Home / Wide-Format Printers / HP DesignJet
HP · Wide-Format Plotter
24" color graphics & photo printer
Analyst take
Not sure if the Z2100 is right for you?
Compare key specs and an AI analyst read-out against similar models.
Overview
HP Designjet Z2100 24-in Photo Printer, Cyan, Light Cyan, Light grey, Light magenta, Magenta, Matte black, Photo black, Yellow, 4 (magenta and yellow, matte black and cyan, photo black and light gray, light magenta and light…, Photographic, proofing, fine art printing material, self-adhesive, banner and sign, bond and…, > 0.8, 3598.4" (91.4 m), 5.35" (13.6 cm)
Expert analysis
Key takeaways
When a presentation board has to carry a rendering, a phasing diagram, and the fine annotation around a site plan, the eye notices more than resolution. It notices whether small labels remain composed, whether gray structure holds together, and whether a red coordination layer stays distinct from its neighbors. The HP Designjet Z2100 24-in Photo Printer is a 24-inch, pigment-ink wide-format printer for AEC teams that need those visual documents alongside ordinary plan output.
Its eight-color HP Vivera pigment ink set includes light gray, light cyan, and light magenta, with separate matte and photo black inks. That configuration is meaningful for rendering presentation graphics, GIS output, color-coded coordination drawings, and photographic boards where tonal transitions matter. For CAD work, HP specifies a minimum line width of 0.002 in and line accuracy of +/- 0.2%; useful figures, though media choice, file preparation, and driver settings still determine the finished sheet.
The Z2100 is most convincing when color is part of the decision-making process rather than an occasional embellishment. Architects can use it for client-facing renderings and material studies; engineers and contractors can reserve it for logistics plans, safety graphics, utilities mapping, and marked-up coordination sheets that benefit from clearer visual separation. It accepts sheet and roll media, supports rolls from 11 to 24 inches, and includes an automatic cutter, except when using canvas.
There is a practical trade-off. It has one roll input, so a team routinely alternating between bond plan sets and presentation media should expect media changes rather than unattended switching. The printer supports a broad range of photographic, proofing, fine-art, bond, coated, film, banner, textile, and self-adhesive media, up to 31.5 mil by the paper path. That flexibility favors occasional specialty output, not a high-volume mixed-media production queue.
HP rates a D/A1 color image at 2 minutes per page in draft quality on coated paper, 4.2 minutes in normal quality on coated paper, and 15 minutes in best quality on glossy paper. Those are media- and mode-specific ratings, not a measure of whole-set productivity. RIP and file-processing time, roll loading, drying expectations, trimming, and the operator’s need to sort finished drawings all sit outside that figure.
For networked offices, the machine provides Fast Ethernet, USB 2.0, an embedded web server, HP Web Jetadmin support, and a 40 GB internal hard drive. Bundled workflow tools include HP Color Center and HP Easy Printer Care Software. HP-GL/2/RTL support is available through the HP-GL/2 Upgrade Kit, which deserves confirmation when legacy CAD plot files remain part of the workflow. Its listed operating-system support is from the Windows Vista/XP and Mac OS X v10.4/v10.5 era, so IT should validate current driver, security, and network compatibility before deployment.
Estimate rated imaging time for D/A1 color pages by choosing the documented quality and media condition; allow additional time for file processing and handling.
One set: – · Weekly plotting time: –
Computed from the manufacturer's rated 150 ft²/h. Real-world mixed sets run slower — treat this as a best case for comparing machines, not a promise.
Within the listed family, the HP Z2100 44-in is the direct step up when 24-inch width is the constraint: it accommodates materially wider boards, maps, and architectural sheets. The HP Z2600 24-in is another 24-inch in-family option to evaluate when the installation is being reconsidered rather than simply replaced. For a broader color-output comparison, the comparison tool with the Canon GP-2000 24-in keeps the decision focused on the same width class.
The Z2100 is less appropriate as the only device for a busy bid-day plan room, a department that needs simultaneous rolls, or a team primarily issuing monochrome construction sets. Its listed footprint is 49.7 x 28.8 x 41.2 inches and it weighs 143.3 lbs, so it is not a casual desktop peripheral. It is better understood as a compact specialist: a device for deliberate color output and occasional technical plotting, with a disciplined media and support plan behind it.
Continue evaluating
The read
The HP Designjet Z2100 24-in Photo Printer fits an AEC office that values controlled, presentation-oriented color in a 24-inch footprint and can live with a single-roll workflow. Its ink configuration, embedded spectrophotometer, fine-line specification, and specialty-media support give it a credible role for renderings, visual coordination documents, and polished technical graphics. Before relying on it for production, confirm the current support path for drivers, HP-GL/2/RTL needs, network policy, and the exact media your teams use. For wider sheets, begin with the HP Z2100 44-in; for high-throughput mixed-roll plan production, this is not the natural fit.
Spec analysis
Overall performance
within color graphics & photo printers · 8 compared
Class best 81 — Epson SureColor T3770DR
74% spec coverage
Category leaders best color graphics & photo printers, by dimension
Verified specifications
| Maximum print width | 24 in |
|---|---|
| Printing colors | Cyan, Light Cyan, Light grey, Light magenta, Magenta, Matte black, Photo black, Yellow |
| Internal memory | 128 MB |
| Media thickness | > 0.8 |
| Maximum roll diameter | 5.35" (13.6 cm) |
| Ethernet | Yes |
| Power consumption | 200 W |
Specifications
| Print head | 4 (magenta and yellow, matte black and cyan, photo black and light gray, light magenta and light cyan) |
|---|---|
| Printing colors | Cyan, Light Cyan, Light grey, Light magenta, Magenta, Matte black, Photo black, Yellow |
| Color management | HP Color Center, HP Vivera pigment inks, HP embedded spectrophotometer |
| Print head nozzles | 2112 |
| Print speed (color image, best quality, glossy paper) | 15 min/page on A1/D or up to 1.6 m²/hr on glossy media |
| Print speed (color image, draft quality, coated paper) | 2 min/page on A1/D or up to 13.94 m²/hr on coated media |
| Print speed (color image, normal quality, coated paper) | 4.2 min/page on A1/D or up to 6.69 m²/hr on coated media |
| Print speed (color image, normal quality, glossy paper) | 7.9 min/page on A1/D or up to 3.53 m²/hr on glossy media |
| Certification | SWOP, ISO, GRACOL, and 3DAP |
|---|---|
| Storage media | HDD |
| Internal memory | 128 MB |
| Built-in processor | Mobile Intel Centrino |
| Processor frequency | 600 MHz |
| Internal storage capacity | 40 GB |
| Media handling | Sheet feed, roll feed, automatic cutter (cuts all media except canvas) |
|---|---|
| Media thickness | > 0.8 |
| Roll top margin | 0.197" (5 mm) |
| Print margin roll | 0.197" (5 mm) |
| Bottom copy margin | 14 mm |
| Custom media sizes | 216 x 279 to 610 x 1676 mm |
| Maximum media width | 610 mm |
| Maximum paper trays | 2 |
| Maximum roll length | 3598.4" (91.4 m) |
| Maximum print length | 3582.7" (91 m) |
| Standard media sizes | A4, A3, A2, A1 |
| Maximum roll diameter | 5.35" (13.6 cm) |
| Media types supported | Photographic, proofing, fine art printing material, self-adhesive, banner and sign, bond and coated, film, backlit, fabric/textile |
| Print margin cut-sheet | 5 x 17 x 5 x 5 |
| Top metric copy margin | 5 mm |
| Left metric copy margin | 5 mm |
| Recommended media weight | Up – 500 |
| Right metric copy margin | 5 mm |
| Maximum length of sheet media | 1676 mm |
| Media thickness (by paper path) | Up to 31.5 mil |
| Media sizes supported (imperial) | A, B, C, D |
| Non-printable area roll media (imperial) | 0.2 x 0.2 x 0.2 x 0.2 in (full bleed available on glossy/satin roll media) |
| USB port | Yes |
|---|---|
| Ethernet LAN | Yes |
| USB connector | USB Type-A |
| RJ-45 ports quantity | 1 |
| USB 2.0 ports quantity | 1 |
| Ethernet interface type | Fast Ethernet |
| Weight | 143.3 lbs (65 kg) |
|---|---|
| Size (imperial) | 49.7" |
| Weight (imperial) | For US, CA, LAR, EMEA (103.6 lb for AP) 143 lb |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 49.7 x 28.8 x 41.2" (1262 x 732 x 1047 mm) |
| Dimension note (metric) | For US, CA, LAR, EMEA (1262 x 661 x 391 mm for AP) |
| Dimension note (imperial) | For US, CA, LAR, EMEA (49.7 x 26 x 15.4 inches for AP) |
| Pallet dimensions (W x D x H) | 57.9 x 30.7 x 29.1" (1470 x 780 x 740 mm) |
| Maximum dimensions (W x D x H) | 49.7 x 27.2 x 41.2" (1262 x 690 x 1047 mm) |
| Product dimensions when open (LxWxD) | 49.7" |
| Pallet dimensions (W x D x H) (imperial) | 57.8 x 30.7 x 29.1" |
| Power requirements | Input voltage: autoranging 100 to 240 VAC (+/- 10%), 50/60Hz (+/- 3 Hz), 2 amp maximum |
|---|---|
| Power consumption (typical) | 200 W |
| Storage temperature (T-T) | -25 – 55 °C |
|---|---|
| Operating temperature (T-T) | 59 – 95 °F |
| Operating altitude (imperial) | 9843 ft |
| Storage relative humidity (H-H) | 0 – 95% |
| Operating relative humidity (H-H) | 20 – 80% |
| Recommended operating temperature range (T-T) | 15 – 35 °C |
| Safety | IEC 60950-1 compliant, EU LVD and EN 60950-1 compliant, certified by CSA for Canada and US, Argentina IRAM, Singapore PSB, Russia GOST, China CCIB, Taiwan BSMI. |
|---|---|
| Ink drop | 4 pl (lc, lm, lg, pK), 6 pl (C, M, Y, mK) |
| Driver LAN | Novell NetWare 3.x/4.x clients |
| UNSPSC-code | 43211503 |
| Control panel | 240 x 160 pixel greyscale graphical display, 4 direct access buttons, 7 navigation buttons and 2 bicolour lights (Ready, Processing, Attention, Error) |
| Line accuracy | +/- 0.2 % |
| Driver updates | Latest Windows printer drivers information available at http://, and more information on all printer drivers available at http:///country/us/en/support.html?pageDisplay=drivers |
| Line width minimum | 0.002 in |
| Minimum line width | 0.00200" (0.0508 mm) |
| Printer management | HP Web Jetadmin |
| Roll maximum input | 1 |
| Embedded web server | Yes |
| Acoustic power emissions | 6.5 B(A) (active, printing), 4.4 B(A) (standby) |
| Minimum system requirements | Microsoft Windows 2000/XP: Pentium IV, 1 GHz, 1 GB RAM, 2 GB available hard disk space Microsoft Windows 2000, XP Home, XP Professional, Pentium IV, 3 GHz, 1 GB RAM, 2 GB available hard disk Mac G3 dual processor, 512 MB RAM, 1 GB available hard disk space |
| Electromagnetic compatibility | Compliance for Class B products: EU (EMC Directive), USA (FCC rules), Canada (DoC), Australia (ACA), New Zealand (MoC), China (CCC), Japan (VCCI), Korea (MIC) and Taiwan (BSMI). |
| JetDirect Compatible Products | Y |
| Case or master carton quantity | 8 pc(s) |
| Compatible ink types, supplies | HP Vivera pigment inks |
| Maximum media length (imperial) | 66" |
| Maximum print length (imperial) | 300 ft; Operating system and application dependent |
| Printing material waterfastness | Water-resistant (on a range of HP creative and specialty media) |
| Acoustic power emissions (standby) | 44 dB |
| Print quality (black, best quality) | 2400 x 1200 DPI |
| Print quality (color, best quality) | 2400 DPI |
| Print quality (black, draft quality) | 1200 DPI |
| Acoustic pressure emissions (standby) | 29 dB(A) |
| Media sizes standard (imperial rolls) | Letter to D-size sheets, 11 to 24-in rolls |
| Print quality (black, normal quality) | 1200 DPI |
| Non-printable area (imperial cut-sheet) | 0.2 x 0.67 x 0.2 x 0.2 in |
| Print resolution (color, normal quality) | 1200 x 1200 DPI |
| Minimum system requirements for Macintosh | Mac G3 dual processor, 512 MB RAM, 1 GB available hard disk space |
| Quantity per pallet | 1 pc(s) |
|---|
| Package weight | 224.9 lbs (102 kg) |
|---|---|
| Bundled software | Printer drivers (HP PCL 3 GUI, HP-Gl2/RTL via Q6692A HP-Gl/2 Upgrade Kit for the HP Designjet Z2100/Z3100 Photo Printer series), HP Color Center, HP Easy Printer Care Software |
| Package weight (imperial) | 225 lbs |
| Package dimensions (WxDxH) | 57.9 x 30.7 x 29.1" (1470 x 780 x 740 mm) |
| Package dimensions (W x D x H) | 57.8 x 30.7 x 29.1" |
| Sustainability certificates | ENERGY STAR |
|---|
| Browser supported | Internet Explorer 5.0 and higher, Netscape 6.0.1 and higher, Safari for MacOS 10.3 and higher, Mozilla 1.5 and higher |
|---|---|
| Compatible operating systems | Windows Vista (32 and 64-bit), Microsoft Windows Server 2008 (32 and 64-bit), XP Home and Professional (32 and 64-bit), Server 2003 (32/64 bit); Mac OS X v10.4, v10.5 |
Everything that fits the HP DesignJet Z2100
The full supplies hub lists every cartridge, printhead, roll and accessory verified against the manufacturer's own documentation for this machine.
14 ink cartridges · 4 printheads · 163 paper & media items · 9 accessories
HP DesignJet Z2100 ink and paper →Supplies
Genuine consumables that fit the HP DesignJet Z2100 24-in — only the cartridges, printheads and media compatible with this model.
HP Matte 914 mm x 22.9 m (36 in x 75 ft)
HP RC Matte White
HP 70 130-ml Green Ink Cartridge
HP 70 130-ml Light Magenta Ink Cartridge
HP 70 130-ml Cyan Ink Cartridge
HP 70 130-ml Magenta Ink Cartridge
HP 70 130-ml Yellow Ink Cartridge
HP 70 130-ml Blue Ink Cartridge
HP 70 130-ml Light Gray Ink Cartridge
HP 70 130-ml Matte Black Ink Cartridge
HP 70 130-ml Light Cyan Ink Cartridge
HP 70 130-ml Photo Black Ink Cartridge
Representative imageHP 4-mil Double Matte Film, 3-in CoreRepresentative imageMagic 6mil PP Film w/ Low-Tack Adhesive (STICK2)Representative imageMagic 9mil Universal Matte Coated PP Film (PPM7)Representative imageMagic Firenze 170gsm Coated Matte Paper (Firenze170)Representative imageMagic Firenze 132gsm Coated Matte Paper (Firenze132)Representative imageMagic 6mil Matte Coated Vinyl w/ Permanent Adhesive (DMVLA5)Representative imageMagic 98gsm/26# Coated Matte Paper (DMPG98)Representative image6.5mil Matte Coated Paper w/ PSA (746PSA)Representative image20LB High Brite Inkjet Bond Paper (740)Representative image20LB Inkjet Bond Paper (730)Representative image24LB Inkjet Coated Matte Paper Economy (714)Representative imageWSL 28LB Simple Inkjet Coated Matte Paper (C2S) (448)
HP Q1733A printing paper Matte 1 sheets White
HP C6779A printing film
HP C6780A large format media 30.5 m
HP C6568B large format media 45.7 m
HP Q1408A plotter paper
HP C3868A plotter paper 45.7 m 91.4 cm
HP C3869A plotter paper
HP White Matte Polyester Film
HP RC Satin Proofing Paper-914 mm x 22.9 m (36 in x 75 ft)
HP Q1760A large format media 45.7 m Matte
HP Matte Film 610 mm x 38.1 m (24 in x 125 ft)
HP C6570C large format media 30.5 m
HP Matte Polypropylene 1372 mm x 22.9 m (54 in x 75 ft)Representative imageHP Bright White Inkjet Paper, 36 in x 300 ft (C6810A)
HP C6035A large format media 45.7 m
HP C6036A printing paper Matte White
HP C6567B plotter paper
HP C6777A printing film
HP Clear Film 174 gsm-610 mm x 22.9 m (24 in x 75 ft)
HP C7950A large format media 30.5 m Matte
HP Q1904A printing film
HP Matte Polypropylene 1524 mm x 22.9 m (60 in x 75 ft)
HP Q1757A printing paper Matte Yellow
HP Q1724A large format media 10.7 m Matt
HP Q1416A large format media 30.5 m
HP Q1745A large format media 10 m Matte
HP Q1735A large format media 22.9 m
HP C6778A large format media MatteRepresentative imageHP Heavyweight Coated Paper, 42 in x 100 ft (C6569C)
HP Q1730A large format media 30.5 m
HP Q1908A printing film
HP RC Satin Proofing White
HP Adhesive Vinyl 914 mm x 12.2 m (36 in x 40 ft)
HP Q1956A large format media 67.5 m
HP Heavyweight Coated 1524 mm x 68.5 m (60 in x 225 ft) large format media Matte
HP Q1961A large format media
HP Q1962A large format media
HP Q1967A printing paper A3+ (330×483 mm) Matte 100 sheets White
HP Q1968A large format media 30.5 m Matte
HP C7949A large format media 30.5 m Matte
HP Q1902B large format media
HP Q1901B large format media 15.2 m
HP Q1898B large format media
HP Q1899B large format media
HP Q5492A photo paper Matte
HP Q6579A photo paper Brown, White
HP Q6580A photo paper Matte
HP Q6581A photo paper
HP Q6583A photo paper Brown, White
HP Q6578A photo paper Brown, White
HP Q6588A large format media Matte
HP Q6596A large format media Matte
HP Q6621A large format media 15.2 m
HP Durable Display Film
HP Q1441A large format media 45.7 m
HP Q1442A large format media 45.7 m
HP Q1444A printing paper Matte
HP Q1445A printing paper Matte
HP Q7897A large format media 45.7 m
HP Matte Proofing 458 mm x 30.5 m (18 in x 100 ft) printing paper
HP Q7971A printing paper Semi-gloss 1 sheets White
HP Q7970A printing paper A3+ (330×483 mm) Semi-gloss 50 sheets White
HP Q7999A photo paper
HP Universal Bond Paper 841 mm x 91.4 m large format media 3598.4" (91.4 m)
HP Q8004A large format media 91.4 m
HP Q8677A printing film
HP Universal Adhesive Vinyl 914 mm x 20 m (36 in x 66 ft)
HP Q8049A large format media 30.5 m
HP Artist Matte Canvas A3+ White
HP Q8673A large format media 6.1 m
HP Collector Satin Canvas-610 mm x 6.1 m (24 in x 20 ft)
HP Q7990A photo paper Gloss
HP Premium Instant-dry Satin White
HP Q7991A photo paper
HP Q8664A printing paper High-gloss 1 sheets White
HP Q8662A printing paper A3+ (330×483 mm) High-gloss 50 sheets White
HP Q8663A large format media 30.5 m High-gloss
HP Aquarella Fine Art Paper-914 mm x 10.7 m (36 in x 35 ft)
HP Aquarella Art Paper-610 mm x 10.7 m (24 in x 35 ft)
HP Hahnemühle Textured Fine Art Paper 310 g/m²-610 mm x 10.7 m (24 in x 35 ft)
HP Hahnemühle Smooth Fine Art Paper 265 g/m²-1067 mm x 10.7 m (42 in x 35 ft)
HP Hahnemühle Textured Fine Art Paper 265 g/m²-1067 mm x 10.7 m (42 in x 35 ft)
HP Professional Satin 610 mm x 15.2 m (24 in x 50 ft)
HP Q8840A photo paper
HP Q8754A photo paper
HP Universal Instant-dry Gloss 1524 mm x 61 m (60 in x 200 ft)
HP Universal Instant-dry Satin 1524 mm x 61 m (60 in x 200 ft)
HP Q8748A printing film
HP Professional Satin Photo Paper-25 sht/A3+/330 x 483 mm (13 x 19 in)
HP Q8910A printing paper Semi-gloss 1 sheets White
HP Prof Semi-gloss Contract Proofing Paper-914 mm x 30.5 m (36 in x 100 ft)
HP CG490A large format media 30.5 m Semi-gloss
HP Q8916A photo paper
HP Q8917A photo paper
HP Q8918A photo paper
HP Q8919A photo paper
HP Q8920A photo paper
HP Q8921A photo paper
HP Q8922A photo paper
HP Premium Semi-gloss Proofing Paper-50 sht/A3+/330 mm x 483 mm (13 x 19 in)
HP Q8923A photo paper
HP CG459A photo paper Matte
HP Premium Matte Photo Paper-914 mm x 30.5 m (36 in x 100 ft) large format media
HP CG463A large format media 30.5 m Semi-gloss
HP CG462A printing paper Semi-gloss White
HP Q1446A plotter paper 45 m 42 cm
HP Vivid White Glossy Polyester Film
HP Baryte Satin Art Paper-610 mm x 15.2 m (24 in x 50 ft)
HP Baryte Satin Art Paper-1118 mm x 15.2 m (44 in x 50 ft)
HP PVC-free Banner-914 mm x 15.2 m (36 in x 50 ft)
HP CG816A large format media 15.2 m Matte
HP Vivid White Glossy Polyester Film
HP Cockle-free Heavyweight Coated Paper-914 mm x 30.5 m (36 in x 100 ft)
HP Cockle-free Heavyweight Coated Paper-1067 mm x 30.5 m (42 in x 100 ft)
HP CG822A large format media 22.9 m
HP CG884A large format media 45.7 m Matte
HP CG823A large format media 22.9 m
HP CG885A large format media 45.7 m Matte
HP Durable Banner w/ DuPont Tyvek 914 mm x 22.9 m (36 in x 75 ft) large format media Matte
HP Cockle-free Heavyweight Coated Paper-610 mm x 30.5 m (24 in x 100 ft)
HP Cockle-free Coated Paper-610 mm x 45.7 m (24 in x 150 ft)
HP CG892A large format media
HP CG889A large format media 45.7 m
HP CG890A plotter paper
HP CG891A large format media 45 m
HP Canvas Paper 180 g/m²-610 mm x 10.7 m (24 in x 35 ft)
HP Self-adhesive Indoor Paper-610 mm x 22.9 m (24 in x 75 ft)
HP Self-adhesive Indoor Paper-1067 mm x 22.9 m (42 in x 75 ft)
HP CH022A printing film
HP CG459B photo paper White Matte
HP Q6626B large format media 30.5 m Matte
HP 2-pack Everyday Adhesive Matte Polypropylene-610 mm x 22.9 m (24 in x 75 ft)
HP C2T50A printing film
HP EFI Designer Edition 5.1 Graphic editor 1 license(s)
HP Advanced Profiling Solution Software Graphic editor
HP Zx100 1118-mm Spindle for Graphics
HP Zx100 media spindle 111.8 cm (44")
HP T/Z 24-in Stand
HP 24-in Spindle
HP EFI Designer Edition 5.1 RIP for (XL) Intl Graphic editor
HP Z/T1xxx/T6xx 24-in SpindleQuestions
It is well suited to renderings, presentation boards, GIS maps, color-coded coordination drawings, and technical graphics up to 24 inches wide. Sheet and roll feeding support both individual boards and roll-based output.
HP specifies a minimum line width of 0.00200 inches and line accuracy of +/- 0.2%. HP-GL/2/RTL support is available through the HP-GL/2 Upgrade Kit, which is relevant for legacy CAD plotting workflows.
HP rates a D/A1 color image at 2 minutes per page in draft quality on coated paper, 4.2 minutes at normal quality on coated paper, and 15 minutes at best quality on glossy paper. Actual turnaround also includes file processing and operator handling.
No. The listed maximum roll input is 1. It supports sheet feed and roll feed, but teams changing frequently between media types should account for manual roll changes.
Verify compatibility with the office’s current operating systems, drivers, authentication practices, and network policy. The listed support includes Fast Ethernet, USB 2.0, an embedded web server, HP Web Jetadmin, and operating systems from the Windows Vista/XP and Mac OS X v10.4/v10.5 period.
Configuration, media and a quote tailored to your workflow — from AEC plotter specialists.
