Home / Wide-Format Printers / HP DesignJet
HP · Wide-Format Plotter
44" color graphics & photo printer
Analyst take
Not sure if the Z3200 is right for you?
Compare key specs and an AI analyst read-out against similar models.
Overview
HP Designjet Z3200 44-in Photo Printer, 2400 x 1200 DPI, Blue, Gloss enhancer, Green, Light Cyan, Light grey, Light magenta, Magenta, Matte black, Photo…, 6 (magenta and yellow, light magenta and light cyan, photo black and light gray, matte black and…, A0 (841 x 1189 mm), Photographic (satin, gloss, semi-gloss, matte), proofing (semi-gloss, high-gloss contract,…, > 0.8
Expert analysis
Key takeaways
When a drawing set needs to explain more than geometry—phasing colors, GIS layers, material palettes, renderings, or a coordination overlay—the HP Designjet Z3200 44-in Photo Printer remains a distinctive legacy option. Its 11-color HP Vivera pigment ink system includes red, green, blue, gray, light gray, matte black, photo black, and gloss enhancer; that breadth matters where the eye notices the cyan edge between adjacent map layers or the last subtle step in a shaded elevation.
This is a discontinued 44-inch photo-oriented DesignJet, not a conventional high-volume plan printer. It is most credible in an AEC print room that still needs presentation-quality color alongside occasional technical output, and that can support an older Windows or Mac workflow.
The Z3200’s strength is controlled color output on a broad media menu, from bond and coated papers to photographic, proofing, film, self-adhesive, canvas, banner, and textile materials. The printer uses six printheads for its 11 listed colors and supports HP Color Center, an embedded spectrophotometer, and HP Vivera pigment inks. That combination is useful for architecture studios presenting boards, landscape teams reproducing planting plans, and infrastructure groups issuing color-coded exhibits.
The specification deserves context: 2400 x 1200 DPI describes addressable output, not a guarantee that every PDF, CAD file, paper, or driver will render identically. For color-critical work, establish a repeatable media and color-management routine rather than relying on a resolution figure alone. The supplied HP Printer Utility includes HP Color Center, which is the sensible starting point for that discipline.
For technical sheets, HP specifies a minimum line width of 0.00220 inches and line accuracy of +/- 0.010 mm. The machine accepts sheet and roll media, cuts all listed media except canvas, and supports standard A through E sizes as well as 11- to 44-inch rolls. It can therefore handle many plan, detail, survey, and exhibit formats without forcing an office into a separate presentation device.
The trade-off is roll capacity: there is one roll input. A mixed workload of 24-inch bond drawings, 36-inch plan sheets, and glossy presentation output will require deliberate media changes. That is a manageable rhythm for an architecture or engineering team with periodic output, but it is less attractive for a bid-room rush where unattended media switching and rapid set production determine the day.
Connectivity is straightforward for its era: Fast Ethernet, USB 2.0, an embedded web server, HP Web Jetadmin support, an 80 GB internal HDD, and 256 MB of internal memory. The documented operating-system list centers on Windows Vista, XP, Windows Server 2003/2008, Citrix MetaFrame, and Mac OS X v10.4/v10.5. IT teams should treat those dates as a compatibility checkpoint, particularly where current endpoint management, authentication, or hardened driver policies are required.
Its 69.7 x 27.2 x 41.2-inch footprint includes the stand, and the printer weighs 189 pounds. It is practical as a dedicated print-room device, not something to tuck beside a project manager’s desk. The 240 x 160 pixel grayscale control panel and embedded web tools can support routine local administration, but they do not remove the need to validate legacy drivers with present-day PDF and CAD submission workflows.
Use the plot-time estimator to turn the verified rated speed into a planning figure for your intended media and quality mode; allow additional time for file processing, roll changes, and handling.
One set: – · Weekly plotting time: –
Computed from the manufacturer's rated 183 ft²/h. Real-world mixed sets run slower — treat this as a best case for comparing machines, not a promise.
For organizations that need the same photo-oriented format but a more capable page-description workflow, the HP DesignJet Z3200ps 44-in is the closest listed 44-inch family alternative to investigate. Firms constrained by space or primarily issuing smaller exhibits may find the HP Z3200 24-in more proportionate, while the HP DesignJet Z5200 44-in is the wider option in the listed family.
Those comparisons should begin with width, application mix, and supportability—not model age or resolution alone. This machine’s value lies in color and media versatility, while its single-roll configuration and older documented software environment limit its appeal for production-heavy technical departments. See the Z3200 and Z3200ps comparison before assuming that a familiar chassis means an identical workflow fit.
Related equipment research
The read
The HP Designjet Z3200 44-in Photo Printer suits a legacy AEC environment where presentation boards, color exhibits, maps, and occasional technical drawings share one carefully managed device. Its pigment-ink color system, embedded spectrophotometer, and wide media support are the reasons to keep it in consideration. It is not the right tool for a modern, high-throughput plan-room workflow, frequent mixed-roll production, or an IT environment that cannot validate its older documented operating-system support. Before extending its service life, confirm media availability, driver behavior with current files, and the condition of the existing machine’s maintenance components.
Spec analysis
Overall performance
within color graphics & photo printers · 10 compared
Class best 79 — Epson SureColor T7770DR
86% spec coverage
Category leaders best color graphics & photo printers, by dimension
Verified specifications
| Maximum print width | 44 in |
|---|---|
| Maximum resolution | 2400 x 1200 DPI |
| Printing colors | Blue, Gloss enhancer, Green, Light Cyan, Light grey, Light magenta, Magenta, Matte black, Photo black, Red, Yellow |
| Internal memory | 256 MB |
| Maximum print size | A0 (841 x 1189 mm) |
| Media thickness | > 0.8 |
| Maximum roll diameter | 5.35" (13.6 cm) |
| Ethernet | Yes |
| Power consumption | 200 W |
Specifications
| Color | Yes |
|---|---|
| Print head | 6 (magenta and yellow, light magenta and light cyan, photo black and light gray, matte black and red, gloss enhancer and gray, blue and green) |
| Printing colors | Blue, Gloss enhancer, Green, Light Cyan, Light grey, Light magenta, Magenta, Matte black, Photo black, Red, Yellow |
| Color management | HP Color Center, HP Vivera pigment inks, HP embedded spectrophotometer |
| Maximum resolution | 2400 x 1200 DPI |
| Print head nozzles | 12672 |
| Print speed (color image, best quality, glossy paper) | 2.6 m2/hr 27.8 ft2/hr |
| Print speed (color image, draft quality, coated paper) | 182.9 ft2/hr |
| Print speed (color image, normal quality, coated paper) | 92.4 ft2/hr |
| Print speed (color image, normal quality, glossy paper) | 47.6 ft2/hr 4.4 m2/hr |
| Certification | SWOP, ISO, GRACOL, 3DAP |
|---|---|
| Storage media | HDD |
| Internal memory | 256 MB |
| Built-in processor | Mobile Intel Centrino |
| Processor frequency | 600 MHz |
| Drive device, buffer size | 256 MB |
| Internal storage capacity | 80 GB |
| Roll paper | Yes |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| Custom media sizes | 216 x 279 to 1118 x 1676 mm |
| Maximum print size | A0 (841 x 1189 mm) |
| Maximum media width | 1118 mm |
| Maximum roll length | 3598.4" (91.4 m) |
| Maximum print length | 3582.7" (91 m) |
| Standard media sizes | All standard sizes larger than A4 |
| Maximum roll diameter | 5.35" (13.6 cm) |
| Media types supported | Photographic (satin, gloss, semi-gloss, matte), proofing (semi-gloss, high-gloss contract, semi-gloss contract, matte), fine art printing material (smooth, textured, watercolour, satin, aquarella, litho-realistic, canvas), self-adhesive (indoor, vinyl, polypropylene), banner and sign (display film, indoor banner, scrim, polypropylene, Tyvek, outdoor, billboard, PVC-free), bond and coated (bond, coated, heavyweight coated, super heavyweight plus matte, coloured), technical (tracing, translucent bond, vellum), film (clear, matte, polyester), backlit, fabric/textile (flag, polyester, silk) |
| Print margin cut-sheet | 5 x 17 x 5 x 5 |
| Recommended media weight | 500 g/m² |
| Media weights by paper path | 133 lb |
| Maximum length of sheet media | 1676.4 mm |
| Media thickness (by paper path) | Up to 31.5 mil |
| Media sizes supported (imperial) | A, B, C, D, E |
| Recommended media weight (imperial) | 133 lb |
| 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 | 189.6 lbs (86 kg) |
|---|---|
| Size (imperial) | 44" |
| Weight (imperial) | 189 lb |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 69.7 x 27.2 x 41.2" (1770 x 690 x 1047 mm) |
| Dimension note (metric) | printer with stand |
| Pallet weight (imperial) | 271 lbs |
| Dimension note (imperial) | printer with stand |
| Pallet dimensions (W x D x H) | 77.4 x 30.7 x 30.7" (1965 x 780 x 780 mm) |
| Maximum dimensions (W x D x H) | 69.7 x 27.2 x 41.2" (1770 x 690 x 1047 mm) |
| Product dimensions when open (LxWxD) | 69.7" |
| Pallet dimensions (W x D x H) (imperial) | 77.3 x 30.7 x 30.7" |
| Power requirements | Input voltage (autoranging) 100 to 240 VAC (+/- 10%), 50/60 Hz (+/- 3 Hz), 2 amps max |
|---|---|
| Power consumption (typical) | 200 W |
| Storage temperature (T-T) | -25 – 55 °C |
|---|---|
| Operating temperature (T-T) | 59 – 95 °F |
| Operating altitude (imperial) | 9,842 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, E, G), 6 pl (M, Y, mK, R, GN, B) |
| UNSPSC-code | 43211501 |
| Control panel | 240 x 160 pixel greyscale graphical display with Asian fonts support, 4 direct-access buttons, 7 navigation buttons and 2 bicolour lights (Ready, Processing, Attention, Error) |
| Line accuracy | +/- 0.010 mm |
| Driver updates | Latest Windows printer drivers information available at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and more information on all printer drivers available at http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/support.html?pageDisplay=drivers |
| Line width minimum | 0.0022 in |
| Minimum line width | 0.00220" (0.0558 mm) |
| Printer management | HP Web Jetadmin |
| Roll maximum input | 1 |
| Embedded web server | Yes |
| Downloadable software | Latest Windows printer drivers information available at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and more information on all printer drivers available at http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/support.html?pageDisplay=drivers |
| Acoustic power emissions | 6.5 B(A) (active/printing), 4.4 B(A) (standby) |
| Minimum system requirements | Microsoft Windows XP Home, XP Professional: Intel Pentium 4, 1 GHz, 512 MB RAM, 2 GB available hard disk space Mac OS X v10.4, v10.5: PowerPC G4, G5, or Intel Core Processor, 1 GB RAM, 2 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 | 24 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 speciaty papers |
| 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 E-size sheets, 11 to 44-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 OS X v10.4, v10.5: PowerPC G3 or Intel Core Processor; 256 MB RAM; 1 GB available hard disk space |
| Pallet weight | 271.2 lbs (123 kg) |
|---|---|
| Quantity per pallet | 1 pc(s) |
| Package weight | 271.2 lbs (123 kg) |
|---|---|
| Bundled software | Printer drivers, HP Printer Utility including HP Color Center |
| Package weight (imperial) | 271 lbs |
| Package dimensions (WxDxH) | 77.4 x 30.7 x 30.7" (1965 x 780 x 780 mm) |
| Package dimensions (W x D x H) | 77.3 x 30.7 x 30.7" |
| Sustainability certificates | ENERGY STAR |
|---|
| Browser supported | Internet Explorer 5.0 and higher, Netscape 6.0.1 and higher, Safari for Mac OS 10.3 and higher, Mozilla 1.5 and higher |
|---|---|
| Compatible operating systems | Microsoft Windows Vista (32/64-bit), XP Home, XP Professional, XP Professional x64, Server 2008 (32/64-bit), Windows Server 2003 (32/64 bit), Windows Terminal Services, Citrix MetaFrame, Mac OS X v 10.4, Mac OS X v 10.5 |
Everything that fits the HP DesignJet Z3200
The full supplies hub lists every cartridge, printhead, roll and accessory verified against the manufacturer's own documentation for this machine.
14 ink cartridges · 6 printheads · 131 paper & media items · 6 accessories
HP DesignJet Z3200 ink and paper →Supplies
Genuine consumables that fit the HP DesignJet Z3200 44-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 70 130-ml Green Ink Cartridge
HP 70 130-ml Gloss Enhancer Ink Cartridge
HP 73 130-ml Chromatic Red Ink Cartridge
HP Premium Matte White
HP 70 130-ml Light Magenta 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
HP 70 130-ml Gray Ink Cartridge
HP Production Adhesive Vinyl, 3-in Core
Representative imageHP 4-mil Double Matte Film, 3-in CoreRepresentative imageHP Bright White Inkjet Paper, 4-packRepresentative imageHP Bright White Inkjet Paper, 2-packRepresentative imageHP 20-lb Bond with ColorPRO TechnologyRepresentative imageMagic Firenze 170gsm Coated Matte Paper (Firenze170)Representative imageMagic 6mil Matte Coated Vinyl w/ Permanent Adhesive (DMVLA5)Representative imageMagic 98gsm/26# Coated Matte Paper (DMPG98)Representative image20LB Inkjet Vellum (772)Representative image18LB Inkjet Bond Paper (Translucent) (750)Representative image6.5mil Matte Coated Paper w/ PSA (746PSA)Representative image24LB Inkjet Coated Matte Paper Economy (714)
HP Q1733A printing paper Matte 1 sheets White
HP C3868A plotter paper 45.7 m 91.4 cm
HP C3869A plotter paper
HP White Matte Polyester Film
HP Q1760A large format media 45.7 m Matte
HP Matte Film 610 mm x 38.1 m (24 in x 125 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 Clear Film 174 gsm-610 mm x 22.9 m (24 in x 75 ft)
HP Q1904A printing film
HP Q1757A printing paper Matte Yellow
HP Q1724A large format media 10.7 m Matt
HP Q1745A large format media 10 m MatteRepresentative imageHP Heavyweight Coated Paper, 42 in x 100 ft (C6569C)
HP Q1730A large format media 30.5 m
HP Q1908A printing film
HP Adhesive Vinyl 914 mm x 12.2 m (36 in x 40 ft)
HP Q1956A large format media 67.5 m
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 Q1898B large format media
HP Q1899B large format media
HP Q6579A photo paper Brown, White
HP Q6580A photo paper Matte
HP Q6581A photo paper
HP Q6596A large format media Matte
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 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 Collector Satin Canvas-610 mm x 6.1 m (24 in x 20 ft)
HP Q8713A photo paper Matte
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 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 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 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 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 CH025A printing film
HP CH022A printing film
HP CH023A printing film Polypropylene (PP)
HP Q6620B printing film
HP CG459B photo paper White Matte
HP Q6628B large format media 30.5 m Matte
HP C0F13A large format media 22.9 m Matte
HP 2-pack Everyday Adhesive Matte Polypropylene-610 mm x 22.9 m (24 in x 75 ft)
HP C0F19A printing film
HP C0F20A printing film
HP C0F28A printing film
HP C0F29A printing film
HP C2T51A printing film
HP C2T52A printing film
HP C2T53A printing film
HP C2T54A printing film
HP C2T50A printing filmQuestions
It can handle technical media including bond, coated paper, tracing, translucent bond, vellum, and film, with stated line accuracy of +/- 0.010 mm. It is better suited to intermittent technical output and color exhibits than to intensive mixed-size plan-set production.
The Z3200 uses 11 listed ink colors, including red, green, blue, gray, light gray, photo black, matte black, and gloss enhancer. Its supported media range also extends deeply into photographic, proofing, fine-art, canvas, self-adhesive, banner, and textile materials.
No. The specification lists one maximum roll input. It accepts sheet and roll media, but operators should expect to change media when moving between different roll widths or paper types.
It includes Fast Ethernet, USB 2.0, an embedded web server, HP Web Jetadmin support, and an 80 GB internal HDD. Confirm that its documented driver and operating-system support fits your current network and endpoint standards.
The HP DesignJet Z3200ps 44-in is the closest listed same-width family alternative. The HP Z3200 24-in is the smaller-format option, while the HP DesignJet Z5200 47-in provides a wider listed family format.
Configuration, media and a quote tailored to your workflow — from AEC plotter specialists.
