Best Printers for Printing Art References
Printing high-quality art references and visual material shouldn’t feel like a choose-your-own-technology-maze. Whether you’re prepping reference photos, proofs of your own work, or illustrative materials for projects and presentations, the right printer turns your digital files into crisp, vibrant prints without guesswork or muddy tones. This guide highlights the best Amazon-searchable printers for artists who need accuracy, flexibility, and dependable output — from large format photo machines to budget-friendly all-purpose models. You’ll learn what matters in terms of color fidelity, media handling (paper sizes/textures), and overall value so you can focus on your art — not your ink.
Our Picks
PICK #1 — Best Overall Printer for Art References
Product: Epson SureColor P900 Inkjet Printer
This printer is often crowned the gold standard for artists and photographers who want rich, nuanced prints with exceptional depth and accurate tones. Its advanced pigment ink system and wide color gamut help ensure your artwork references look as faithful on paper as on screen — ideal if you’re critiquing details, adjusting portfolios, or prepping proofs for clients. Compact enough for a home studio but powerful enough to produce gallery-worthy output — it’s a go-to choice for serious creatives.
Best for: Artists who want pro-grade color and detail in reference prints
What we like: Excellent color fidelity, wide media support, deep tonal range
What to know: Premium price — but worth it if accuracy matters
PICK #3 — Best Budget-Friendly Photo Printer
Product: Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wireless Color Wide-Format Printer
Not every artist needs a gallery-grade rig — sometimes you want great color and detail on a friendly budget, and this compact Epson delivers. Using six-color Claria Photo HD ink and a respectable max resolution, it produces sharp, lively prints up to standard photo sizes (often up to 13×19″ depending on settings). Its wireless capabilities and multi-function scanner make it useful for capturing and printing references in one go.
Best for: Artists wanting quality prints on a tighter budget
What we like: Vibrant color, wireless features, smaller footprint
What to know: Not as robust on ultra-large fine art media — but great for most reference needs
PICK #2 — Best Mid-Range Printer with Great Color
Product: Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 Printer
This Canon model brings professional-tier color accuracy and smooth gradients to a more approachable mid-range package. With a refined ink set and support for fine art and photo papers up to large formats, it’s perfect for artists who want vibrant, reference-ready prints without stepping up to a huge production printer. Artists and printmakers alike praise its balance of depth and tone for illustration and digital art prints.
Best for: Artists who want pro-quality results without pro-studio price tags
What we like: Strong color range, fine detail, wide media compatibility
What to know: Slower print speed in high-quality modes
PICK #4 — Best Low-Cost, High-Volume Printer
Product: Canon PIXMA G6020 MegaTank All-in-One Printer
For artists who print frequently — references, sketches, notes, and project boards — tank-style printers like this Canon MegaTank offer low running costs and good color reliability. The refillable ink tanks mean you’re not replacing cartridges all the time, and it still handles color prints suitable for mounting or visual planning. It’s a solid choice if you value economy and everyday versatility over gallery-level output.
Best for: Artists who print a lot of references and visual materials
What we like: Ultra-low ink cost, all-in-one scanning/copying, solid color output
What to know: Not a pigment-based fine art printer — but great for reference use
Your Questions, Answered
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We selected models renowned for color accuracy, media handling, and overall print quality that artists specifically appreciate for reference and artwork reproduction, from professional pigment printers to versatile home options suitable for frequent use.
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Yes. Photo-oriented inkjet printers use multiple color cartridges and refined color gamuts that produce more accurate hues and smooth gradients compared to basic office models — crucial when referencing artwork details.
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For reference prints, matte photo paper or heavyweight coated paper works well. For fine art reproduction, consider archival fine art paper with texture (e.g., cotton rag) — this mimics physical originals better. Always check printer specs for max media thickness.
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For occasional references, a mid-range printer is convenient and cost-effective. For large archival prints or gallery reproduction, a professional print service with wide-format printers may still be worth considering.