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Canon imagePROGRAF iPF720
36" technical / CAD plotter
- ModeliPF720
- Prints36" wide
Genuine OEM hardwareAuthorized U.S. distribution
Manufacturer warrantyExtension plans available
Free shippingContinental U.S.
Plotter specialistsAEC experts, not just sellers
Analyst take
- The iPF720 supports roll paper and cut sheets up to 36 inches wide, including ANSI E output.
- HP-GL/2 support makes it relevant to established CAD-oriented technical-print workflows.
- Its listed Windows and Mac compatibility is legacy-era, so IT validation is a serious requirement rather than paperwork.
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- Wide-format reach Prints up to 36" wide on rolls and sheets.
- Fine detail 2400 x 1200 DPI maximum resolution for crisp line work.
- Connectivity Ethernet for shared team printing.
Overview
Built for the work
Canon imagePROGRAF iPF720, 2400 x 1200 DPI, GARO, HP-GL/2, PF-03, A0 (841 x 1189 mm), A0, A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4
Expert analysis
What you should know
Key takeaways
- The iPF720 supports roll paper and cut sheets up to 36 inches wide, including ANSI E output.
- HP-GL/2 support makes it relevant to established CAD-oriented technical-print workflows.
- Its listed Windows and Mac compatibility is legacy-era, so IT validation is a serious requirement rather than paperwork.
- The machine supports coated and glossy media as well as everyday technical-print media.
- The Canon iPF770 36-in is the more relevant family alternative when scanning and copying are part of the job.
- Consumable and service availability should be confirmed before relying on this discontinued model for deadline-critical output.
At 4:45 p.m., somebody needs a legible 34 x 44 permit sheet, not a museum piece. The Canon imagePROGRAF iPF720 is a legacy 36-inch color inkjet for AEC teams that still need roll-fed plans, cut sheets, HP-GL/2 files and ordinary office-network printing without moving up to a wider device.
It handles drawings through A0 size, supports both roll paper and cut sheets, and accepts media from 0.003" to 0.031" thick. That makes it a credible fit for plan sets, color-marked coordination drawings, GIS output and occasional presentation work. Its 2400 x 1200 DPI specification and 1200 dpi nozzle system are useful on paper, but the real test is whether the file arrives cleanly, the right roll is loaded, and no one is hunting for an old driver ten minutes before the bid room closes.
A0 (33" x 47" (841 x 1189 mm))Maximum print sizeCovers ANSI E and oversize drawing output within its supported media range.
2400 x 1200 DPIMaximum resolutionRelevant to fine CAD lines, small annotations and color overlays.
80 GBInternal storageUseful context for a machine designed to receive networked technical-print jobs.
0.003"–0.031" (0.07 – 0.8 mm)Media thicknessSupports ordinary drawing media as well as heavier compatible sheets.
Where the iPF720 still fits
This is most at home in a small architecture office, engineering satellite office or construction trailer that prints intermittent sets rather than running a central reprographics department. ANSI D and ANSI E output are supported, along with common smaller sheets from letter through 28 x 40. The built-in LCD, USB Type-A connection, Fast Ethernet and 80 GB internal storage support several practical submission paths.
For CAD-heavy work, HP-GL/2 support matters. It gives older technical workflows a direct route to the printer, while GARO is also listed as a page-description language. Windows support is limited to 2000, XP and Vista variants, and Mac support is listed for OS9 and OS10. That is the failure mode to name early: the printer may still make a good line drawing, but it can become a poor fit for a modern managed IT environment if driver validation, authentication and security controls are required.
Bottom line: It remains sensible where a stable legacy workflow matters more than modern endpoint management.
Media, color and maintenance reality
The iPF720 accepts roll paper, cut sheets, coated paper and glossy paper. That range lets one device cover everyday black-line plans and occasional color exhibits without asking a project manager to borrow another printer. It is color-capable, and its supported width range reaches 36 inches, so it is built around standard large-format technical output rather than small-sheet office printing.
Consumable planning needs to be deliberate on an older machine. Compatible supplies listed for this model include Canon 0894B001, Canon 0897B001, Canon PFI-102BK ink cartridge Original Black, Canon PFI-102C ink cartridge Original Cyan, Canon PFI-102Y ink cartridge Original Yellow and the Canon PF-01 printhead. Confirm actual supply availability and local service capability before treating an installed unit as a long-term production asset. A printer is only reliable until the one part it needs decides otherwise. Printers have timing.
Bottom line: The media range is useful, but supply continuity and service coverage should drive the ownership decision.
How it sits in the Canon family
The iPF720 occupies the 36-inch technical-printer slot for firms that need ANSI E output but do not need integrated scanning. A 24-inch alternative such as the Canon iPF670 24-in makes more sense when the office mostly prints ANSI D sheets and space is tight. The trade-off is straightforward: it cannot produce the iPF720’s 36-inch-width work.
For organizations needing scan, copy and print capability around paper drawings and marked-up sets, the Canon iPF770 36-in is the more relevant in-family direction. If the need is simply another 36-inch printer, compare the legacy unit with the Canon iPF750 36-in before assuming an older installed machine is the easier path. For much wider graphics or maps, the Canon iPF9400 60-in addresses a different physical-output requirement altogether.
Bottom line: Choose width and scan/copy needs first; the rest of the conversation gets simpler fast.
Compare the right alternatives
The read
The Canon imagePROGRAF iPF720 is a practical legacy 36-inch AEC printer when the office has compatible files, compatible systems and a real plan for supplies and service. It can handle the physical formats that keep many architecture, engineering and construction teams moving. It is less appropriate where current operating-system support, formal security controls, integrated scanning or high unattended production are non-negotiable. Keep it in the conversation for a contained legacy workflow. Do not make it the keystone of a modern print environment just because it is already standing there.
Spec analysis
How the specs grade
Overall performance
—Not enough data for an overall score
Individual dimensions are shown where the specs support them.
- This printer
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Category leaders best technical / CAD plotters, by dimension
Verified specifications
The specs that decide it
| Maximum resolution | 2400 x 1200 DPI |
|---|---|
| Page description languages | GARO, HP-GL/2 |
| Maximum print size | A0 (841 x 1189 mm) |
| Media thickness | 0.07 – 0.8 mm |
| Ethernet | Yes |
| Sound level (printing) | 52 dB |
| Power consumption | 140 W |
Specifications
Full technical detail
Max resolution2400 x 1200 DPI
Max print width36"
ConnectivityEthernet (Gigabit LAN), USB
Use caseCAD / Technical
Printing
| Color | Yes |
|---|---|
| Print head | PF-03 |
| Maximum resolution | 2400 x 1200 DPI |
| Print head nozzles | 1200 dpi |
| Page description languages | GARO, HP-GL/2 |
Performance
| Display | LCD |
|---|---|
| Storage media | HDD |
| Built-in display | Yes |
| Drive device, buffer size | 256 MB |
| Internal storage capacity | 80 GB |
| Sound power level (standby) | 35 dB |
| Sound pressure level (printing) | 52 dB |
Paper handling
| Cut sheets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Roll paper | Yes |
| Media thickness | 0.07 – 0.8 mm |
| ANSI paper sizes | 8.5 x 11", 8.5 x 14", 11 x 17", 13 x 19", 17 x 22", 22 x 34", 28 x 40", 34 x 44" |
| Maximum print size | A0 (841 x 1189 mm) |
| Maximum media width | 254 – 914.4mm / 203.2 – 917mm |
| ISO A-series sizes (A0…A9) | A0, A1, A2, A3, A4 |
| ISO B-series sizes (B0…B9) | B1, B2, B3, B4 |
Ports & interfaces
| USB port | Yes |
|---|---|
| Ethernet LAN | Yes |
| USB connector | USB Type-A |
| USB 2.0 ports quantity | 1 |
| Ethernet interface type | Fast Ethernet |
| Supported network protocols | IEEE 802.3 10base-T; IEEE 802.3u 100base-TX/ Auto-Negotiation; IEEE 802.3 |
Power
| Power supply type | AC 100-240V (50/60Hz) |
|---|---|
| Power consumption (standby) | 6 W |
| Power consumption (typical) | 140 W |
Operational conditions
| Operating temperature (T-T) | 15 – 30 °C |
|---|---|
| Operating relative humidity (H-H) | 10 – 80% |
Other features
| Coated paper | Yes |
|---|---|
| Glossy paper | Yes |
System requirements
| Mac compatibility | Yes |
|---|---|
| Compatible operating systems | Windows (2000/XP/Vista 32/64bit) MAC (OS9, OS10) |
Supplies
Compatible ink, printheads & media
Genuine consumables that fit the Canon imagePROGRAF iPF720 large format printer Colour 2400 x 1200 DPI A0 (841 x 1189 mm) Ethernet LAN — only the cartridges, printheads and media compatible with this model.
Ink Cartridges 3
Paper & Media 12
Representative image16 Mil WR Opaque Scrim Vinyl (3″ AC)Representative image15 Mil Water-Resistant Econo Scrim VinylRepresentative image11 Mil Water-Resistant Synthetic BannerRepresentative image180gsm Solvent Satin PE PaperRepresentative image230gsm Special Matte Photo PaperRepresentative image200gsm Special Matte Photo PaperRepresentative image350g Vivid Matte Poly/Cotton CanvasRepresentative image380g Premium Matte Poly/Cotton CanvasRepresentative image10 Mil Water-resistant Blockout Display FilmRepresentative image20LB Engineering Vellum (471)Representative imageWSL 28LB Simple Inkjet Coated Matte Paper (C2S) (448)Representative imageWSL 24LB Simple Inkjet Coated Matte Paper (C2S) (446)Questions
Straight answers
Can the Canon imagePROGRAF iPF720 print full-size construction drawings?
Yes. Its maximum print size is A0 (33″ x 47″ (841 x 1189 mm)), and supported ANSI sizes include 34 x 44. It accepts roll paper and cut sheets.
Is the iPF720 suitable for CAD files?
It supports HP-GL/2 and GARO page-description languages. That makes it relevant to established technical-print workflows, subject to driver testing with the firm’s current applications and operating systems.
Does this printer scan or copy drawings?
The provided specifications identify it as a printer and do not list scanning capability. Firms needing scan/copy workflow should consider the Canon iPF770 36-in.
What supplies should a buyer verify before acquiring an iPF720?
Verify availability of Canon 0894B001, Canon 0897B001, Canon PFI-102BK ink cartridge Original Black, Canon PFI-102C ink cartridge Original Cyan, Canon PFI-102Y ink cartridge Original Yellow and the Canon PF-01 printhead.
Will the iPF720 fit a current office network?
It has Fast Ethernet and USB 2.0 connectivity. However, the listed operating-system support is Windows 2000/XP/Vista and Mac OS9/OS10, so a current-network deployment needs careful driver and security review.
When is a 24-inch Canon alternative a better fit?
The Canon iPF670 24-in is more appropriate when work is primarily ANSI D or smaller and 36-inch output is not needed. The iPF720’s advantage is its ability to handle wider technical drawings.
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