Best Plotter for Architects in 2025
Architectural firms have unique plotting requirements that differ significantly from general construction or engineering environments.
While construction sites focus on redlining and field markups, architects primarily need high-quality output for client presentations, contractor submissions, and detailed design documentation.
At Steven Enterprises, we help architectural practices—from boutique studios to 50+ person firms—choose plotters that fit their volume, space, and workflow.
The key isn’t just “best print quality”; it’s matching the device to your team size and actual print demand so you don’t over- or under-buy.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the best plotter recommendations based on firm size, helping you make an informed decision that scales with your practice.
Top Features Architects Should Look for in Plotters
- High-Quality Output: Crisp, accurate lines and vibrant colors are essential for architectural renderings and technical drawings.
- Speed and Efficiency: Fast printing speeds help meet tight project deadlines, especially for larger firms with high print volumes.
- Scalability: Plotters should match the firm’s size and print volume, from single-roll machines for small firms to dual-roll, high-capacity models for large firms.
- Ease of Use: Intuitive interfaces and reliable performance ensure architects can focus on design, not troubleshooting.
- Scanning Capabilities (Optional): While less critical for architects than contractors, integrated scanners can support occasional redline markups or digitizing drafts.
The Best Plotters for Architects in 2025
The best plotter for an architectural firm depends on its size and print volume. Below, we’ve categorized our top recommendations based on employee headcount, as this often correlates with printing needs.
HP DesignJet T1600 MFP: Best for Small Architectural Firms (1-3 Employees)
For small architectural firms with 1-3 employees, the HP DesignJet T1600 MFP is an ideal compact solution.
This single-roll plotter delivers high-quality prints for technical drawings and presentations, fitting the lower print volumes typical of small studios.
Its smaller footprint and affordability make it a great choice for architects working in limited spaces.
While scanning is less critical for architects, the T1600 includes an integrated scanner for occasional redline markups or digitizing drafts, offering flexibility for small firms collaborating with contractors.
Key Features:
- 36-inch printing width
- Compact office-friendly design
- Professional color accuracy
- Cost-effective for low-volume printing
HP DesignJet XL 3800 MFP and KIP 740: Best for Medium Architectural Firms (4-15 Employees)
For medium-sized firms with up to 15 employees, two excellent options stand out: the HP DesignJet XL 3800 MFP and the KIP 740.
These plotters balance quality, speed, and capacity for firms with moderate print volumes.
HP DesignJet XL 3800 MFP
The HP DesignJet XL 3800 is a versatile choice for medium-sized firms, offering a compact design (63.11 inches wide, 24 inches deep) and dual-roll capability for handling multiple paper sizes.
Its 4-color ink system reduces running costs compared to 6-color systems like the T-2600, while delivering superior print quality and speed.
The integrated scanner supports occasional redlining, making it a great all-around option.
Key Features:
- Dual-roll design for paper size flexibility
- 4-color ink system for lower running costs
- High-quality output for presentations
- Integrated scanner for redline markups
- Compact enough for medium-sized offices
KIP 740
The KIP 740 is a dual-roll, color plotter that prints up to 6 pages per minute, making it suitable for medium-sized firms with slightly higher print demands.
Its toner-based system ensures durability and vibrant output, ideal for technical drawings and client presentations.
Key Features:
- Dual-roll for multiple paper sizes
- Prints 6 pages per minute
- High durability for consistent output
- Vibrant color quality for presentations
KIP 785 and HP PageWide XL 4250: Best for Large Architectural Firms (15+ Employees)
Large architectural firms with 15 or more employees require high-capacity plotters to handle significant print volumes.
The KIP 785 and HP PageWide XL 4250 are top choices for these environments.
KIP 785
The KIP 785 is a high-performance, dual-roll color plotter that prints 10-12 pages per minute, making it ideal for large firms with demanding workflows.
Its robust design and fast output ensure architects can meet tight deadlines while delivering vibrant, precise prints for presentations and contractor handoffs.
Key Features:
- Dual-roll for high-volume printing
- Prints 10-12 pages per minute
- Durable toner-based system
- Exceptional color quality for renderings
HP PageWide XL 4250
The HP PageWide XL 4250 is designed for large-scale operations, offering high-speed printing and reliability for firms producing thousands of square feet of prints monthly.
Its efficiency and quality make it a strong choice for architects working on complex, large-scale projects.
Key Features:
- High-speed printing for large volumes
- Reliable performance for demanding workflows
- High-quality output for technical drawings
- Dual-roll capability for flexibility
HP PageWide XL 5200: Premium Speed and Quality
For the largest architectural firms requiring the fastest output and highest quality, the 5200 represents the pinnacle of large format printing technology.
Key Features:
- Exceptional print speeds
- Superior color accuracy
- Large-scale paper handling
- Professional-grade reliability
Simplify Your Architectural Workflow with the Right Plotter
Choosing the right plotter for your architectural firm ensures you can produce high-quality prints efficiently, whether for client presentations or contractor handoffs.
By selecting a model tailored to your firm’s size and print volume, you can streamline workflows, meet deadlines, and maintain a professional edge.
Ready to find the perfect plotter for your architectural firm? Fill this form today or call us at 800-491-8785 for personalized recommendations based on your firm size and workflow requirements.