From the tablets used by the ancient Egyptians in 3000 BC to innovative and modern 3D printers, printing has changed dramatically over the centuries. Nowadays, printers are used daily across the world by nearly every business whether it be for memos, photographic art or 3-dimensional objects.
Printing Timeline
1440 - Printing Presses
The Gutenberg printing press was invented and was the first to enable mass printing back in the 1400s.
1910 - Screen Printing
This technique became widely used and enabled printing multi-color fabrics.
1923 - Spirit Duplication
This technique used two sheets of paper and was first seen in 1923. Impressions were done on the top paper while the bottom paper was waxed.
1925 - Dot Matrix Printer
This printer uses a printing head to strike an ink ribbon against the paper.
1938 - Xeroxing (Photocopy)
1951 - Inkjet Printing
A commercial inkjet printer appeared on the market in 1951. This printer uses a nozzle to spray ink on the paper.
1969 - Laser Printing
This technology uses a laser beam to sensitize parts on the drum. These sensitized parts then attract toner and transfer it to paper.
1991 - Digital Printing
This technology allows printing directly from PCs and other devices.
2010 - 3D Printing
Although first patented in 1981, modern 3d printing wasn't quite refined until the early 2000s. This technology prints layers of material onto a surface to create 3d objects.
Printing with inkjet technology? Learn more about our selection or buy photo paper and our best in category papers including matte paper, glossy photo paper, fine art and card paper.
Last updated: April 22, 2024
