A type of printer (no longer in widespread use) in which the required image is first written as a pattern of electrostatic charge, and is then made visible by bringing the pattern into contact with particles of pigment that carry a charge of opposite polarity. The pigment is only attracted to the charge pattern and is subsequently fused or bonded to the paper.

In some literature the term is used to refer to all printers in which an electrostatic image is formed as one of the steps in the process, including electrophotographic printers.