If you are looking for a printing device for your technical task or design-related task, then you must understand the difference between a printer and a plotter. Before we explore the essential differences between these two devices, you should know that a plotter is a better choice if you are looking for the printing of high-quality and precise line drawings. On the other hand, for your everyday printing needs, such as the printing of images or documents that do not require as much accuracy as the printing of blueprints or CAD drawings, you are better off with a standard printer.
Read on to learn more.
Why Does the Difference Matter
When it comes to the difference between printer and plotter, you should know that the distinction matters in terms of the precision and accuracy of the potential outcomes. As we mentioned earlier, plotters are exclusively designed for high precision and high quality prints, which is why plotters create a print that is ideal for engineering schematics.
For instance, if you are looking for precision and details in technical drawings, then a plotter is your go-to device. This aspect further explains why plotters are ideal for architectural blueprints.
Printers Are Great for General Production
Compared to plotters, printers are used for simple image and text printing, which is why printers are great for general graphics that do not require as much detail as our architectural blueprints or technical drawings. The output from printers usually results in less precise lines and lower quality in terms of accuracy, which is why printers are great for the simple printing of text, but not for technical drawings.
Difference between Quality and Format
You should know that both devices, plotters and printers, result in output differences, especially regarding quality and format. With that said, plotters are devices that generate vector-based graphics, without losing quality, which is why the output of plotters involves clear lines, smooth and crisp details, and vibrant, large-format prints.
In case you are not familiar with vector-based graphics, you should know that these are digital images that are exclusively constructed from mathematical points, curves, and lines. Understandably, only a plotter will be able to print scalable vector-based graphics.
Printer’s Quality and Format
Compared to plotters, the output format and quality of printers revolve around pixel-based images, which can be problematic if you try to print out large-sized prints or designs that require details such as fine lines and fine patterns. If you do try to print out large-format prints with the regular printer, the pixels can deteriorate in quality and result in low-quality prints.
Difference in Application and Users
To truly understand the difference between a plotter and a printer, you should also know about the difference in applications and users of both devices. Plotters are needed by architects, engineers, and construction professionals who require large-scale blueprints and technical drawings. On the other hand, printers are better suited for the printing of simple documents, photos, and spreadsheets that do not require a similar level of high precision and detail as technical drawings or blueprints.
