What Is a Printer?

A printer is a device that converts digital text and images into physical copies on paper or other media. It is an essential tool for businesses and households to create quality, professional content that will stand out among the competition. The printing industry may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of innovation, but behind the scenes experts are constantly cultivating new technologies to improve the quality and speed of prints.

In its most basic form, a printer takes a digital file that contains text and/or graphics and recreates it on a physical page using minuscule dots. There are different types of printers available on the market including laser, inkjet, thermal and dot matrix printers. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages based on the technology used.

Traditionally, printers required a computer to be controlled and ran but modern printers have been developed to run independently of a laptop or desktop. They can even print wirelessly through Wi-Fi and connect to other devices such as tablets and smartphones.

Most modern printers offer the option of color printing although some are dedicated to black and white only. Ink cartridges or toners are required and can be purchased from a major retailer or local dealer. They come in either liquid or powder form and will need to be replaced periodically.

For those looking to personalize a card quickly and inexpensively, an inkjet printer may be the best choice. It uses a high volume of small drops of ink on the surface of the paper to create a vibrant image and is ideal for business cards, postcards, flyers and brochures.