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Wide Format Printing vs. Traditional Printing: Which One is Right for Your Business?

2 office staff inspecting wide format printing projects.

When it comes to printing, not all solutions are created equal. Businesses often debate whether they should stick with traditional office printers or invest in wide format printing for specific needs. Understanding the key differences and benefits will help you make the right decision for your business.

Horizontal row of small evenly spaced black dots, often used as a decorative or divider element in design layouts.
Xerox VersaLink B415 Printer.

What is Traditional Printing?

  • Standard printers typically print on paper sizes up to 11” x 17” (tabloid size).
  • Ideal for everyday documents like reports, invoices, and standard marketing materials.
  • Options include laser and inkjet printers, ranging from desktop models to high-volume office machines.
Horizontal row of small evenly spaced black dots, often used as a decorative or divider element in design layouts.

What is Wide Format Printing?

  • Wide format printers handle media widths of 24 inches and beyond.
  • Used for banners, posters, blueprints, architectural drawings, signage, and wall graphics.
  • Offers high-resolution printing with vibrant colors and durable materials.
HP DesignJet XL 3800 left facing view.
Horizontal row of small evenly spaced black dots, often used as a decorative or divider element in design layouts.

Key Differences: Which One is Right for You?

 

FeatureTraditional PrintingWide Format Printing
  • Print Size
  • Letter, legal, tabloid (up to 11” x 17”)
  • Large-scale prints (24” to several feet wide)
  • Best For
  • Documents, forms, standard marketing materials
  • Posters, blueprints, vehicle wraps, signage
  • Print Quality
  • Standard resolution
  • High resolution, vivid colors
  • Materials
  • Paper-based
  • Vinyl, fabric, adhesive, canvas
  • Common Industries
  • General office use, legal, finance
  • A/E/C, marketing, retail, events
Horizontal row of small evenly spaced black dots, often used as a decorative or divider element in design layouts.

When Should You Invest in Wide Format Printing?

  • If you frequently outsource signage, posters, or architectural prints, in-house wide format printing could save you time and money.
  • If you’re in architecture, engineering, construction, or wide format printing is essential for blueprint accuracy and project visualization.
  • If you’re in retail or marketing, large-scale graphics and promotional displays can boost brand awareness and engagement.
HP DesignJet XT950
Horizontal row of small evenly spaced black dots, often used as a decorative or divider element in design layouts.

Choosing the Right Solution for Your Business

If your printing needs are simple and document-heavy, a traditional printer may be all you need. But if your business relies on large-scale prints, a wide format printer could be a game-changer.

Still unsure? 
BPI Color offers both traditional office printers and wide format solutions tailored to your business needs.

BPI Color’s dedicated sales team & certified technicians are here for you and your team, each and every step of the way.

By filling out this form you are giving BPI Color permission to contact you.

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