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The best printer for art prints in 2026 is the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 for most artists who need premium 13 x 19-inch pigment prints. The Epson SureColor P700 is the closest alternative, the EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is better for lower-cost volume work, and the Epson SureColor P5370 wins when 17-inch exhibition output matters.
The practical choice depends on four things: pigment or dye ink, maximum paper width, expected print volume, and the paper-and-profile workflow you will maintain. The PRO-310 and P700 are the closest mainstream professional comparisons, while the ET-8550 targets lower-cost multifunction printing and the P5370 targets larger exhibition work.
Key takeaways
- The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is the best overall choice for premium 13 x 19-inch art prints because it combines a professional pigment-ink system with fine-art media support.
- The Epson SureColor P700 is the closest 13-inch alternative, with a 10-color pigment system, wider measured gamut, roll-paper support, and more economical ink use than the PRO-310.
- The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 costs less to run and adds scanning and copying, but its dye-based photo system is not a direct archival-pigment replacement.
- The Epson SureColor P5370 and Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 are 17-inch printers for exhibition work, larger framed prints, and 17 x 22-inch sheets.
- Paper, ICC profiles, printer media settings, and viewing conditions affect fine-art results as much as the printer itself.
Which printer is best for most art prints?
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is the best overall printer for most artists. The print-only 13-inch model uses Canon’s LUCIA PRO II pigment system, supports borderless output up to 13 x 19 inches, and accepts fine-art media. The PRO-310 is a strong fit for limited-edition prints, illustration, photography, matte artwork, and black-and-white work.
Canon lists nine pigment color inks plus a Chroma Optimizer, wireless, Ethernet, USB, cloud connectivity, fine-art paper support, and borderless printing in the official PRO-310 specifications. Canon says LUCIA PRO II is designed to improve color reproduction, shadow detail, gloss uniformity, and resistance to bronzing on glossy media.
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- 9 COLOR + CHROMA OPTIMIZER pigment-based ink system produces gallery-quality prints.
- EASE OF USE — ultimate productivity with Anti-Clogging System and Skew Correction.
- MATTE BLACK INK offers enhanced black density and wider dark area reproduction range.
- Easily check ink levels, printer status, and other settings with the 3.0-Inch COLOR LCD MONITOR.
- The LUCIA PRO II INK SYSTEM produces enhanced gloss uniformity, and scratch resistance.
This ranking combines manufacturer specifications with published testing from RTINGS, Creative Bloq, TechRadar, and Digital Camera World. The recommendations are not the result of an in-house lab test. In independent testing, the PRO-310 and Epson P700 are both excellent dedicated photo printers, with the Canon showing slightly better measured color accuracy and the Epson producing a somewhat wider gamut.
Best art printers compared
A 13-inch printer is the practical size for many artists because it accommodates common work such as 8 x 10, 11 x 14, 12 x 18, and 13 x 19 inches. A 17-inch printer is more appropriate when large framed or exhibition prints are part of the business.
| Printer | Maximum relevant format | Ink system | Best for | Main compromise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 | 13 x 19 inches; borderless output | Nine pigment color inks plus Chroma Optimizer; LUCIA PRO II | Premium art prints, photography, illustration, matte media, and black-and-white work | Print-only design, slow output, and relatively expensive cartridge refills |
| Epson SureColor P700 | Paper widths from 8.27 to 13 inches; roll-paper capability | 10-color archival pigment ink; UltraChrome PRO10 | Epson workflows, monochrome work, panoramic prints, and frequent printing | High upfront and consumable costs; maximum width remains 13 inches |
| Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 | Up to 13 x 19 inches; borderless photo printing | Six-color Claria ET Premium ink in refillable tanks | High-volume proofs, cards, posters, lower-priced inventory, scanning, and copying | Dye-based photo system is not positioned like a professional archival pigment system |
| Epson SureColor P5370 | 17-inch class; supports 17 x 22-inch exhibition sheets | Professional pigment photographic workflow | Exhibition photographers, large framed work, and calibrated studio workflows | Larger chassis, higher purchase commitment, and more demanding media workflow |
| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 | 17 x 22 inches borderless; sheets up to 129 inches in certain workflows | 11 pigment-based inks plus Chroma Optimizer; 80 ml tanks | Large-format Canon output and owners who need a replaceable print head | Canon’s U.S. listing currently marks the model no longer available |
Why choose the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310?
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is the safest default when print quality and premium presentation matter more than the lowest cost per print. The pigment system is suited to artists who sell limited editions or want a more archival-oriented workflow, while the 13 x 19-inch format covers most desktop art-print requirements.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe PRO-310 is also more flexible than a basic photo printer for artists who switch among glossy photography paper, matte fine-art paper, and other supported media. Canon’s Chroma Optimizer is intended to improve gloss uniformity and reduce visible differences between inked and uninked areas on compatible glossy surfaces.
The trade-offs are important. The PRO-310 is print-only, output is slow compared with ordinary office printers, and replacement cartridges are relatively expensive. RTINGS’ PRO-310 review identifies slow printing and high refill cost as disadvantages despite the printer’s strong detailed photo output.
What makes the Epson SureColor P700 a better alternative?
The Epson SureColor P700 is the strongest alternative for artists who prefer Epson’s UltraChrome PRO10 ecosystem, print frequently enough to value ink efficiency, or need roll-paper capability for panoramic work.
Epson positions the P700 as a 13-inch professional photo printer with a 10-color archival pigment-ink system. Epson’s documentation lists supported paper widths from 8.27 to 13 inches, so the P700 remains a 13-inch-width printer even though it can handle a broad range of sheet sizes.
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In the RTINGS comparison of the P700 and PRO-310, the two printers were very close overall. The Canon had slightly better measured color accuracy, while the Epson had a wider measured gamut, roll-paper support, a stronger interactive display, and more frugal ink use. Those differences make the P700 especially attractive for monochrome artists, panoramic photographers, and creators already invested in Epson papers and color-management tools.
The P700 is still a specialist printer with high upfront and consumable costs. Its maximum paper width is 13 inches, so the P700 is not the right choice for artists whose normal products require 17 x 22-inch sheets.
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- 8 COLOR dye-based ink system produces vibrant, high quality prints.
- BORDERLESS PRINTING from 3.5” x 3.5” up to 13” x 19”.
- HIGH SPEED PRINTING — bordered A3+ print in just 90 seconds or bordered 8" x 10" print in 53 seconds.
- 3.0'' COLOR LCD MONITOR -- Easily check ink levels, printer status, and other settings.
Is the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 good for art prints?
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is good for high-volume, cost-conscious art printing when scanning and copying are useful and the work does not require the strongest possible archival positioning.
The ET-8550 is a wide-format all-in-one with six-color Claria ET Premium ink, refillable tanks, and borderless output up to 13 x 19 inches. Epson describes the refillable design as reducing the frequency and cost of ink replacement in its EcoTank Photo product announcement. The printer’s all-in-one design also makes it useful for scanning artwork, copying reference material, and producing classroom materials, greeting cards, posters, proofs, and lower-priced shop inventory.
The ET-8550 should not be described as equivalent to the PRO-310 or P700 for every fine-art purpose. Published comparisons identify the ET-8550’s lower running-cost position as a major advantage, but its dye-based photo system is not the same kind of dedicated archival pigment solution used by the professional models. Vivid color alone does not prove equivalent display longevity.
Choose the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 when volume and versatility outweigh premium limited-edition requirements. Choose a pigment printer when long-term display stability, neutral black-and-white output, and archival-oriented presentation are central to the sale.
When do you need a 17-inch art printer?
You need a 17-inch art printer when your product line includes larger framed work, exhibition prints, or 17 x 22-inch sheets. A 17-inch model provides substantially more format flexibility than a 13-inch desktop printer, but the larger chassis, ink commitment, and media workflow are excessive for artists who mainly sell small prints.
Why choose the Epson SureColor P5370?
The Epson SureColor P5370 is the current Epson choice for artists and photographers who need professional 17-inch output. Epson describes the P5370 as a professional photographic printer for demanding photographers and artists who want prints produced as intended.
The P5370 is a sensible choice for exhibition photographers, artists selling larger framed work, and studios that already use calibrated color-management workflows. The P5370 user guide identifies workflow features for black density, Adobe RGB matching, and vector-edge sharpening. Those controls are more relevant to a studio producing consistent exhibition work than to an artist who only needs occasional 8 x 10 or 13 x 19 prints.
The P5370 demands more physical space and a larger ongoing ink and paper commitment than the PRO-310, P700, or ET-8550. Buy the P5370 for the 17-inch format rather than simply assuming that the larger model will improve every small print.
Is the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 still worth considering?
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is technically compelling for artists who want Canon’s rendering characteristics and 17-inch output, but U.S. buyers should verify availability before treating it as a current purchase recommendation.
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- 11 PIGMENT-BASED INK SYSTEM PLUS CHROMA OPTIMIZER: The 11 pigment-based ink system provides a broad color gamut and improved gloss uniformity for superb glossiness and anti-bronzing. The included Chroma Optimizer ink enhances glossiness, flattens the print surface and expands color range.
- WIDE COLOR GAMUT FOR EXCEPTIONAL IMAGE CLARITY: The LUCIA PRO II ink system helps you achieve an improvement in color-reproduction, image clarity, and enhanced darker areas. It faithfully reproduces colors and dark areas crucial for printing works of art.
- PROFESSIONAL PRINT & LAYOUT SOFTWARE: This powerful software provides professional photographers with intuitive printing solutions. A standalone application that also can be used as a plug-in from Digital Photo Professional or Adobe software to support seamless output.
- PRINTER MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS: Every detail in your print must be perfect, why not have the same obsession for your workflow? The PRO-1100 is precisely managed with powerful management tools such as the Media Configuration, Color Calibration, and Accounting Manager tools.
- ANTI-CLOGGING TECHNOLOGY: Via a FINE print head that controls precise ink ejection.
Canon lists 11 pigment-based inks plus Chroma Optimizer, borderless output up to 17 x 22 inches, anti-clogging technology, a user-replaceable print head, and 80 ml ink tanks. Canon also lists support for sheets up to 129 inches long in certain workflows. Those features make the PRO-1100 attractive for large-format Canon workflows and for owners who value replaceable print-head hardware.
Canon’s current U.S. shop listing marks the PRO-1100 as no longer available, even though product and support information remains online. Remaining stock or regional availability may differ, so confirm the model’s availability, warranty coverage, ink supply, and service options before buying. For a readily available 17-inch Epson workflow, the SureColor P5370 is the more straightforward recommendation in this comparison.
How should you choose between pigment and dye ink?
Choose pigment ink when the art print will be sold as premium, limited-edition, exhibition, or archival-oriented work; choose a refillable dye-based printer when lower operating costs and high-volume general photo output matter more.
Pigment printers such as the PRO-310, P700, P5370, and PRO-1100 are the safer default for artists who need a professional fine-art workflow. Pigment selection does not make a print automatically permanent: paper, light exposure, humidity, handling, and display conditions also affect longevity.
Dye-based systems can produce excellent color and are often economical, but vivid output should not be treated as proof of the same display stability as a dedicated pigment printer. The ET-8550 is best understood as a cost-efficient wide-format photo and graphics printer rather than a universal archival substitute.
How much does print size affect the buying decision?
Print size should be decided by the largest finished artwork you regularly sell, not by the printer’s maximum marketing label. A 13-inch model is sufficient if your normal ceiling is 13 x 19 inches; a 17-inch model becomes worthwhile for 17 x 22-inch sheets and larger matted or framed work.
| Your normal work | Best printer class | Recommended models | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small and medium fine-art prints up to 13 x 19 inches | 13-inch pigment printer | Canon PRO-310 or Epson P700 | Both support professional fine-art workflows without the size and cost of a 17-inch chassis |
| Panoramic work and frequent monochrome printing | 13-inch Epson pigment printer | Epson P700 | Roll-paper capability, wider measured gamut, and Epson’s UltraChrome PRO10 workflow are useful advantages |
| Proofs, cards, posters, and lower-priced inventory | 13-inch refillable all-in-one | Epson ET-8550 | Refillable tanks, lower running-cost position, scanning, copying, and 13 x 19-inch output |
| Exhibition prints and larger framed work | 17-inch professional printer | Epson P5370 or Canon PRO-1100 where available | 17-inch width supports larger sheets, including 17 x 22-inch exhibition work |
Why does paper and color management matter so much?
Fine-art output depends on the interaction among printer, ink, paper surface, ICC profile, and viewing conditions. The same image can look materially different on glossy, baryta-style, textured, and matte media, so printer selection alone cannot guarantee a particular appearance.
Epson Ultra Premium Presentation Paper Matte is a matte option designed primarily for UltraChrome and archival inks and is available in 13 x 19-inch and 17 x 22-inch sizes. Review the manufacturer’s paper specifications before selecting a size or media setting.
Canson Infinity Rag Photographique is a premium cotton-rag option for artists seeking museum-grade matte paper. Canson provides ICC profiles for many Canon, Epson, and HP printers through its Rag Photographique product information.
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- Compatible with ImagePROGRAF PRO-310 Printers.
- The LUCIA PRO II ink system provides a broad color gamut and improved gloss uniformity for superb glossiness and anti-bronzing.
- WIDE COLOR GAMUT FOR EXCEPTIONAL IMAGE CLARITY: The LUCIA PRO II ink system helps you achieve an improvement in color-reproduction, image clarity, and enhanced darker areas. It faithfully reproduces colors and dark areas crucial for printing works of art.
- Don’t be fooled by imposters - look for the Canon logo on all ink packaging to ensure you’re buying Genuine Canon Ink for outstanding quality and performance you can rely on.
Use the printer manufacturer’s recommended media setting or a verified ICC profile for the exact printer-and-paper combination. Physical fit does not prove that third-party paper is profiled or supported for a particular printer. Make a small proof and assess the result under the lighting in which customers will view the finished print.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How do running costs change the best choice?
Cartridge-based pigment printers make more sense when print quality and premium print pricing matter more than the lowest consumable cost. Refillable-tank printers become more attractive when an artist produces substantial volumes of proofs, cards, posters, classroom materials, or lower-priced prints.
The ET-8550’s refillable tank system gives it the clearest running-cost advantage in this group, but the lower cost comes with a different ink and longevity position. The PRO-310 and P700 require a larger consumable commitment, yet their professional pigment systems are better aligned with premium fine-art work. Published comparisons from RTINGS’ photo-printer testing identify the ET-8550’s economical running-cost position while distinguishing it from specialist pigment printers.
Exact cost per print depends on image coverage, paper, cleaning cycles, cartridge or tank pricing, and regional availability. Because those variables change, compare current ink and paper prices for your market instead of relying on a single universal cost-per-print figure.
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What computer and driver support should artists expect?
Canon and Epson provide official drivers and software for current Windows and macOS versions for the models covered here. Canon’s PRO-310 support page also lists ChromeOS compatibility and provides driver and software resources.
Use the printer manufacturer’s support page first when a computer cannot detect the printer, a print queue stalls, colors change after an operating-system update, or a paper profile is missing. Official drivers are the appropriate starting point because they are supplied for the specific printer and operating system.
Windows users with persistent printer-driver detection or compatibility problems may also encounter Outbyte Driver Updater as an optional third-party troubleshooting tool. Outbyte says its software scans for missing or outdated drivers and includes printer drivers in its database, but that information does not establish that Outbyte is preferable to Canon or Epson’s official support. Review the Outbyte Driver Updater product information only after trying the manufacturer’s driver and support resources.
Which printer should you buy?
- Choose the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 for the best all-around 13-inch professional art-print workflow, especially for premium limited editions, illustrations, photography, matte media, and black-and-white work.
- Choose the Epson SureColor P700 if you prefer Epson’s pigment ecosystem, print panoramas, value roll-paper capability, or prioritize ink efficiency and a wider measured gamut over the Canon’s slightly better measured color accuracy.
- Choose the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 if you need lower running costs, high-volume output, scanning, and copying, and your work does not require the strongest archival-pigment positioning.
- Choose the Epson SureColor P5370 when 17-inch exhibition output and larger framed work justify the extra space and workflow commitment.
- Consider the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 only after verifying local stock and support. The model offers impressive 17-inch specifications, but Canon’s U.S. listing currently marks it unavailable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which printer is best for selling limited-edition art prints?
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is the best choice for most artists selling premium limited-edition art prints. The 13-inch pigment printer supports output up to 13 x 19 inches and offers fine-art media support, strong color accuracy, and a professional LUCIA PRO II workflow.
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The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is not a direct archival-pigment substitute for the Canon PRO-310 or Epson P700. The ET-8550 can produce excellent photos and art graphics at a lower running cost, but its dye-based six-color system has a different display-longevity position.
Is the Canon PRO-1100 available in the United States in 2026?
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is a technically capable 17-inch art printer, but Canon’s current U.S. listing marks it no longer available. Buyers should verify local stock, warranty coverage, ink supply, and service support before purchasing the PRO-1100.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: For most artists, buy the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 and spend equal care on paper, ICC profiles, and viewing conditions. Choose the Epson SureColor P700 for Epson’s wider-gamut, roll-paper-oriented workflow; the ET-8550 for economical multifunction printing; and the P5370 for genuine 17-inch exhibition requirements. Treat the PRO-1100 as a conditional option because U.S. availability must be confirmed.
