Canon’s imagePROGRAF Large Format Printers are more than just output devices—they are precision-engineered systems that combine advanced ink chemistry, intelligent automation, and robust software to deliver exceptional results across photography, fine art, CAD, GIS, and signage applications. This article explores the core technologies that make these printers stand out, with a focus on ink systems, process automation, software, and hardware design.

1. Ink systems: LUCIA PRO II and LUCIA TD

LUCIA PRO II: precision for photographic and fine art printing
The LUCIA PRO II ink system is Canon’s most advanced pigment ink formulation designed for the imagePROGRAF PRO Series¹. It features 11 colour inks plus a Chroma Optimiser, delivering:

• Expanded dark area gamut: when using art paper, microencapsulated pigment particles are densely arranged on the paper surface, limiting sinking of the ink into the substrate. This results in deeper blacks, smoother gradients and improved image clarity—especially on matte and art papers.
• Chroma Optimiser: this clear coat ink reduces bronzing and gloss differential on glossy and semi-gloss media, enhancing uniformity and image clarity.
• High lightfastness: Prints can last up to 200² years when using Canon Photo Paper Pro Platinum, based on JEITA CP-3901B standards.
• Scratch resistance: Wax additives in the ink formulation improve abrasion resistance, making prints easier to handle, frame, and ship.

The system accommodates ink tanks up to 700ml and allows hot swapping during operation, reducing downtime and cost per print.

LUCIA TD: versatility for technical and poster applications
Used in the TX and TZ Series, LUCIA TD is a 5-colour all-pigment ink system optimised for CAD, GIS, and poster printing.

For sharp black text and fine lines on drawings, LUCIA TD includes MBK ink with high surface tension. After impact on the media surface, the spread of ink droplets is minimal. Because pigment remains near the surface, print quality is quite dense, with negligible feathering, resulting in thin, crisp and exceptionally dense text and lines

Newly developed magenta ink expands the colour reproduction range of the current model. This enables the output of prints with excellent red reproduction. It is also effective for posters that attract customers with vivid reds.

Key features include:

• High line accuracy: Fine lines and small text are rendered sharply, even on plain paper without an ink-receiving layer.
• Weather resistance: The all-pigment LUCIA TD ink system offers excellent weather resistance making prints suitable for outdoor use, especially when combined with Canon’s water-resistant media.
• Vibrant output on plain paper: Ideal for cost-effective poster production, LUCIA TD inks deliver rich colours, including more vivid reds, without requiring coated media.

2. Process automation and operational efficiency

Hot swap ink system
Sub-ink tanks store reserve ink, allowing cartridges to be replaced mid-job without interrupting printing. This is critical for high-volume environments and reduces waste from aborted jobs.

Automatic roll paper setup
The TX, TZ and PRO Series feature fully automated media loading. When a roll is inserted, the printer automatically feeds the paper, detects its width, skew, and type using a built-in multi-sensor, and adjusts settings accordingly. This eliminates manual feeding and reduces setup time.

Noise reduction
Canon’s mechanical design for the imagePROGRAF TM Series includes dampened rollers and optimised print algorithms to reduce operational noise. This makes the printers suitable for office and studio environments where quieter operation is valued.

3. Software ecosystem: creative and administrative control

Direct Print Plus
Canon Direct Print Plus software is designed to streamline the printing process with the TM, TZ and TX Series wide format printers, offering users a direct and efficient way to produce high-quality outputs. It caters specifically to professionals and organisations requiring reliable, high-volume printing solutions.

• Print efficiently without launching a dedicated application for each file; just drag and drop multiple files in different formats, such as PDF, JPEG and TIFF.
• Communicates with the printer to obtain paper information such as the type and size of loaded paper
• Warnings are displayed based on information obtained through communication with the printer to minimise misprints

PosterArtist
PosterArtist is a web-based design tool that helps users to create professional-quality posters, banners, and flyers. It includes:

• Pre-designed templates and royalty-free assets
• Drag-and-drop editing
• Support for variable data printing
• Integration with Canon printers for seamless output

Professional Print & Layout
For photographers and artists using the imagePROGRAF Series printers, Canon’s Professional Print & Layout software offers:

• ICC profile management
• Soft proofing and layout previews
• HDR printing workflows
• Integration with Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and Canon’s Digital Photo Professional

Device Management Console
This centralised dashboard allows IT teams to monitor multiple printers, track ink and media usage, and receive maintenance alerts. It’s essential for enterprise environments to manage fleets of printers.

Accounting Manager
Tracks print jobs by user, department, or project, helping organisations manage costs and optimise resource allocation.

Media Configuration Tool
Fully integrating with imagePROGRAF LFPs, Canon’s Media Configuration Tool helps users optimise printing workflows by customising media settings. Ideal for professionals in photography, design, architecture, and enterprise environments, this software ensures precise media handling and superior print quality.

• Custom media settings: provides the ability to configure printer settings tailored to specific media types for optimal output.
• Enhanced print quality: ensures accurate colour reproduction and reduces printing errors by aligning media parameters with printer capabilities.
• Streamlined workflow: simplifies media management, saving time in high-volume production environments.

4. Hardware design and usability

User replaceable print heads
The PRO and TZ Series use 1.28-inch-wide print heads with over 18,000 nozzles, enabling high-speed, high-precision printing; and engineered for more consistent output.

Front-access maintenance
All routine operations—media loading, ink replacement, and maintenance—can be performed from the front of the printer. This allows placement against a wall, saving space in tight environments.

Dual roll and stacker options
Select³ models support dual roll systems for automatic media switching and high-capacity stackers for unattended printing. These features are ideal for production environments with diverse media needs.

Compact footprint
Despite their capabilities, many imagePROGRAF models are compact enough for small studios or offices. Their sleek design complements modern workspaces without compromising performance.

5. Sustainability and reliability

Canon’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its printer design and support policies.

• Recyclable packaging: packaging of the latest imagePROGRAF PRO models⁴ use cardboard instead of polystyrene foam (EPS), drastically reducing single-use plastics. Cardboard packaging is also being implemented across new imagePROGRAF models when they are released.
• • Energy efficiency: many models meet low energy consumption standards (ErP Lot6/26 (EU), International ENERGY STAR® program⁵ (USA, Japan)) and include sleep modes to reduce power consumption.
• Durability: Canon printers are built for longevity, with robust components and self-maintenance routines.
• Warranty and support: all imagePROGRAF printers come with a 2-year manufacturer warranty, with optional on-site service packs extending coverage for up to 5 years.

Conclusion

Canon’s imagePROGRAF Large Format Printers are the result of decades of innovation in imaging, ink chemistry, and mechanical engineering. Whether you're a photographer seeking gallery-quality prints, a designer producing vibrant posters, or an architect printing precise CAD drawing, Canon offers a tailored solution that combines quality, efficiency, and ease of use. From the microencapsulated pigments of LUCIA PRO II to the intelligent automation of the TX Series, imagePROGRAF printers are engineered to help professionals bring their vision to life—brilliantly and reliably.

¹ LUCIA PRO II ink is used by the imagePROGRAF 1100, 2600, 4600 and 6600 models

² When using Canon Photo Paper Pro Premium Platinum. Predicted value calculated in accordance with the indoor light resistance test method and life evaluation criteria of the digital colour photographic print image preservation evaluation method (JEITA CP-3901B) published by JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association).

³ The dual roll system is an optional accessory for the imagePROGRAF PRO 2600/4600/6600, imagePROGRAF GP-2000/4000/2600S/4600S/6600S, and the imagePROGRAF TX-2200/3200/4200. The imagePROGRAF TZ-32000/32000MFP comes standard with dual roll and internal stacker.

⁴ Expanded polystyrene foam usage for the imagePROGRAF PRO-2600, 4600 and 6600 has respectively been reduced by 100%, 89.5% and 58.9% compared to the preceding models (imagePROGRAF PRO 2100, 4100 and 6100).

⁵ US Energy Star Standard. For example, Power consumption by the imagePROGRAF TZ-32000 during operation and when power is off has been reduced by 29% compared to the preceding model (imagePROGRAF TZ-30000).