Abstract: A handheld printer is movable across a target object to print while moving in a desired printing field. The printer has a position detector and a microprocessor controller for detecting the position of a printing member and activating the printing member at a plurality of successive printing locations. The printer may use thermal or inkjet printing and has user feedback and input. A mechanical position detector enables the printer to be used without a mechanical paper drive mechanism. The printer allows image rotation under control of a four-position switch and scaling of the image using distance and printline based scaling. The printer may be controlled by an external controller through a cable or a remote signal source. An alternative embodiment of the printer uses a vacuum-type arrangement to attract and hold the printer to the surface being printed. The printer may be line or battery-powered.