Dot Matrix Printer

All dot matrix printers create characters on paper by striking an inked ribbon with a hard surface. Unlike typewriters, which use a similar mechanism, dot matrix printers do not have fixed character shapes or fonts. Instead, each individual character is formed by the arrangement of a series of pins. This allows dot matrix printers to be used for basic graphical printing and multiple fonts as well as basic text printing -- but it gives the printout a characteristic “dotted” appearance. Dot matrix printouts often produce lower-quality text that can be difficult to read. In addition, dot matrix printers generally are noisier than inkjet or laser models.