What Is a Digital Printer?

Digital printers produce high-quality prints.

While the term "digital printer" is very broad, its use typically focuses on a specific type of consumer printer. Digital printers may also start being used in larger commercial settings.

Term

A digital printer is a device that prints digital images from a computer or digital camera. Technically, all printers are digital printers, since the message they receive about a print job, typically from a computer or electronic device, is digital. The term "digital printer" is typically used for printers that specialize in printing photos.

Function

According to PC Mag, a number of steps are streamlined with a digital printer compared to conventional printers. Color proofs and printing plates are not needed for digital printers. Instead of using "signatures" to help order printed pages with conventional printing, digital printers have software that maintain the order of printed documents.

Implications

As of 2010, digital printers don't compete with the printing presses used by newspapers and magazine presses, but according to PC Mag, these presses will become digital over time.

References

• Free Dictionary: Digital Printer
• PC Mag: Digital Printing