Digital Print Process Timeline

Below is a basic timeline for the history of digital hardcopy printing (inkjet, electrophotography, and dye sublimation). The dates reflect the years that the various digital output devices were first manufactured and sold in a way that was commercially successful. Consequently, this should coincide with the period when objects created by the devices might have begun to enter cultural heritage collections. This is not to say that examples of each print type could not have been produced earlier, just that the chance is significantly lower. In addition to providing historical information on print types, the timeline can also support print identification if the date of printing is known.

Further information on the origins and history of these technologies can be found by clicking on the process of interest below: