 if you need a much wider print format and can verify its media requirements. The TC-21M is a distinctive option for enlarging scanned originals, but check whether its listing is available before considering it.