A printer is an electronic device that accepts data from a computer and transfers it to paper or another medium. It may be connected directly to a computer or indirectly via a network. Its output is usually text documents or images.

The most common types of printers are inkjet and laser. They both have their uses and are often chosen for specific tasks.

Inkjet printers are very fast, but they can be expensive to operate. They also use a lot of ink and need to be regularly replaced with new cartridges.

Laser printers are much slower, but they do not need ink. They can be less expensive to buy and operate, although they need regular replacement of the toner.

Monochrome thermal printers (also called “thermal-ribbon” printers) print characters on special heat-sensitive paper. These are used in some cash registers, ATMs and older inexpensive fax machines.

Some printers are designed to print in color. This is achieved by installing a four-color ribbon on the mechanism, which raises and lowers as required. Alternatively, some dot matrix printers have color graphics modes that can be set in the computer.

There are many different types of paper that can be used for printing. They vary in size, weight, brightness and color. They also have varying coatings and finishes.

The opacity of the sheets is a factor to consider. It is measured on a scale from 0 to 100, with 0 being completely transparent and 100 being entirely opaque.

Choosing the right paper is essential for getting the best quality prints, especially if you want to get the most out of your printer. If you’re not sure which paper is right for your job, our guide is here to help!

Aqueous coating is a water-based coating that can be applied either as a matte or gloss. This type of coating is very quick to dry, making it a more environmentally friendly option than other options.

UV-resistant coating is another popular choice, as it is a durable finish that protects the printer from fingerprints and other markings or damages. It can also be coloured, with specialised glitter and tinted finishes available.

In addition to these types of printers, there are some devices that can print on any surface. These are often referred to as “paperless” or “smart” printers and can be particularly useful for high-security applications.

Some printers can print on more than one material at once, such as paper, film and plastic. This is particularly useful for printing images that are moving or changing.

Wireless printers are also a growing category, with more and more consumers purchasing them. They can be connected to the Internet using a USB port, wireless networks and short-range radios like Bluetooth.

The main advantage of wireless printers is that they can be moved around a building or even the outside of a house, as long as they are within the same range of the wireless connection. This is particularly beneficial for office workers who are constantly on the move and need to print documents when away from their desks.