#1 How to Choose the Perfect Printer for Crafting: Hint, You Can Find Them at Amazon
#1 How to Choose the Perfect Printer for Crafting: Hint, You Can Find Them at Amazon
If you’re here at Nettie Creates, chances are you love printable goodies just as much as I do. But whats the answer to the question?…How to choose the perfect printer for crafting? Whether it’s gift tags, greeting cards, coloring sheets, or pages to a journal, you’ll want them to come out of your printer looking sharp, colorful, and professional. But with so many printer options on the market, how do you choose the perfect one for your home projects?
Let’s break it down so you can pick a printer that not only works for your budget but also makes your printables look amazing.
Step 1: How to Choose the Perfect Printer for planners or posters? (Or all of your other crafting needs)
Not all printers are created equal, and the best one for you depends on your main projects.
- Text-heavy pages (journals, planners, worksheets) → A laser printer prints crisp text quickly and efficiently.
- Color-rich designs (cards, posters, posters) → Inkjet printers are known for vibrant, detailed prints.
- A mix of both → A versatile inkjet printer balances color quality with text sharpness.
Tip: If you print a lot of full-color pages, keep ink costs in mind (we’ll cover that below).
Step 2: How to Choose the Perfect Printer-Inkjet vs. Laser – Which One Wins?
Here’s the quick breakdown:
- Inkjet Printers
- Pros: Best for colorful prints, photos, and digital art.
- Cons: Ink runs out faster and cartridges can be pricey.
- Laser Printers
- Pros: Fast, cost-effective per page, great for text-heavy planners.
- Cons: Color prints aren’t as vibrant as inkjet, toner is pricey upfront.
👉 For most of the free printables here at Nettie Creates—like coloring pages, gift tags, and greeting cards—an inkjet 0printer will give you the best results. That is how I choose the perfect printer for all of my crafting needs, my safe bet, InkJet.
Step 3: Check Paper Compatibility
Want to print on card stock for greeting cards or tags? Not every printer can handle it. Look for models that:
- Work with card stock, labels, and specialty papers
- Have a rear paper feed (ideal for thicker paper)
- Offer custom paper size settings
Step 4: Think About Printing Costs
The printer itself might be affordable, but the ink is where costs add up.
Look for:
- High-yield cartridges → They last longer.
- Ink tank systems → (Epson EcoTank or Canon MegaTank) let you refill tanks instead of swapping cartridges—huge money saver.
- Subscription programs → HP Instant Ink delivers ink to your door at a lower cost.
Step 5: Features You’ll Love
Beyond the basics, extra features can make life easier:
- Wireless printing (print from your phone or tablet)
- Duplex printing (double-sided saves paper)
- Scanner/copier functions (great for duplicating designs)
- Compact size (so it fits in your craft space)
Best Printers for Home Printables (Amazon Picks)
Here are some highly-rated options that pair beautifully with free printables, coloring pages, and cards.
This all-in-one printer has 4.2 stars out of over 17,000 reviews (at the time this post was written).
Check it out on Amazon! (affiliate link)
A crafter’s dream. It handles cardstock, scrapbooking paper, and borderless prints. Ideal for greeting cards, invitations, and scrapbook projects.
👉 See the Canon PIXMA on Amazon (affiliate link)
An affordable, all-in-one printer that delivers great photo quality, wireless printing, and works with HP Instant Ink. Perfect for everyday use.
👉 Find it on Amazon (affiliate link)
If you mainly print black-and-white planners or journals, this compact laser printer is fast, affordable, and reliable.
👉 View the Brother HL-L2350DW on Amazon (affiliate link)
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right printer doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Think about what you’ll print most, balance your budget with long-term ink costs, and make sure your printer works with the paper types you love.
Once you’ve got the right setup, you’ll be ready to download, print, and enjoy all the free creations here at Nettie Creates.
✨ Pro tip: If you plan on printing greeting cards, gift tags, or anything on card stock, choose a printer that has a rear feed tray. Your projects will look professional every time!
