A digital stamp is described which can print out a message using a moveable inkjet printhead (30) which can be moved by a mechanical arrangement of arm (35) and pivots (33, 36). A cartridge (20) containing ink feeds the printhead (30) with monochrome or color ink via lines (52). Movement of the upper section (10) of the housing towards the lower section (12) of the housing moves the arm (35) to slide the printhead (30) across the aperture (34) in the lower section (12) while at the same time electronic signals fed to the printhead (30) print out the stored message. A spring (42) returns the printhead (30) to its inoperative position once having traversed the opening (34). The stored message may be fixed, replaceable or programmable or may be one from a fixed number of stored or updateable messages or images or can be input by an attached apparatus, for example, a CCD imager, to record an image and to print it via the printhead (30). The digital stamp can replace a rubber stamp in an office or may be used to print labels in a retail environment. An infra-red ink may also be supplied which can be used to print an encoded digital message with or on top of a visual print-out as a security measure when a printhead having the necessary number of inkjet nozzles is employed.
