Best At Home Color Printers for Designers: Discover the Top Color Printers to Enhance Your Design Projects

When it comes to selecting the best at-home color printers for designers, several factors need to be considered, including color accuracy, print resolution, media versatility, connectivity options, and cost-efficiency. Designers rely heavily on their printers for producing high-quality proofs, portfolio pieces, and client presentations. Here are some of the top choices currently favored among design professionals:

1. Canon PIXMA PRO-200: Known for exceptional color accuracy and vibrant photo prints, the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 supports up to 13” x 19” sheets and features an 8-color dye-based ink system. It’s a favorite if you regularly print photographs, posters, or illustrations.
2. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550: This cartridge-free model is ideal for designers seeking high-volume, cost-effective printing with vivid color reproduction. Its six color ink system ensures precise gradients and true-to-life imagery.
3. HP ENVY Inspire 7955e: If you’re balancing budgets but need reliable performance, the HP ENVY Inspire 7955e offers great-quality color prints for graphics and illustrations, plus smart device integration for cloud workflows.
4. Brother MFC-J995DW INKvestmentTank: This all-in-one model is popular for its low running costs and decent print speed, making it great for daily design office tasks and occasional high-quality portfolio prints.
5. Epson SureColor P700: A staple for photographers and digital artists, the SureColor P700 produces gallery-quality color prints, wide color gamut, and fine detail—perfect for proofing intricate designs at home.

As a designer, it's important to match your printing equipment not just with your budget, but with your workflow and the type of materials you work with. For example, if your projects frequently move between various rooms or even different locations in your home, you might consider a printer with strong wireless capabilities and compact form factor. If large format printing is your focus—like posters or detailed plans—prioritize models that can handle oversized paper and specialty media.

Thinking as a designer, one solution I always recommend is to harmonize your digital workspace with your physical design process. For example, creating a digital mockup using a 3D Floor Planner before printing your designs allows you to visualize color balance, spatial layout, and scale. Integrating digital design tools with your at-home printing setup not only improves accuracy but also streamlines revisions and reduces wasted materials.

Tips 1:

Always calibrate your monitor and printer together for consistent color matching. Use high-quality paper specifically designed for your printer to see the truest colors, and consider pigment-based inks for archival-quality prints that resist fading.

FAQ

Q: What is the best color printer for printing professional design portfolios at home?

A: The Epson SureColor P700 stands out for its archival pigment inks and exceptional color accuracy, making it ideal for portfolio-quality prints.

Q: Are inkjet or laser printers better for design work?

A: Inkjet printers are generally preferred for design due to superior color gradations and the ability to print on various media types.

Q: What printer resolution should designers look for?

A: For graphic design and photo-quality prints, look for printers with at least 2400 x 1200 DPI or higher for crisp detail and smooth gradients.

Q: Can I print borderless designs at home?

A: Yes, many modern photo printers like the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 and Epson EcoTank ET-8550 offer borderless printing up to large formats.

Q: How do I ensure my printed colors match what’s on my screen?

A: Calibrate your monitor and use printer color profiles (ICC profiles) provided by the printer or paper manufacturer for best results.