Production Printer vs. Wide Format Printer: What’s the Difference?

 Learn the key differences between production printers and wide format printers and which solution may be right for your business. 

What is a Production Printer?

A production printer is built for high-volume, fast, and consistent printing usually on standard paper sizes.

What sets production printers apart from a typical multifunctional printer is that production printers are built to run consistently throughout the day without slowing down whereas a normal MFP is only built for simple office materials.

Key Characteristics

• Paper Size: Standard paper sizes 8.5 x 11 or 11 x 17

• Speed: Prints at rapid speeds producing hundreds to thousands of pages per hour if needed
• Volume: Can print high volumes of paper in little time
• Paper Type: They typically use plain paper, cardstock, or coated paper.
• Output: The printer is best designed for text heavy, clean colored materials

Common Uses

• Marketing materials (flyers, brochures, booklets)
• Manuals/packets
• Transactional documents (statements, bills)
• Large internal print jobs

Typical Environments

• Commercial print shops

• Corporate departments

What is a Wide Format Printer?

A wide format printer is designed to print very large materials that won’t fit on standard paper. Wide format printers are specifically designed to produce oversized prints and large‑scale designs.

Key Characteristics

• Paper size: Typically 24", 36", 44", or wider

• Speed: Slow for precise & crisp graphics
• Volume: Lower volume, larger individual prints
• Media types: Posters, vinyl, canvas, film, fabric
• Output: High quality visuals with detailed graphics

Common Uses

• Posters and banners
• Trade show graphics
• Wall murals and signage
• Architectural and engineering drawings (Computer Aided Design plans)
• Retail displays

Typical Environments

• Sign shops
• Design studios
• Architecture and engineering firms
• Marketing teams
• Retail stores

What's the Difference Between Production Printers and Wide Format Printers?

Which One Should you Buy?

A Production Printer is Best if:

• You print frequently and at medium to large quantities
• Your materials are typically standard-sized
• Speed and consistency matter most to you

A Wide Format Printer is Best if:

• You need large, eye‑catching visuals
• Your prints must be seen from a distance
• You work with designs, signage, or layouts

Why Bringing Production and Wide Format Printing In‑House Can Save Money

Bringing both production printing and wide format printing in house can offer noticeable cost savings for organizations that regularly outsource these jobs. By reducing reliance on third‑party vendors, businesses can cut expenses. In‑house printing allows teams to produce materials on demand, helping avoid over‑ordering, avoid downtime from print mess ups, and minimizing waste caused by last‑minute changes. For organizations with consistent print needs, this added control can lead to more predictable budgeting and long‑term savings.

Looking to Bring Production or Wide Format Printing in House?

Thinking about bringing a wide format printer or production printer in house?
Usherwood provides both production printers and wide format printing solutions, working with organizations across industries to evaluate print volume, space, and workflow needs to determine the right fit. Learn more about our wide format and production printing solutions by filling out a tech evaluation or chatting with a business representative below.