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Print troubleshooting

Find the problem in the following table that best matches the problem you are having:

Symptom:

Question:

Solution:

Poor text and graphic quality

Including:

  • Blank page
  • Incorrect colors
  • Missing characters
  • Faded print
  • Dark print
  • Skewed lines
  • Smudges
  • Streaks
  • Unexpected characters
  • White lines in print

Are you using the correct color setting?

Try using a different color setting in your program. For help, see Adjust color settings.

Did the ink completely dry on the print media before you removed it from the exit tray?

Allow the ink some time to dry completely before handling the paper.

Is the paper wrinkled?

Use a new piece of paper that is straight and unwrinkled.

Are the printer settings adjusted to the correct paper type and size?

Choose a paper type in the Print dialog, and Choose a paper size in the Page Setup dialog.

Are the printer settings adjusted to the appropriate quality for the paper type?

Select a print quality that is appropriate for the paper type.

Are the print cartridges aligned properly?

Align the print cartridges.

Have the print cartridges been properly maintained?

See Improve print quality.

Have any of the cartridges run out of ink?

Replace the print cartridge with a new cartridge. For help, see Remove the print cartridge and Install the print cartridge.

Have you tried changing your paper brand?

Use a different paper brand. Each paper brand accepts ink differently and prints with color variations.

Poor quality at the edges of the page

If you are not using the borderless feature of the printer, are you printing beyond the minimum print margins for the printer?

Use these minimum settings:

  • Left and right margins:
- 6.35 mm (0.25 inches) for all paper sizes except A4
- 3.175 mm (0.125 inches) for A4 size paper
  • Top margin:
-1.7 mm (0.067 inches)
  • Bottom margin:
-12.7 mm (0.5 inches) for black print jobs
-19 mm (0.75 inches) for color print jobs

Are the print nozzles clogged?

Clean the print cartridge nozzles.

Printer does not print or respond

Do you see an error message?

See Error messages and blinking lights troubleshooting.

Is the printer installed properly on your computer?

If you are not sure, uninstall the printer software and reinstall it. For help, see Uninstall the printer software and Install the printer software.

Has the printer been held or paused?

Make sure that the printer is not held or paused.

Is the printer set as the default printer?

Make sure that your printer is set as the default printer.

Slow print speed

Are there other programs running on your computer?

Close all programs not in use.

Did you select Photo as the print quality?

Select a print quality other than Photo. Documents print more quickly when print quality is set to Quick Print or Normal.

Note: Photos or documents containing graphics may take longer to print than regular text.

Does your computer meet the minimum memory requirements for the printer?

Consider purchasing more Random Access Memory (RAM) for your computer.

Page prints with different fonts

Did you apply fonts correctly in your application?

Avoid stretching or resizing fonts in your application.

Are you using a TrueType font?

Use a TrueType font. Refer to your application documentation for help.

Is your font available in your application box?

Refer to your application documentation for help.

Related topics

Troubleshooting

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