Articles on: Printing
This article is also available in:

Recommended Printers

Choosing the right printer is one of the most important decisions for your photobooth business. Here are the models we recommend for the best results with ALIVE.



Why Dye-Sublimation?


All our recommended printers are dye-sublimation (dye-sub) printers. Here's why:


  • Fast print speeds — Most prints come out in under 15 seconds
  • Smudge-proof and waterproof — Prints are dry and durable the moment they come out
  • Professional quality — Vibrant colors, sharp details, photo-lab quality
  • Low cost per print — Consumables are affordable at scale
  • No ink cartridges — Uses ribbon and paper media, so no clogged heads or dried-out ink




DNP (Our Top Pick)


DNP is the industry standard for photobooth printing:


  • DNP DS620 — The workhorse. Reliable, fast, and widely used by booth operators worldwide. Great all-around choice.
  • DNP RX1 — Compact and portable. Perfect for mobile setups where space is tight.
  • Other DNP models — DNP's full lineup is excellent. Check their latest models for the newest features.


Mitsubishi


  • Mitsubishi CP-D80 — Fast, high-quality prints with excellent color accuracy
  • Mitsubishi CP-D90 — The latest model with improved speed and print quality. Great for high-volume events.


Citizen


  • Citizen CX-1 — Compact and reliable with great print quality
  • Citizen CX-2 — Updated model with faster print speeds and improved media handling



Choosing the Right Printer


Factor

What to Consider

Event volume

High-volume events → DNP DS620 or Mitsubishi D90

Portability

Mobile setups → DNP RX1 or Citizen CX-1

Budget

Entry-level → Citizen CX-1; Premium → DNP DS620

Print sizes

Check which sizes each model supports (4x6, 5x7, 6x8, etc.)



Connecting to ALIVE


ALIVE prints through ALIVE Magic Print — a companion app that runs on your computer and connects to your printer. Your iPad sends print jobs to Magic Print over the local network, and Magic Print sends them to the printer. Make sure all three (iPad, computer, printer) are on the same Wi-Fi network.


For setup details, see Setting Up a Printer.



Tips


  • Buy media in bulk — Paper and ribbon packs are cheaper when bought in larger quantities
  • Carry spare media — Always bring extra paper and ribbon to events. Running out mid-event is not fun.
  • Test print before every event — Run a test print to make sure colors look right and the printer is functioning
  • Keep the printer clean — Dust and debris can cause print quality issues over time


A good dye-sub printer is an investment that pays for itself quickly. Most photobooth clients expect physical prints — it's what makes the experience memorable.

Updated on: 22/03/2026

Was this article helpful?

Share your feedback

Cancel

Thank you!