When Was the Laser Printer Invented? Facts You Should Learn

Published: 12 Nov 2025

The laser printer was created in 1969 by Gary Starkweather, a Xerox engineer. He had the innovative idea to mix laser technology with a traditional copier. This invention changed how people printed documents forever. From slow dot matrix machines to fast, clean laser printing, the shift was huge.

Have you ever wondered when the laser printer was invented and why it became so popular? Many people still confuse it with inkjet printers or think it’s a modern invention. The truth is, laser printers have been around for decades, quietly improving how we work and study.

Before laser printers, users struggled with messy ink, slow speed, and unclear prints. Today, we enjoy smooth, crisp pages in seconds thanks to that one brilliant idea from 1969. Isn’t it amazing how one invention reshaped printing for everyone?

Table of Content

What Were the Early Days of Printing Technology Like?
When and How Was the Laser Printer Born?
What Was the First Laser Printer Model?
How Did Laser Printers Change the World?
What are Modern Laser Printers Like?
Final Thought
FAQS

What Were the Early Days of Printing Technology Like?

Before laser printers, printing was slow, noisy, and often produced unclear pages, making everyday printing a real challenge.

In the early days, printers were slow and noisy, using pins and ink ribbons to print letters.
The most common type was the dot matrix printer, which printed one line at a time.
These printers often produced low-quality prints with visible dots on paper.
Inkjet printers came later and offered better image quality, but were still slower for large documents.
Early printers often needed constant ink refills and frequent maintenance.
Offices and schools found printing time-consuming and sometimes frustrating.
The cost of printing was high, and the printed pages were not very clear or sharp.
People wanted a faster and cleaner way to print, which led to the invention of the laser printer in 1969.

When and How Was the Laser Printer Born?

In 1969, Gary Starkweather from Xerox invented the laser printer. His clever idea combined copying and laser technology, paving the way for faster, cleaner printing. His goal was to make printing faster and sharper. This invention marked the start of a new era in printing.

Starkweather modified an existing Xerox copier to use a laser beam for transferring text and images onto paper. The process was much more accurate than previous printers. It allowed high-speed printing without losing quality. Offices quickly saw their huge potential.

The first commercial laser printer, the Xerox 9700, was released in 1977. It was large and expensive, mainly used in business offices. Over time, printers became smaller, affordable, and faster. Today, laser printers are common in homes and schools worldwide.

What Was the First Laser Printer Model?

The first laser printer model set the standard for fast, high-quality printing and paved the way for modern printers.

Xerox 9700

What Is the Xerox 9700, the First Laser Printer?

The Xerox 9700, launched in 1977, was the first laser printer sold commercially. Inspired by Starkweather’s 1969 invention, it offered high-speed, high-quality printing, far better than old dot matrix or early inkjet printers.

What Are the Key Features of the Xerox 9700?

High-Speed Printing: Could print hundreds of pages per hour, which was revolutionary at the time.
Precision: Used laser technology to transfer text and images sharply onto paper.
Professional Use: Mainly designed for offices and large businesses due to its size and cost.
Large and Heavy: The machine was big and required a lot of space, unlike today’s compact printers.

How Did the Xerox 9700 Impact Printing?

Set the foundation for modern laser printers we use today at homes and offices.
Reduced printing time and improved document quality significantly.
Encouraged other companies like HP and IBM to develop smaller, affordable laser printers for wider use.

Fun Fact: The Xerox 9700 was so advanced that it remained in use in offices for years, even as technology improved. It showed how laser technology could replace older printing methods and change the way we produce documents.

How Did Laser Printers Change the World?

Laser printers transformed printing by making it faster, clearer, and more efficient for offices, schools, and homes worldwide.

Laser printers made printing faster and more efficient than older dot matrix or inkjet printers.
They produced crisp and clear text and images, improving document quality.
Offices, schools, and homes could print large volumes of documents quickly.
Printing became less messy and more reliable, reducing paper and ink waste.
Businesses saved time and money because laser printers required less maintenance.
Laser technology inspired smaller, affordable printers for personal and home use.
Overall, laser printers revolutionized the way we work, study, and share information.

What are Modern Laser Printers Like?

Modern laser printers are smaller, faster, and more affordable than the early models. They can print high-quality text and images quickly and efficiently. Many models now come with wireless and network printing options. This makes them suitable for homes, offices, and schools alike.

Today’s printers often include color printing, duplex (double-sided) printing, and energy-saving modes. They are much quieter and easier to maintain than the old Xerox 9700. Some models even allow mobile printing directly from smartphones or tablets.

Overall, modern laser printers are user-friendly and versatile. They handle large print jobs with speed and precision, saving time and ink. With advanced features, they continue to revolutionize printing for everyday use.

Final Thought

When the laser printer was invented shows the start of a revolution in printing that still impacts us today. I highly recommend trying a laser printer if you want crisp, professional-quality prints without the hassle of frequent replacements. Act now and discover how this innovation can simplify your daily printing needs.

FAQS

When did laser printers become common?

Laser printers became common in offices and homes in the mid-1980s to early 1990s. They became popular because they were fast, reliable, and could print high-quality text.

Did printers exist in 1992?

Yes, printers existed in 1992. Both laser printers and inkjet printers were widely used in offices and some homes by that time.

When was the inkjet printer invented?

The first inkjet printer was invented in 1951, but the modern versions became popular in the late 1970s and 1980s.

Which is the oldest type of printer?

The oldest type of printer is the impact printer, like the dot matrix printer. It was used widely before laser and inkjet printers.

Did Xerox invent the laser printer?

Yes, Xerox invented the first laser printer in 1971. They developed it to improve office printing speed and quality.

Can a laser printer print photos?

Yes, a laser printer can print photos, but the quality is usually better with color laser printers. For the best photo quality, inkjet printers are often preferred.

What company makes the best laser printer?

Companies like HP, Canon, and Brother are known for making some of the best laser printers today.

Who invented the laser and why?

The laser was invented by Theodore Maiman in 1960. It was created to produce a strong, focused beam of light for scientific and industrial uses.

When was the first electric printer invented?

The first electric printer was invented in 1938 by Gustav Tauschek. It used electricity to print text mechanically.