Abstract: An electrostatic dot matrix printer includes a print head utilizing a self-scanning ion charge transfer system to reduce the number of dot drivers and the operating potential required for electrostatic printing. In the print head, ionization is transferred from a set of scanning anodes to a set of apertured cathodes in a cyclical aperture-by-aperture fashion. In synchronism with the cylical transfer a selected pattern of ionization is transferred from the apertured cathodes, to a set of printing anodes. The selected pattern of ionization is further transferred to a portion of electrostatic paper by a planar electrode, thereby depositing a selectively determined charge pattern on the electrostatic paper.