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Best 36 Inch Large Format Inkjet Printers: Top Picks Compared

Updated 11 min read

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Guide at a glance

  • 5products compared
  • 11minute read
  • Side-by-side comparison table
  • Who each pick suits best
  • What to check before you buy

Choosing among the best 36 inch large format inkjet printers comes down to what you print most: precise CAD drawings, colorful posters, or a mix of roll and sheet media. The options below include HP DesignJet plotters with workflow tools for technical files and Canon imagePROGRAF models aimed at wide-format printing. Compare their media handling, connectivity, and included support to find the right fit for your workspace.

Quick Comparison

PrinterBest forNotable features
HP DesignJet T630 36-inch PlotterCAD drawings, maps, and mixed-size jobsRoll and sheet feeding, automatic media switching, HP Click software
HP DesignJet T650 36-inch PlotterTechnical printing with added support coverageTwo-year onsite support, 1 GB memory, HP Smart app compatibility
Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340Posters and technical printsFive-color pigment ink, automatic media detection, color calibration
Canon imagePROGRAF TM-350Color printing with an included service bundleAdjustable screen, stackable basket, listed onsite warranty
Canon imagePROGRAF TM-300Wide-format printing in a compact footprintWi-Fi compatibility and LUCIA TD pigment inks

Our Picks: Best 36 Inch Large Format Inkjet Printers reviews

1. HP DesignJet T630: A Flexible Plotter for Technical Work

The HP DesignJet T630 is a 36-inch plotter for technical line drawings, maps, posters, and other wide-format jobs. Its roll feed supports media up to 36 inches wide, while the included automatic sheet feeder handles sheets up to 13 by 19 inches. That combination is useful if your work alternates between large plans and smaller presentation pages.

For day-to-day media handling, the T630 can switch automatically between sheet and roll feed. It also includes a media bin and an automatic horizontal cutter. HP Click software is designed to simplify sending common file types to print, with features such as PDF error checking, alerts, and auto-nesting. Ethernet, USB, and Wi-Fi give you several ways to connect it to your setup.

This model suits small design, engineering, and construction offices that need a versatile plotter without giving up sheet printing. Its useful mix of feeds and software tools makes it a strong general-purpose pick. Keep in mind that a 36-inch roll printer takes more room than a standard office printer, and the listed connectivity uses Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n rather than a newer specification.

Pros:

  • Handles rolls up to 36 inches wide and sheets up to 13 by 19 inches
  • Automatically switches between sheet and roll media
  • HP Click includes file checks and auto-nesting tools
  • Offers Ethernet, USB, and Wi-Fi connectivity

Cons:

  • Requires dedicated space for a large-format printer and stand
  • Its listed Wi-Fi standard is 802.11 b/g/n

Verdict: Choose the T630 if you want one plotter for both technical roll prints and smaller sheet jobs, with helpful workflow features included.

2. HP DesignJet T650: A Plotter with Onsite Support

The HP DesignJet T650 shares much of the T630’s core setup: it prints on rolls up to 36 inches wide, accepts sheets up to 13 by 19 inches with its automatic feeder, and can switch between the two media sources. It is built for technical drawings, maps, posters, and similar wide-format work.

Its standout difference in this listing is a two-year HP Care Pack with onsite support. The printer also has 1 GB of memory, Gigabit Ethernet, USB, and Wi-Fi, plus support for HP/GL-2. HP Click can help prepare and organize print jobs, while the HP Smart app supports managing the printer from a smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer. HP lists a speed of up to 25 seconds per A1/D-size page, or up to 82 such prints per hour; actual job times can depend on the file and print settings.

The T650 is a practical option for an office that values a defined support package and remote management. It is closely matched to the T630 for media flexibility, so the included support and stated speed are more useful points of comparison than the basic roll-and-sheet setup. Check the seller’s listing for the exact coverage terms before ordering.

Pros:

  • Includes a two-year onsite support plan in the listing
  • Supports both 36-inch rolls and sheets up to 13 by 19 inches
  • Includes HP Click, HP Smart app compatibility, and HP/GL-2 support
  • Lists 1 GB of memory and A1/D-size print-speed figures

Cons:

  • Its main media features closely overlap with the less support-focused T630
  • Support coverage terms should be confirmed with the seller

Verdict: Pick the T650 if the included onsite support and remote printer management matter more to you than choosing a different printer platform.

3. Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340: A Poster-Friendly Five-Color Printer

The Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 is a 36-inch printer that combines plotter work with poster printing. Its five-color pigment ink system is designed for crisp text, sharp lines, and colorful images. That mix can suit a shop or office that prints both technical documents and visual materials.

Automatic media detection identifies the loaded media type, width, and remaining length, which can reduce the need to enter those details by hand. The printer also has automatic color calibration to help keep output consistent. A tilting touchscreen and animated setup and maintenance guides are intended to make operation more approachable. USB and Ethernet are listed for wired connections, and the model is described as ENERGY STAR and EPEAT Gold rated.

Compared with the HP models, the TM-340’s listed highlights lean more toward ink type, media detection, and color consistency than app-based file handling. The product listing says it ships with 300 ml of ink, but ongoing ink needs still depend on how much and what you print. Wi-Fi is not listed in the supplied specifications, so confirm wireless requirements before choosing it.

Pros:

  • Five-color pigment ink is suited to both lines and colorful poster images
  • Detects media type, width, and remaining roll length automatically
  • Includes automatic color calibration and a tilting touchscreen
  • Offers USB and Ethernet connectivity

Cons:

  • Wi-Fi is not listed in the supplied specifications
  • Ink use and replacement needs will vary with print volume and job type

Verdict: Consider the TM-340 if you want a 36-inch printer with pigment color, automatic media detection, and features geared toward poster as well as plotter work.

4. Canon imagePROGRAF TM-350: A Faster 36-Inch Option with a Bundle

The Canon imagePROGRAF TM-350 is a 36-inch color inkjet printer offered here as a bundle through a Canon Platinum Reseller. The listing describes a turnkey package with ink and printhead included, along with a two-year onsite warranty. That can appeal to buyers who prefer a printer package with support rather than sourcing every component separately.

Its listed features include a 4.3-inch adjustable user interface screen and a stackable basket. The seller also states that it prints 3.2 D-size pages per minute and is 30% faster than the previous model. Those figures may matter if you produce larger batches, but your actual results can vary with the document and settings.

The supplied description is shorter than the specifications available for the HP T650 and Canon TM-340. It does not detail connectivity, media detection, or the ink system, so confirm those points if they are important to your workflow. Also check the seller’s warranty and bundle details, since the listing presents them as part of a reseller package.

Pros:

  • Listing includes ink and printhead in a turnkey bundle
  • Includes a listed two-year onsite warranty through the reseller
  • Has an adjustable 4.3-inch user interface screen
  • Seller states a speed of 3.2 D-size pages per minute

Cons:

  • Supplied details do not specify connectivity or media-handling features
  • Warranty and included bundle items should be confirmed with the seller

Verdict: The TM-350 is worth considering if the reseller bundle and listed onsite warranty fit your needs, but verify the missing specifications before committing.

5. Canon imagePROGRAF TM-300: A Wide-Format Printer with Wi-Fi

The Canon imagePROGRAF TM-300 is a 36-inch, five-color inkjet plotter. Its listing highlights LUCIA TD pigment inks, Canon print quality, Wi-Fi compatibility, and a small footprint. Wireless support may be helpful if you want to place the printer away from a computer or connect it to a shared workspace.

The available product details do not provide a full list of media-handling features, connection options beyond Wi-Fi, or print speeds. That makes the TM-300 harder to compare feature by feature with the more fully specified HP T630 and Canon TM-340. Before buying, check the current product listing for the exact included accessories and the connections your setup requires.

This model may suit a buyer looking for a Canon 36-inch plotter with pigment ink and Wi-Fi compatibility, especially when space is a concern. Its limited specification details are the main trade-off: if you need automatic roll-and-sheet switching or precise throughput information, the other options provide clearer information in their listings.

Pros:

  • Uses LUCIA TD pigment inks
  • Wi-Fi compatibility is listed
  • Described as having a small footprint
  • Combines a five-color ink system with 36-inch plotter capability

Cons:

  • Supplied information does not detail media handling or print speed
  • Confirm included accessories and connection options before ordering

Verdict: Choose the TM-300 if Wi-Fi compatibility and a smaller footprint are priorities, but verify the missing workflow details first.

How to Choose a 36-Inch Large Format Inkjet Printer

Match the printer to your usual work

Start with the files and materials you print most. Technical plans and line drawings call for sharp lines and clear text, while posters place more emphasis on color. The HP DesignJet models highlight technical printing and HP Click workflow tools. The Canon TM-340 specifically combines plotter use with poster printing and a five-color pigment ink system.

Check roll and sheet support

A 36-inch maximum roll width does not tell the whole story. If you switch between wide plans and smaller pages, look for a model that supports both roll and sheet media. The HP T630 and T650 list roll printing up to 36 inches and sheet printing up to 13 by 19 inches with the included automatic sheet feeder. Their automatic switching can also reduce manual media changes.

Consider the ink system and the work it serves

Ink configuration can affect how well a printer suits your output. The Canon TM-340 is described as using five-color pigment ink for text, lines, and colorful images. The TM-300 listing identifies LUCIA TD pigment inks. For the HP T650, the listed compatible supplies are HP 712 cartridges and an HP 713 printhead. Check the specific supplies required for your chosen model and consider how your print mix may affect replacement needs.

Look at software and connectivity

Choose connections that fit your office network and workflow. The HP T630 and T650 list Ethernet, USB, and Wi-Fi, and both include HP Click features for preparing print jobs. The T650 also lists HP Smart app compatibility. The Canon TM-340 specifies USB and Ethernet, while Wi-Fi compatibility is listed for the TM-300. The TM-350’s supplied description does not list its connections, so verify them with the seller.

Compare speed and support details

If you regularly print batches, look for speed information that matches your type of work. The HP T650 lists A1/D-size speed figures, and the TM-350 listing states a D-size page rate. These are useful reference points, but actual times can depend on the file and settings. Support can matter just as much: the T650 listing includes a two-year HP Care Pack with onsite support, while the TM-350 listing describes a two-year onsite warranty through the reseller. Confirm coverage and service terms before purchase.

Plan for space and everyday handling

Large-format printers need more room than standard desktop printers, particularly when you use roll media and a stand or basket. Check the available floor space and how you will collect finished prints. Features such as a media bin, cutter, or stackable basket can affect how prints are handled, but the listed accessories differ by model. Confirm what is included rather than assuming that a stand or finishing accessory comes with every configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 36-inch mean on a large-format printer?

It generally describes the maximum width of roll media the printer can handle. For example, the HP T630 and T650 list support for rolls up to 36 inches wide. The printable area can depend on the media and print setup.

Can these printers print on regular sheets as well as rolls?

The HP T630 and T650 list an included automatic sheet feeder for sheets up to 13 by 19 inches, alongside roll support. The supplied details for the Canon models do not specify the same sheet size, so check each model’s listing if sheet printing is important.

Which printer is best for architectural or engineering drawings?

The HP T630 and T650 are both described as suitable for technical line drawings and work used by architects, engineers, and construction professionals. The T650 adds a listed two-year onsite support package, while the T630 offers a similar roll-and-sheet setup.

Which model is better suited to posters?

The Canon TM-340 is specifically described as a poster and plotter printer, with five-color pigment ink for colorful images, sharp lines, and crisp text. The HP models also list poster printing among their intended uses.

Do all five printers support Wi-Fi?

No. Wi-Fi is listed for the HP T630, HP T650, and Canon TM-300. The TM-340 lists USB and Ethernet, and the supplied TM-350 description does not specify connectivity. Confirm the exact configuration if wireless printing is a requirement.

Is the fastest listed speed a guarantee for every job?

No. The speed figures are manufacturer or seller specifications, and actual output time can vary with the file, print settings, and media. Use those figures as a comparison point rather than a promise for every print job.

What should I confirm before ordering?

Check the included stand, sheet feeder, ink, printhead, and other accessories for the exact listing you plan to buy. Also confirm connectivity, compatible supplies, and warranty coverage, especially for models sold as reseller bundles.

Final Recommendation

For a versatile office plotter with clearly specified roll-and-sheet handling, the HP DesignJet T630 is the strongest all-around choice in this group. Choose the HP T650 if its listed onsite support and remote management are higher priorities. For poster-focused work, the Canon TM-340 offers a compelling mix of pigment color and automatic media detection. The TM-350 may suit buyers seeking a reseller bundle, while the TM-300 is an option to consider when Wi-Fi compatibility and a smaller footprint stand out. Before deciding, verify the accessories, connections, and support terms for the exact product listing.

Author

  • Emily

    Emily is the editor of YourModernLiving, where she helps readers make informed decisions about home, kitchen, family, and everyday products. She focuses on researching product features, comparing available options, and creating practical buying guides to help readers find products that suit their needs, preferences, and budgets.

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