Looking at the Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21M - 24" Large Format Multifunction (Inkjet all-in-one, black & white, print/scan/copy)? These are the closest alternatives we carry, with what's different.
| Printer | What it is |
|---|---|
| Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21M - 24" Large Format Multifunction (this one) | Inkjet all-in-one, black & white, print/scan/copy |
| Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21 24" | Inkjet printer, black & white |
| Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 36" | Inkjet printer, black & white |
| Canon GP-2000 ImagePROGRAF | Inkjet printer, color |
Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21 24"
Inkjet printer, black & white. Compare them.
Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 36"
Inkjet printer, black & white.
Canon GP-2000 ImagePROGRAF
Inkjet printer, color.
More: buying guides · printer comparisons
Related guides
- Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21 24" vs Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21M - 24" Large Format Multifunction
- Alternatives to the Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21 24"
- Alternatives to the Canon GP-2000 ImagePROGRAF
- Alternatives to the Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 36"
- Best Canon Printer for Architects & Engineers
- Best Canon Printer for Art Prints
Understanding the Canon imagePROGRAF TC-21M
What kind of printer this is
A large-format printer (plotter) prints on rolls up to 24" wide: plans, CAD drawings, posters and banners. It is a specialist tool for architects, engineers, schools and print shops.
What the specs mean
- Black & white
- Prints black only, so you buy one cartridge and the cost per page is lower.
The real cost of a printer
The price tag is only the start. Over 3 years most printers cost more in ink than to buy. Before choosing, compare:
- Cost per page: cartridge price ÷ page yield.
- Recommended monthly volume: the pages per month it handles comfortably. The bigger duty cycle number is a maximum, not a target.
- Starter cartridges: many printers ship with setup cartridges that hold less than a full one. Plan your first order early.
Setting it up
- Unpack it and remove all orange tape and packing pieces, including inside the covers and paper tray.
- Install the ink cartridges and load paper.
- Power on and follow the screen to pick your language.
- Install the driver or app from Canon's website (Canon PRINT). Avoid driver CDs, which are often out of date.
- Print a test page, then register the printer to activate the warranty.
Who it's best for
- Architects, engineers and contractors printing plans
- Schools and print shops making posters
Keep it running well
- Keep a spare cartridge on hand so a busy day never stops.
- Use good, dry paper and fan the stack before loading to avoid jams.
- Install firmware updates from Canon for fixes and security.
- Faded pages, streaks or jams? Start with our troubleshooting guides.
Printer terms, explained
Laser vs inkjet
Laser printers use toner powder. They are fast, crisp on text, have a low cost per page and never dry out. Inkjets use liquid ink and are best for photos, at a lower purchase price. Full comparison
Mono vs color
Mono (black-and-white) printers use one cartridge and cost less per page. Color printers add cyan, magenta and yellow cartridges for charts, flyers and photos.
All-in-one (MFP)
A printer that also scans and copies, and sometimes faxes. MFP stands for multifunction printer.
ADF
Automatic document feeder: a tray on top that pulls a stack of pages through the scanner, so you don't scan page by page.
Duplex (auto 2-sided)
Prints on both sides of the paper automatically, which saves paper. On many model names, a "d" means duplex and a "w" means wireless.
PPM
Pages per minute on standard text pages. A team of 5–10 people is comfortable from about 30 ppm.
Duty cycle vs monthly volume
Duty cycle is the maximum a printer can survive in a month. The recommended monthly volume, usually much lower, is what it handles comfortably. Choose by the second number.
DPI
Dots per inch: print sharpness. 600 dpi is crisp for text, and 1200 dpi or more matters for fine graphics and photos.
Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet
Wi-Fi joins your network. Wi-Fi Direct lets a phone connect to the printer without a network. Ethernet (cable) is the most reliable choice for shared office printers.
Starter cartridges
Many new printers include setup cartridges with less toner or ink than a full replacement. Order your first full cartridge early.
Buying for several offices, or reselling? Get a volume quote or apply for wholesale pricing →
