imagePROGRAF is the name of a family of large format printers (up to 60 inches wide) manufactured by the Japanese firm Canon, which were launched on the market in 2006. Within the group of inkjet printing technologies, imagePROGRAF represent the evolution of coloring and mixing systems, whose tendency is to offer greater specialization for specific applications.

Thus, for applications in photography, digital art and signage, where essentially the widest possible color range and high gradation capacity (photographic appearance) are needed, we have moved from a system of 4 colors + 2 gradations (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black + light cyan, light magenta) to a mixing system that uses 7 colors + 4 gradations (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Red, Green, Blue + light cyan, light magenta, light gray, gray medium), which means the simultaneous use of 11 inkwells.

Furthermore, given that these types of applications require a certain durability of the printed image, the ink formulation uses the "Pigment (paint)" pigment system (pigmented ink), which provides greater light resistance than the traditional formulation used in water-based inks: dye ink.

However, although pigmented inks provide greater resistance, in the case of black this advantage is not as important as its performance on glossy printing media, where dye-type black ink provides a higher quality black. For this reason, imagePROGRAFs intended for the professional market incorporate a 12th inkwell to use this type of black when convenient.

At the time of launch, the models that use this technology are the imagePROGRAF iPF5000, iPF8000 and iPF9000, with widths of 17, 44 and 60 inches respectively.

On the other hand, the need to have large format printers for CAD or GIS type technical applications has motivated another variation in the ink system, which only uses the 4 traditional colors without any gradation (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black). This type of printer, traditionally known as plotters or plotters, is used mainly for drawing lines, where the gradation of colors is not as important as the precision and cleanliness of the line. For this reason, the Magenta and Cyan gradations have been eliminated, while other characteristics that favor the latter have been enhanced.