Choosing the Right Poster Printer for Your School (2025 Guide)

If your teachers are still tiling 8.5×11 sheets together for anchor charts or waiting a week for a print shop order, it might be time to rethink how your school makes posters. Today’s large-format poster printers let educators create vibrant, full color posters in minutes, without leaving campus.

But not all poster printers are created equal. Some deliver durable, waterproof posters that survive hallway traffic and rainy car lines. Others look good at first, but smear the second they get wet. In this article, we’ll compare some of the most common poster printer options schools consider:

Posters are more than decorations. They’re teaching tools, communication aids, and culture builders. A clear, student-friendly PBIS matrix posted in every hallway sets expectations. Bilingual signs help families feel welcome. Large anchor charts give students daily visual reinforcement of key concepts.

Outsourcing those jobs – or relying on small desktop printers – costs time and money. That’s why many schools are bringing poster printing in-house. But choosing the right poster printer model matters, especially when you want projects to last.



The Canon TM-350 is a 36-inch, pigment-ink printer designed for high-demand environments like schools. Its key strengths line up perfectly with what educators need.

  • Durable pigment ink: Canon’s pigment-based inks are water and fade resistant, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
  • Speed that saves prep time: The TM-350 can print a full 24×36 poster in about 17 seconds – fast enough to keep up when teachers are prepping right before class.
  • Ink efficiency: Canon’s sub-ink tank system fully drains cartridges, cutting waste. You can also swap ink mid-print without ruining the job – no wasted posters.
  • Low-maintenance: Built-in nozzle checks and automatic cleaning cycles keep the printer running with minimal intervention.
  • Teacher-friendly workflow: Canon’s PosterArtist template library includes education-specific designs, so teachers don’t have to start from scratch. Printing is flexible too – send jobs from a laptop, Chromebook, or cell phone.

With its fast print speeds, durable pigment inks, and education-focused workflow, the TM-350 is an ideal poster printer for schools looking to create PBIS charts, anchor charts, and wayfinding signage that last.

Canon TM-350 Poster Printer

Where the HP T630 Fits as a Poster Printer for Schools

The HP DesignJet T630 is often marketed to schools as an entry-level plotter. It can certainly print posters, but there are trade-offs.

  • Ink type matters: The T630 uses dye-based color inks (with a pigment black). Dye inks look vibrant, but will smear if they get wet. That makes them a poor fit for signage in outdoor areas, cafeterias, or anywhere custodians clean regularly.
  • Speed: Prints a 24×36 poster in about 30 seconds – respectable, but slower than Canon’s TM-350.
  • Workflow: Wireless printing and the HP Smart app make it easy for teachers to send jobs, but there’s no mid-print cartridge swap. If a cartridge runs out halfway, the print is lost.

The HP T630 can handle basic indoor posters and classroom signage, but its dye-based color inks make it less suited as a long-term poster printer for schools where durability and outdoor use are needed.

HP DesignJet T630 Poster Printer

The Epson T5100 as a School Poster Printer

The Epson’s SC-T5100 uses pigment inks, which means the prints resist water and smudging. This is a strong feature for schools – but there are some trade-offs

  • Speed: At about 31 seconds per 24×36 poster, the SC-T5100 is slower than Canon’s TM-350 or HP’s T630. In a school setting where multiple teachers or departments need posters, that lag can create bottlenecks.
  • Size & Capability: The T5100 is designed as a compact, entry-level unit. That makes it fine for light use, but it struggles when asked to handle the volume or variety of prints many schools need.
  • Workflow: While it includes Wi-Fi, the software ecosystem isn’t as intuitive or education-friendly as Canon’s PosterArtist. Teachers may find the setup clunky, especially if they’re trying to create classroom visuals on a tight schedule..

For schools that only print the occasional sign, the Epson SC-T5100 might suffice. But when compared to the Canon TM-350, it lacks the speed, volume handling, and teacher-friendly tools that make a poster printer for schools a truly reliable investment.

Epson SureColor SC-T5100 Poster Printer



FeatureCanon TM-350HP DesignJet T630Epson SureColor T5100
Ink Type (Durability)All pigment, waterproof, fade-resistant, versatileDye color + pigment black, bright prints, not waterproofAll pigment, waterproof, fade-resistant, versatile
Print Speed (A1/D-size poster)~17 seconds (fastest)~30 seconds~31 seconds
MaintenanceAutomatic cleanings, waste ink tracking, mid-print cartridge swapsStandard cartridges; no hot-swapStandard cartridges; no hot-swap
Teacher WorkflowPosterArtist templates, Wi-FiWi-Fi + HP app supportWi-Fi + utilities
Best ForHigh-volume schools, frequent outdoor and indoor signage, PBIS/SEL programsBudget-conscious schools printing mostly indoor posters and CAD drawingsSchools needing durable indoor posters at lower volumes

Why AGC’s Educator Plus Is the Smartest Poster Printer Package for Schools

After weighing the Canon TM-350, HP T630, and Epson T5100, the takeaway is clear: hardware matters, but support matters more. That’s why AGC’s Educator Plus package combines the TM-350’s performance with everything schools need to use it to its full potential.

  • Templates for Schools: PBIS charts, SEL visuals, wayfinding signs, and curriculum-aligned resources ready to go.
  • EmpowR Academy: Professional development that helps staff turn printing into a true instructional tool.
  • Real Support: U.S.-based, in-house experts – including former teachers – who know what schools face daily.
  • Efficiency Built In: Canon’s pigment ink, smart reservoirs, and self-maintenance features save time and budget.

With Educator Plus, schools don’t just buy a printer. They unlock a complete system for creating the kind of visuals that shape culture, support learning, and strengthen community.


Trust and Training: The AGC Promise

Choosing the right printer is only half the story. The other half is making sure teachers and staff actually use it. That’s where AGC comes in.

As an educator, we are faced with daily challenges. It means everything to have a vendor understand and act as our true partner.

Laura C.

Cedartown Middle School

Phone calls to AGC Education are answered immediately and you are talking to someone who can answer questions within seconds. I cannot say enough about this product and company. If you are hesitating with a purchase, wait no longer.

Dave M.

Lincrest, CA

Our high school teachers have truly enjoyed making high-quality posters for their classrooms, special events, and bulletin boards.  The entire AGC team provides great customer service and support!

Chip B.

Collierville High School, TN

Easy to use, Great Training High Quality posters and very thorough program

Vicki I.

Northeast MDL, PA

VERY quick response time to all questions!
Quotes are quick and accurate.  Shipping is lightning fast! I could go on and on!

H. Burgdorf Owen

Marshall Elementary, SC

Went through the training 1,2,3. Love the ease of use and great customer service at any time

Janelle H.

Martin Grade School, SD

Canon’s TM-350 clearly outpaces HP’s T630 and Epson’s T5100 when it comes to durability, efficiency, and ease of use. For schools, that means less wasted ink, fewer ruined jobs, and posters that last indoors and outdoors.

But buying the right printer is only half the equation. Schools also need resources, training, and support to make sure the printer is actually used to its fullest potential. That’s why AGC’s Educator Plus package takes the TM-350 and surrounds it with ready-made templates, professional development through EmpowR Academy, and in-house support from real educators.

The result isn’t just a printer purchase – it’s a complete solution that helps schools create visuals that strengthen culture, support instruction, and communicate clearly every day.


More Than a Poster Printer – A Complete School Solution

With Educator Plus, schools get more from the Canon TM-350: built-in resources, PD opportunities, and support that speaks the language of education.

Classroom Printable Resource Hub

Welcome to our printables hub – your go-to spot for ready-made resources designed with K-12 teachers and school staff in mind. Whether you’re putting together classroom visuals, event signs, or student project materials, you’ll find sets of posters, charts, and activity sheets that make your job easier and help keep students engaged.

Take a look through our growing collection and click any link to see more details, tips, and ideas for using each set. We’re always adding new printables, so check back often for fresh materials that fit your classroom and school needs.

Explore posters for Hispanic Heritage Month, anchor charts for STEM learning, and poster templates for recognizing student athletes.

Poster for Hispanic Heritage Month - displays the names and flags of Spanish-Speaking countries

Back to School Printables

Kick off the year in color.

Make your own posters, banners, stickers, magnets- even t-shirts- without waiting on the print shop.


Printables by Subject Area

Looking for classroom posters tailored to your subject area?

Explore our collection of free, printable, and fully editable posters designed for Math, Science, ELA, History, STEM, and more. Each poster is teacher-friendly and ready to print or customize in minutes. Find the perfect visuals to bring your lessons to life and keep your classroom engaging and organized.

English and Language Arts

Posters that support reading, writing, grammar, and literacy skills to make language arts lessons engaging and accessible.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)

Eye-catching visuals that reinforce science, technology, engineering, and math concepts while inspiring hands-on learning.

Foreign Language/Dual Language

Classroom posters with vocabulary, grammar, and cultural themes to help students build fluency and confidence in a new language.


Printables for Holidays and Awareness Months







10 Cool School Signage Ideas

Plain, undecorated schools can be dull and uninspiring. Well-designed custom signage can change that, transforming a dull and uninteresting school into a brighter, more inviting learning environment. Your custom creations can brighten classrooms, entrances, and hallways, making your school more engaging and welcoming for students, staff, and visitors. 

Classroom Signage

Classrooms can be drab and boring, but they don’t have to be. You can incorporate all sorts of fun signage to spice up the space, adding character and personality that makes it feel more welcoming. 

1. Educational Posters

    Make the not-so-interesting lessons more engaging with educational posters. You could make posters for historical timelines, language charts, times tables, scientific diagrams, and more. 

    They can help reinforce learning concepts and keep your students engaged, giving them something interesting to look at while you teach the lesson. Incorporate bright colors and intriguing visuals to keep things interesting. 

    2. Inspirational Quotes

      Inspirational quotes are a staple decoration piece in most schools. They motivate and inspire students to keep striving toward new goals. So, if your classroom is looking a bit drab, add a splash of inspiration with a few of your favorite quotes. 

      Print them out on posters or as vinyl cut-outs. For added bonus points, switch between a few of your favorite inspirational quotes throughout the school year to keep things fresh. For extra added bonus points, coordinate your inspirational quote changes with your lesson plans. 

      3. Interactive Boards

        Give your students a better idea of what to expect with an interactive board. You could choose a dry-erase or chalkboard surface for easy updates or a bulletin board to swap out printed elements. You could also attach a smaller dry-erase or chalkboard to a larger bulletin board for the best of both worlds.

        Make the board more interesting by adding fun elements, like cartoon depictions of animals, books, or school supplies. Stay up-to-date on seasonal decor by swapping elements for each season, such as fun wreaths for Christmas, painted eggs for Easter, or spooky ghosts for Halloween. 

        On the chalkboard or dry-erase portion, add new things each day, such as a question of the day, classroom jobs, or the day’s learning objective. 

        4. Student Work Displays

          Celebrate your students’ achievements by displaying their work on a designated board, like a bulletin board. You could let them display their art projects, essays, and even science experiments (if they’re displayable). 

          You could even create a dedicated “Wall of Fame” for outstanding work. The work could rotate weekly, monthly, or even yearly, giving students something to work toward. It can be a fun way to encourage hard work and inspire creativity among your students. 

          Hallway Signage

          The hallways can be a neglected place in schools, often left bare and overlooked. Spicing them up doesn’t have to be hard. A few well-placed, brightly colored, and well-designed signs can go a long way in making the space feel more inviting. 

          5. Directional Signs

            Navigating a large school can be daunting for students, especially if they’re new to the school. So, make it easier for them by adding directional signs to help them navigate the school. Put clear signs with arrows pointing toward key areas, such as the library, auditorium, gym, or cafeteria. Bonus points: Use school colors for each sign. 

            6. Themed Hallway Displays

              Create a fun and immersive environment for students by adding themed hallway displays. Choose a theme for each hallway, changing it out periodically to keep things interesting. 

              If you teach elementary students, you could let each grade vote on a theme, such as storybook characters or seasons, for each main hallway. Or, if you teach high school students, you could let each grade’s art class create custom signage to represent the class. 

              Seasonal themes, historical periods, and book characters are a few options that can spice up the space, but they’re just the tip of the iceberg. Let your students get creative and choose themes that they want and love (within reason, of course).

              7. Bulletin Boards

                While less interesting than themed hallway signs, bulletin boards are another way to add to a school hallway. They’re the perfect place to share important information and announcements about upcoming events, school news, and student achievements. 

                If you’d like, you could add interactive elements, like Q&A sections or polls. 

                9. Motivational Murals

                  Motivational quotes aren’t just for classrooms—add them to the hallways, too! Print them on oversized posters, cut each word out of vinyl letters, or make collages with smaller elements—there are so many creative ways to incorporate these murals. 

                  Choose bright colors to add visual intrigue to the space, incorporating voted-in inspirational messages into murals on the various open walls of the school. 

                  You can get creative with how you integrate each motivational mural. For example, let’s say you teach high school students. If your school is open to it, you could let the art class from each senior class paint a mural on a designated wall, letting them help design and create the final product. 

                  School Entrance Signage

                  Another great place to add signage is the entrance of a school. It can serve a dual purpose, adding a touch of visual intrigue and informing visitors, students, and staff alike. 

                  Welcome Signs

                    Welcome signs are a must at any school entrance. They help create a welcoming atmosphere for students, staff, and visitors, conveying warmth and hospitality to each person. Use your signage tools to create fun welcome signs, each featuring friendly fonts and vibrant colors to add a welcoming note. 

                    If you’d like, you can change the welcome signs by season or school year. You could even let a group of students (think art class) design and create the welcome sign for each year!

                    10. Upcoming Event Posters

                      Advertise upcoming events, such as dances, plays, or fundraisers, with posters at the school entrance. Let the event organizers design and create welcoming posters that inform and encourage attendance. Choose eye-catching colors and put essential information in bold font to make it clearly visible. 

                      Tools to Make Your Own Signs at School

                      If you’re ready to start crafting your own signs at school, you’ll need a few things before you can get started. Your must-haves list should include:

                      Design Software

                      If you’re creating your own custom signs, you’ll need to have some sort of design software. There are many options out there, including Canva and Adobe Spark, each with something different to offer. With this software, you can use design elements and templates to create customized but professional-looking signs. 

                      Printing Tools

                      Sending each of your creations to a print shop can quickly become expensive, especially if you’re printing a considerable amount of posters and pieces for a school. Tools like high-quality printers, poster printers, vinyl cutters, and laminators can bring professional-grade printing capabilities to your school, saving you money in the long run.

                      Craft Supplies

                      While printing tools are a must, you won’t get far without craft supplies on which to print your designs. You’ll need various supplies, such as adhesive-backed vinyl, poster paper, and ink cartridges, to get started with your creations.

                      These supplies can help you transform your school’s classrooms, hallways, and entrances, morphing it from a dull and boring space to a bright and engaging environment. Whether you infuse creativity by letting your students craft the signage or add your own flair by designing it yourself, custom signage can be a great way to inspire students to learn, create a sense of belonging, and foster a positive educational experience. 

                      How Poster Printers Can Enhance Stem Education

                      Have you ever considered how a poster printer for schools could transform your STEM curriculum into a more engaging, interactive, and visually appealing educational experience? Imagine walking into a classroom filled with colorful, eye-catching posters showcasing complex STEM concepts in a simple, understandable manner. This isn’t just a dream.

                      With the integration of a poster maker machine for schools, educators can bring STEM activities for elementary or K-12 students to life, creating a vibrant and stimulating learning environment that encourages exploration and curiosity. Let’s explore how poster printers can enhance STEM education and revolutionize traditional teaching methods.

                      The Power of Visual Learning

                      It’s no secret that visual aids are powerful tools for learning. According to studies, 65% of people are visual learners, meaning they understand concepts better when presented through images or videos. This statistic is especially significant in STEM subjects, which often involve complex and abstract concepts that can be challenging for students to grasp.

                      Visual learning leverages an individual’s senses to enhance their perception of the environment and presented material. This method can help students create a mental image or connection to the information, making it easier to understand and remember.

                      Visual learners remember things well by picturing them in their heads. They usually have good spatial sense and pay close attention to details. This is where a poster printer for schools becomes an invaluable asset.

                      Educators can incorporate poster printers into the classroom to cater to different learning styles and make complex concepts more accessible. Visual representations of STEM topics help students understand the material better and encourage creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

                      The Role of Visual Aids in STEM Education

                      Visual aids enhance STEM education by breaking complex subjects into understandable visuals that ignite students’ curiosity and improve retention. Through posters, abstract principles and theoretical data become tangible, allowing learners to visualize mathematical functions, scientific processes, and engineering principles in a more digestible format.

                      This transformation of information from textual to visual aids in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical understanding. Posters, specially designed with engaging graphics and colors, grab students’ attention more effectively than traditional textbooks, leading to higher engagement and interest in the subject matter.

                      When students are actively engaged, they are more likely to participate in discussions, ask questions, and demonstrate a deeper understanding of the concepts being taught. Furthermore, visual aids like posters can serve as ongoing learning tools, accessible to students outside direct instruction times for review and reinforcement.

                      Therefore, integrating posters into STEM education caters to various learning styles and greatly improves students’ understanding of intricate subjects. This fosters a long-lasting curiosity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

                      Advantages of Poster Printers for Schools

                      Exploring the advantages of poster printers for schools reveals a spectrum of benefits beyond just the visual. Here are a few key advantages that make a strong case for incorporating these tools into educational settings:

                      • Enhanced Engagement: Students are more likely to be captivated and interested in lessons that incorporate colorful and dynamic visuals, making learning more enjoyable.
                      • Support for Diverse Learning Styles: Poster printers allow educators to create materials that cater to visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to grasp complex STEM concepts.
                      • Cost-Effective Resource: Investing in a poster maker machine for schools can be more economical in the long run, reducing the need for expensive textbooks and external resources.
                      • Flexibility in Teaching: Educators can quickly produce customized posters for specific lessons or concepts, allowing for greater flexibility and adaptability in teaching methods.
                      • Encouragement of Creativity: Teachers and students can explore their creative sides, designing posters that convey educational content and artistic expression. This can inspire students to pursue further artistic or design-related education or careers in the future.

                      Types of Educational Posters

                      Learning posters come in various forms, each serving a distinct purpose in enhancing the educational experience. Let’s delve into the four main categories of learning posters:

                      • Illustrative Posters: These posters illustrate a concept or thing, providing visual representations that aid comprehension. For instance, an illustrative poster might depict the solar system to help students grasp celestial bodies’ relative sizes and positions.
                      • Process Demonstrations: Posters that demonstrate a process break down complex procedures into clear, step-by-step visuals. Whether it’s photosynthesis, the water cycle, or the stages of mitosis, these posters guide students through intricate processes, facilitating better understanding and retention.
                      • Comparative Posters: Differentiating between similar things can be challenging, but comparative posters make it easier. These posters highlight distinctions between related concepts, organisms, or phenomena, helping students identify key differences and similarities.
                      • Emotion-Stimulating Posters: While educational posters aim to convey information, emotion-stimulating posters go further by capturing interest and evoking emotional responses. These posters utilize captivating visuals, intriguing facts, or inspiring messages to engage students emotionally.

                      Incorporating Poster Maker Machines in Classroom Activities

                      Integrating poster maker machines into classroom activities enhances the learning experience and promotes active student participation. These are some innovative ways educators can utilize these machines in their teaching:

                      • Project-Based Learning: Create posters for group projects where students can visualize their research and findings on various STEM topics.
                      • Classroom Decor: Design educational posters that students can use to decorate the classroom, making the space more engaging and informative.
                      • Instructional Aids: Develop step-by-step guides or infographics for complex procedures or experiments, simplifying the learning process.
                      • Student Presentations: Allow students to create their posters for presentations, helping them better articulate and visualize their ideas and solutions.
                      • Visualizing Data: Teach students how to transform data into charts, graphs, and other visual formats, making abstract concepts more concrete and understandable.

                      Implementing Poster Projects in STEM Education

                      Educators increasingly use poster projects in STEM education to improve students’ understanding and retention of complex topics. To kickstart your first poster project in a STEM classroom, begin by choosing a topic that ties directly into your current curriculum, ensuring it complements the learning objectives.

                      Encourage students to brainstorm in small groups, allowing them to exchange ideas and decide on their project’s focus. This fosters collaboration and ensures a sense of ownership over the project. Guide them in outlining the research required, dividing tasks to cover different aspects of the topic, and gathering relevant data.

                      When designing the poster, introduce basic design principles such as color theory, typography, and visual hierarchy, empowering students to create an impactful and educational poster. During the printing phase, involve students in explaining how to use the poster maker machine, turning it into a learning opportunity on technology use in educational settings.

                      Finally, each group should be allowed to present their poster to the class, facilitating a peer-review session that encourages constructive feedback and communal learning. As a bonus, you can display these posters around the school, showcasing students’ hard work and inspiring others to explore STEM subjects.

                      Unleash Creativity and Ignite Learning with Poster Projects

                      Incorporating a poster printer for schools into the curriculum opens up possibilities for enhancing STEM activities for elementary or K12 students. Creating educational posters allows students to engage more deeply with complex subjects, making learning effective and enjoyable.
                      Elevate your classroom’s learning experience today by exploring AGC Education’s printable STEM activities and incorporating state-of-the-art poster printers into your teaching toolkit. Ideal for boosting creativity and teamwork and enhancing STEM comprehension, these resources are essential for educators aiming to make a big impact. Shop now!