Solving print problems

Printing problems

Incorrect characters print

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

Make sure the printer is not in Hex Trace mode.

Note:  If Ready Hex appears on the printer display, then turn off the printer, and then turn it back on to deactivate Hex Trace mode.


Is the printer in Hex Trace mode?

Deactivate Hex Trace mode.

Go to step 2.

Step 2

  1. From the printer control panel, select Standard Network or Network [x] , and then set SmartSwitch to On.

  2. Resend the print job.


Do incorrect characters print?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.


Job prints from the wrong tray or on the wrong paper

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

  1. Check if you are printing on paper that is supported by the tray.

  2. Resend the print job.


Did the job print from the correct tray or on the correct paper?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 2.

Step 2

  1. From the Paper menu on the printer control panel, set the paper size and type to match the paper loaded in the tray.

  2. Resend the print job.


Did the job print from the correct tray or on the correct paper?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 3.

Step 3

  1. Depending on your operating system, open Printing Preferences or the Print dialog, and then specify the paper type.

  2. Resend the print job.


Did the job print from the correct tray or on the correct paper?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 4.

Step 4

  1. Check if the trays are not linked.

  2. Resend the print job.


Did the job print from the correct tray or on the correct paper?

The problem is solved.

Contact customer support .


Large jobs do not collate

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

  1. From the Finishing menu on the printer control panel, set Collate to (1,2,3) (1,2,3).

  2. Resend the print job.


Did the job print and collate correctly?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 2.

Step 2

  1. From the printer software, set Collate to (1,2,3) (1,2,3).

    Note:  Setting Collate to (1,1,1) (2,2,2) in the software overrides the setting in the Finishing menu.

  2. Resend the print job.


Did the job print and collate correctly?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 3.

Step 3

Reduce the complexity of the print job by eliminating the number and size of fonts, the number and complexity of images, and the number of pages in the job.


Did the job print and collate correctly?

The problem is solved.

Contact customer support .


Printing slows down

Notes:

Action

Yes

No

Place letter- or A4-size paper in the tray, and then resend the print job.

Does the print speed increase?

The problem is solved.

Contact customer support .


Print jobs do not print

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

  1. From the document you are trying to print, open the Print dialog and check if you have selected the correct printer.

    Note:  If the printer is not the default printer, then you must select the printer for each document that you want to print.

  2. Resend the print job.


Do the jobs print?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 2.

Step 2

  1. Check if the printer is plugged in and turned on, and if Ready appears on the printer display.

  2. Resend the print job.


Do the jobs print?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 3.

Step 3

If an error message appears on the printer display, then clear the message.

Note:  The printer continues to print after clearing the message.


Do the jobs print?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 4.

Step 4

  1. Check if the ports (USB, serial, or Ethernet) are working and if the cables are securely connected to the computer and the printer.

    Note:  For more information, see the setup documentation that came with the printer.

  2. Resend the print job.


Do the jobs print?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 5.

Step 5

  1. Turn off the printer, then wait for about 10 seconds, and then turn the printer back on.

  2. Resend the print job.


Do the jobs print?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 6.

Step 6

  1. Remove, and then reinstall the printer software. For more information, see Installing the printer software .

    Note:  The printer software is available at http://support.lexmark.com .

  2. Resend the print job.


Do the jobs print?

The problem is solved.

Contact customer support .


Print job takes longer than expected

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

Change the environmental settings of the printer.

  1. From the printer control panel, navigate to:

    Settings > General Settings

  2. Select Eco-Mode or Quiet Mode , and then select Off .

    Note:  Disabling Eco-Mode or Quiet Mode may increase the consumption of energy or supplies, or both.


Did the job print?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 2.

Step 2

Reduce the number and size of fonts, the number and complexity of images, and the number of pages in the print job, and then resend the job


Did the job print?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 3.

Step 3

  1. Remove held jobs stored in the printer memory.

  2. Resend the print job.


Did the job print?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 4.

Step 4

  1. Disable the Page Protect feature.

    From the printer control panel, navigate to:

    Settings > General Settings > Print Recovery > Page Protect > Off

  2. Resend the print job.


Did the job print?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 5.

Step 5

Install additional printer memory, and then resend the print job.


Did the job print?

The problem is solved.

Contact customer support .


Tray linking does not work

Notes:

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

  1. Open the trays, and then check if they contain paper of the same size and type.

    • Check if the paper guides are in the correct positions for the size of the paper loaded in each tray.

    • Check if the paper size indicators on the paper guides are aligned with the paper size indicators on the tray.

  2. Resend the print job.


Do the trays link correctly?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 2.

Step 2

  1. From the printer control panel, set the paper size and type in the Paper menu to match the paper loaded in the trays to be linked.

    Note:  The paper size and type must match for trays to be linked.

  2. Resend the print job.


Do the trays link correctly?

The problem is solved.

Contact customer support .


Unexpected page breaks occur

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

Adjust the print timeout settings.

  1. From the printer control panel, navigate to:

    Settings > General Settings > Timeouts > Print Timeout

  2. Select a higher setting and then, depending on your printer model, select the select button or Submit .

  3. Resend the print job.


Did the file print correctly?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 2.

Step 2

  1. Check the original file for manual page breaks.

  2. Resend the print job.


Did the file print correctly?

The problem is solved.

Contact customer support .


Print quality problems

Characters have jagged or uneven edges

Graphic of page with with distorted text

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

  1. Print a font sample list to check if the fonts you are using are supported by the printer.

    1. From the printer control panel, navigate to:

      Menus > Reports > Print Fonts

    2. Select PCL Fonts or PostScript Fonts .

  2. Resend the print job.


Are you using fonts that are supported by the printer?

Go to step 2.

Select a font that is supported by the printer.

Step 2

Check if the fonts installed on the computer are supported by the printer.


Are the fonts installed on the computer supported by the printer?

The problem is solved.

Contact customer support .


Clipped pages or images

A clipped page and a page with a clipped image

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

  1. Move the width and length guides in the tray to the correct positions for the paper loaded.

  2. Resend the print job.


Is the page or image clipped?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

From the printer control panel, set the paper size and type in the Paper menu to match the paper loaded in the tray.


Does the paper size match the paper loaded in the tray?

Go to step 3.

Do one or more of the following:

  • From the printer control panel, change the paper size to match the paper loaded in the tray.

  • From the printer control panel, change the paper type to match the paper loaded in the tray.

Step 3

  1. Depending on your operating system, specify the paper size from Printing Preferences or from the Print dialog.

  2. Resend the print job.


Is the page or image clipped?

Go to step 4.

The problem is solved.

Step 4

  1. Remove, and then reinstall the imaging kit.

    Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging kit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

    Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not touch the underside of the imaging kit. This could damage the imaging kit.

  2. Resend the print job.


Is the page or image clipped?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.


Gray background on prints

A page with a gray background

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

Reduce the toner darkness.

  1. From the Quality menu on the printer control panel, reduce the toner density.

    Note:  4 is the factory default setting.

  2. Resend the print job.


Did the gray background disappear?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 2.

Step 2

  1. Remove, and then reinstall the imaging kit.

    Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging kit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

    Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not touch the underside of the imaging kit. This could damage the imaging kit.

  2. Resend the print job.


Did the gray background disappear?

The problem is solved.

Contact customer support .


Horizontal voids appear on prints

A print with horizontal voids

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

  1. Make sure your software program is using a correct fill pattern.

  2. Resend the print job.


Do horizontal voids appear on prints?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

  1. Load the specified tray or feeder with a recommended type of paper.

  2. Resend the print job.


Do horizontal voids appear on prints?

Go to step 3.

The problem is solved.

Step 3

  1. Remove, and then reinstall the imaging kit.

    Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging kit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

    Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not touch the underside of the imaging kit. This could damage the imaging kit.

  2. Resend the print job.


Do horizontal voids appear on prints?

Go to step 4.

The problem is solved.

Step 4

Replace the imaging kit, and then resend the print job.


Do horizontal voids appear on prints?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.


Incorrect margins on prints

A print with incorrect margins

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

  1. Move the width and length guides in the tray to the correct positions for the paper size loaded.

  2. Resend the print job.


Are the margins correct?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 2.

Step 2

From the printer control panel, set the paper size in the Paper menu to match the paper loaded in the tray.


Does the paper size match the paper loaded in the tray?

Go to step 3.

Do one or more of the following:

  • Specify the paper size from the tray settings to match the paper loaded in the tray.

  • Change the paper loaded in the tray to match the paper size specified in the tray settings.

Step 3

  1. Depending on your operating system, specify the paper size from Printing Preferences or from the Print dialog.

  2. Resend the print job.


Are the margins correct?

The problem is solved.

Contact customer support .


Paper curl

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

Move the width and length guides in the tray to the correct positions for the size of the paper loaded.


Are the width and length guides positioned correctly?

Go to step 2.

Adjust the width and length guides.

Step 2

From the printer control panel, set the paper type and weight in the Paper menu to match the paper loaded in the tray.


Do the paper type and weight match the type and weight of the paper in the tray?

Go to step 3.

Specify the paper type and weight from the tray settings to match the paper loaded in the tray.

Step 3

  1. Depending on your operating system, specify the paper type and weight from Printing Preferences or from the Print dialog.

  2. Resend the print job.


Is the paper still curled?

Go to step 4.

The problem is solved.

Step 4

  1. Remove the paper from the tray, and then turn it over.

  2. Resend the print job.


Is the paper still curled?

Go to step 5.

The problem is solved.

Step 5

  1. Load paper from a fresh package.

    Note:  Paper absorbs moisture due to high humidity. Store paper in its original wrapper until you use it.

  2. Resend the print job.


Is the paper still curled?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.


Print irregularities

Pages with print irregularities

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

  1. Move the width and length guides in the tray to the correct positions for the size of the paper loaded in the tray.

  2. Resend the print job.


Do print irregularities still appear?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

From the printer control panel, set the paper size and type in the Paper menu to match the paper loaded in the tray.


Is the tray set to the size and type of the paper loaded in the tray?

Go to step 3.

Do one or more of the following:

  • Specify the paper size from the tray settings to match the paper loaded in the tray.

  • Change the paper loaded in the tray to match the paper size specified in the tray settings.

Step 3

  1. Depending on your operating system, specify the paper type and weight from Printing Preferences or from the Print dialog.

  2. Resend the print job.


Do print irregularities still appear?

Go to step 4.

The problem is solved.

Step 4

Check if the paper loaded in the tray has texture or rough finishes.


Are you printing on textured or rough paper?

From the printer control panel, set the paper texture in the Paper menu to match the paper loaded in the tray.

Go to step 5.

Step 5

  1. Load paper from a fresh package.

    Note:  Paper absorbs moisture due to high humidity. Store paper in its original wrapper until you use it.

  2. Resend the print job.


Do print irregularities still appear?

Go to step 6.

The problem is solved.

Step 6

Replace the imaging kit, and then resend the print job.


Do print irregularities still appear?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.


Print is too dark

A page with a print that is too dark

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

  1. From the Quality menu on the printer control panel, select Color Adjust .

  2. Resend the print job.


Is the print still too dark?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

  1. From the Quality menu on the printer control panel, reduce the toner darkness.

    Note:  4 is the factory default setting.

  2. Resend the print job.


Is the print still too dark?

Go to step 3.

The problem is solved.

Step 3

  1. From the printer control panel, set the paper type, texture, and weight in the Paper menu to match the paper loaded in the tray.

  2. Resend the print job.


Is the tray set to the type, texture, and weight of the paper loaded?

Go to step 4.

Change the paper loaded in the tray to match the paper type, texture, and weight specified in the tray settings.

Step 4

  1. Depending on your operating system, specify the paper type, texture and weight from Printing Preferences or from the Print dialog.

  2. Resend the print job.


Is the print still too dark?

Go to step 5.

The problem is solved.

Step 5

Check if the paper loaded in the tray has texture or rough finishes.


Are you printing on textured or rough paper?

From the printer control panel, set the paper texture in the Paper menu to match the paper loaded on the tray.

Go to step 6.

Step 6

  1. Load paper from a fresh package.

    Note:  Paper absorbs moisture due to high humidity. Store paper in its original wrapper until you use it.

  2. Resend the print job.


Is the print still too dark?

Go to step 7.

The problem is solved.

Step 7

Replace the imaging kit, and then resend the print job.


Is the print still too dark?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.


Print is too light

A page with printed characters that are too light

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

  1. From the Quality menu on the printer control panel, select Color Adjust .

  2. Resend the print job.


Is the print still too light?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

  1. From the Quality menu on the printer control panel, increase the toner darkness.

    Note:  4 is the factory default setting.

  2. Resend the print job.


Is the print still too light?

Go to step 3.

The problem is solved.

Step 3

From the printer control panel, set the paper type, texture, and weight in the Paper menu to match the paper loaded in the tray.


Is the tray set to the type, texture, and weight of the paper loaded?

Go to step 4.

Specify the paper type, texture, and weight from the tray settings to match the paper loaded in the tray.

Step 4

  1. Depending on your operating system, specify the paper type, texture, and weight from Printing Preferences or from the Print dialog.

  2. Resend the print job.


Is the print still too light?

Go to step 5.

The problem is solved.

Step 5

Make sure that the paper has no texture or rough finishes.


Are you printing on textured or rough paper?

From the printer control panel, set the paper texture in the Paper menu to match the paper loaded in the tray

Go to step 5.

Step 6

  1. Load paper from a fresh package.

    Note:  Paper absorbs moisture due to high humidity. Store paper in its original wrapper until you use it.

  2. Resend the print job.


Is the print still too light?

Go to step 7.

The problem is solved.

Step 7

Replace the imaging kit, and then resend the print job.


Is the print still too light?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.


Printer is printing blank pages

A blank page

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

  1. Check if there is packing material left on the imaging kit.

    1. Remove the imaging kit.

    2. Check if the packing material is properly removed from the imaging kit.

      Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging kit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

      Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not touch the underside of the imaging kit. This could damage the imaging kit.

    3. Reinstall the imaging kit.

  2. Resend the print job.


Is the printer still printing blank pages?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

Replace the imaging kit, and then resend the print job.


Is the printer still printing blank pages?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.


Printer is printing solid black pages

A print that is mostly black

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

  1. Remove, and then reinstall the imaging kit.

    Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging kit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

    Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not touch the underside of the imaging kit. This could damage the imaging kit.

  2. Resend the print job.


Is the printer printing solid black pages?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

Replace the imaging kit, and then resend the print job.


Is the printer printing solid black pages?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.


Repeating defects appear on prints

A page with repeating defects

Action

Yes

No

  1. Check if the distance between the defects is equal to one of the following:

    • 25.1 mm (0.98 in.)

    • 29.8 mm (1.17 in.)

    • 43.9 mm (1.72 in.)

    • 45.5 mm (1.79 in.)

    • 94.2 mm (3.70 in.)

  2. If the distance between the defects equals 25.1 mm (0.98 in.), 29.8 mm (1.17 in.), or 94.2 mm (3.70 in.), then replace the photoconductor unit.

  3. If the distance between the defects equals 43.9 mm (1.72 in.) or 45.5 mm (1.79 in.), then replace the developer unit.


Do the repeating defects still appear?

  1. Check if the distance between the defects is equal to one of the following:

    • 37.7 mm (1.48 in.)

    • 78.5 mm (3.09 in.)

    • 95 mm (3.74 in.)

  2. Take note of the distance, and then contact customer support or your service representative.

The problem is solved.


Shadow images appear on prints

Prints with shadow images

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

Check if the paper loaded in the tray has the correct paper type and weight.


Is paper with the correct paper type and weight loaded in the tray?

Go to step 2.

Load paper with the correct paper type and weight in the tray.

Step 2

From the printer control panel, set the paper type and weight in the Paper menu to match the paper loaded in the tray.


Do the printer settings match the type and weight of the paper loaded?

Go to step 3.

Change the paper type and weight to match the paper loaded in the tray.

Step 3

  1. Depending on your operating system, specify the paper type and weight from Printing Preferences or from the Print dialog.

  2. Resend the print job.


Do shadow images still appear on prints?

Go to step 4.

The problem is solved.

Step 4

Replace the imaging kit, and then resend the print job.


Do shadow images still appear on prints?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.


Skewed print

A print with skewed characters

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

  1. Move the width and length guides in the tray to the correct positions for the size of the paper loaded.

  2. Resend the print job.


Is the print still skewed?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

  1. Check if you are printing on a paper that is supported by the tray.

  2. Resend the print job.


Is the print still skewed?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.


Streaked horizontal lines appear on prints

A page with streaked horizontal lines

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

  1. Depending on your operating system, specify the tray or feeder from Printing Preferences or the Print dialog.

  2. Resend the print job.


Do streaked horizontal lines appear on prints?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

From the printer control panel, set the paper type and weight in the Paper menu to match the paper loaded in the tray.


Do the paper type and weight match the paper in the tray?

Go to step 3.

Do one or more of the following:

  • Specify the paper type and weight from the tray settings to match the paper loaded in the tray.

  • Change the paper loaded in the tray to match the paper type and weight specified in the tray settings.

Step 3

  1. Load paper from a fresh package.

    Note:  Paper absorbs moisture due to high humidity. Store paper in its original wrapper until you use it.

  2. Resend the print job.


Do streaked horizontal lines appear on prints?

Go to step 4.

The problem is solved.

Step 4

  1. Remove, and then reinstall the imaging kit.

    Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging kit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

    Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not touch the underside of the imaging kit. This could damage the imaging kit.

  2. Resend the print job.


Do streaked horizontal lines appear on prints?

Go to step 5.

The problem is solved.

Step 5

Replace the imaging kit, and then resend the print job.


Do streaked horizontal lines appear on prints?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.


Streaked vertical lines appear on prints

A page with vertical streaks

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

  1. Depending on your operating system, specify the paper type, texture, and weight from Printing Preferences or from the Print dialog.

  2. Resend the print job.


Do streaked vertical lines appear on prints?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

From the printer control panel, set the paper texture, type, and weight in the Paper menu to match the paper loaded in the tray.


Do the paper texture, type, and weight match the paper in the tray?

Go to step 3.

Do one or more of the following:

  • Specify the paper texture, type, and weight from the tray settings to match the paper loaded in the tray.

  • Change the paper loaded in the tray to match the paper size specified in the tray settings.

Step 3

  1. Load paper from a fresh package.

    Note:  Paper absorbs moisture due to high humidity. Store paper in its original wrapper until you use it.

  2. Resend the print job.


Do streaked vertical lines appear on prints?

Go to step 4.

The problem is solved.

Step 4

  1. Remove, and then reinstall the imaging kit.

    Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging kit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

    Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not touch the underside of the imaging kit. This could damage the imaging kit.

  2. Resend the print job.


Do streaked vertical lines appear on prints?

Go to step 5.

The problem is solved.

Step 5

Replace the imaging kit, and then resend the print job.


Do streaked vertical lines appear on prints?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.


Toner fog or background shading appears on prints

A page with gray backgound

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

  1. Remove, and then reinstall the imaging kit.

    Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging kit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

    Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not touch the underside of the imaging kit. This could damage the imaging kit.

  2. Resend the print job.


Does fog or shading disappear from the prints?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 2.

Step 2

Replace the imaging kit, and then resend the print job.


Does fog or shading disappear from the prints?

The problem is solved.

Contact customer support .


Toner rubs off

Prints with toner smears

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

From the Paper menu on the printer control panel, check the paper type, texture, and weight.


Do the paper type, texture, and weight match the paper loaded in the tray?

Go to step 2.

Specify the paper type, texture, and weight from the tray settings to match the paper loaded in the tray.

Step 2

Resend the print job.


Does the toner still rub off?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.


Toner specks appear on prints

Action

Yes

No

Replace the imaging kit, and then resend the print job.


Do toner specks appear on prints?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.


Transparency print quality is poor

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

From the printer control panel, set the paper type in the Paper menu to match the paper loaded in the tray.


Is the paper type for the tray set to Transparency?

Go to step 2.

Set the paper type to Transparency.

Step 2

  1. Check if you are using a recommended type of transparency.

  2. Resend the print job.


Is the print quality still poor?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.


Uneven print density

A print with uneven density

Action

Yes

No

Replace the imaging kit, and then resend the print job.


Is the print density uneven?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.


Vertical voids appear on prints

A page with vertical voids

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

  1. Check if your software program is using a correct fill pattern.

  2. Resend the print job.


Do vertical voids appear on prints?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

  1. From the Paper Menu on the printer control panel, check the paper type and paper weight.

  2. Resend the print job.


Do vertical voids appear on prints?

Go to step 3.

The problem is solved.

Step 3

Check if you are using a recommended type of paper.

  1. Load paper source with a recommended type of paper.

  2. Resend the print job.


Do vertical voids appear on prints?

Go to step 4.

The problem is solved.

Step 4

  1. Remove, and then reinstall the imaging kit.

    Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging kit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

    Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not touch the underside of the imaging kit. This could damage the imaging kit.

  2. Resend the print job.


Do vertical voids appear on prints?

Go to step 5.

The problem is solved.

Step 5

Replace the imaging kit, and then resend the print job.


Do vertical voids appear on prints?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.


Color quality problems

FAQ about color printing

What is RGB color?

Red, green, and blue light can be added together in various amounts to produce a large range of colors observed in nature. For example, red and green can be combined to create yellow. Televisions and computer monitors create colors in this manner. RGB color is a method of describing colors by indicating the amount of red, green, or blue needed to produce a certain color.

What is CMYK color?

Cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks or toners can be printed in various amounts to produce a large range of colors observed in nature. For example, cyan and yellow can be combined to create green. Printing presses, inkjet printers, and color laser printers create colors in this manner. CMYK color is a method of describing colors by indicating the amount of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black needed to reproduce a particular color.

How is color specified in a document to be printed?

Software programs typically specify the document color using RGB or CMYK color combinations. Additionally, they let users modify the color of each object in a document. For more information, see the help information of your operating system.

How does the printer know what color to print?

When a user prints a document, information describing the type and color of each object is sent to the printer. The color information is passed through color conversion tables that translate the color into the appropriate amounts of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black toner needed to produce the color you want. The object information determines the application of color conversion tables. For example, it is possible to apply one type of color conversion table to text while applying a different color conversion table to photographic images.

What is manual color correction?

When manual color correction is enabled, the printer employs user-selected color conversion tables to process objects. However, Color Correction must be set to Manual, or no user-defined color conversion will be implemented. Manual color correction settings are specific to the type of object being printed (text, graphics, or images), and how the color of the object is specified in the software program (RGB or CMYK combinations).

Notes:

  • Manual color correction is not useful if the software program does not specify colors with RGB or CMYK combinations. It is also not effective in situations in which the software program or the computer operating system controls the adjustment of colors.
  • When Auto Color Correction is selected, the color conversion tables will generate preferred colors used for the majority of the documents.

To manually apply a different color conversion table, do the following:

  1. From the Quality menu on the printer control panel, select Color Correction , and then select Manual .

  2. From the Quality menu on the printer control panel, select Manual Color , and then select the appropriate color conversion table for the affected object type.

    Object type

    Color conversion tables

    RGB Image

    RGB Text

    RGB Graphics

    • Vivid —Produces brighter, more saturated colors and may be applied to all incoming color formats.

    • sRGB Display —Produces an output that approximates the colors displayed on a computer monitor.

      Note:  Black toner usage is optimized for printing photographs.

    • Display—True Black —Produces an output that approximates the colors displayed on a computer monitor. This uses only black toner to create all levels of neutral gray.

    • sRGB Vivid —Provides an increased color saturation for the sRGB Display color correction.

      Note:  Black toner usage is optimized for printing business graphics.

    • Off —No color correction is implemented.

    CMYK Image

    CMYK Text

    CMYK Graphics

    • US CMYK —Applies color correction to approximate the SWOP (Specifications for Web Offset Publishing) color output.

    • Euro CMYK —Applies color correction to approximate Euroscale color output.

    • Vivid CMYK —Increases the color saturation of the US CMYK color correction setting.

    • Off —No color correction is implemented.


How can I match a particular color (such as a corporate logo)?

Nine types of Color Samples sets are available from the Quality menu on the printer control panel. These are also available from the Color Samples page of the Embedded Web Server. Selecting any sample set generates a multiple-page printout consisting of hundreds of colored boxes. Either a CMYK or RGB combination is located on each box, depending on the table selected. The observed color of each box is obtained by passing the CMYK or RGB combination labeled on the box through the selected color conversion table.

By examining Color Samples sets, you can identify the box whose color is the closest to the color you want. The color combination labeled on the box can then be used for modifying the color of the object in a software program. For more information, see the help information of your operating system.

Note:  Manual color correction may be necessary to utilize the selected color conversion table for the particular object.

Selecting which Color Samples set to use for a particular color-matching problem depends on the Color Correction setting being used , the type of object being printed, and how the color of the object is specified in the software program. When Color Correction is set to Off, the color is based on the print job information, and no color conversion is implemented.

Note:  The Color Samples pages are not useful if the software program does not specify colors with RGB or CMYK combinations. Additionally, certain situations exist in which the software program or the computer operating system adjusts the RGB or CMYK combinations specified in the program through color management. The resulting printed color may not be an exact match of the Color Samples pages.

Prints on color transparencies appear dark when projected

Note:  This problem occurs when projecting transparencies with reflective overhead projectors. To obtain the highest projected color quality, transmissive overhead projectors are recommended.

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

From the printer control panel, make sure the paper type setting is set to Transparency.


Is the paper type setting correct?

Go to step 2.

Set the paper type to Transparency.

Step 2

Reduce the toner darkness, and then resend the print job.


Does the print on the color transparency look lighter?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 3.

Step 3

Make sure you are using a recommended type of color transparency, and then resend the print job.


Does the print on the color transparency look lighter?

The problem is solved.

Contact customer support .


The color of the print does not match the color of the original file

Note:  The color conversion tables used in Auto Color Correction mode generally approximate the colors of a standard computer monitor. However, because of technology differences that exist between printers and monitors, there are many colors that can also be affected by monitor variations and lighting conditions.

Action

Yes

No

Step 1

  1. Set Color Correction to Off.

    Note:  When the printer color correction is disabled, the color is based on the print job information, and no color conversion is implemented.

  2. Resend the print job.


Does the color of the print match the color of the file on the computer screen?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 2.

Step 2

From the Quality menu on the printer control panel, do the following:

  1. Select Color Correction , and then select Manual .

  2. Select Manual Color , and then select the appropriate color conversion table for the affected object type.

  3. Resend the print job.

Does the color of the print match the color of the file on the computer screen?

The problem is solved.

Contact customer support .


The print appears tinted

Action

Yes

No

Adjust the color balance.

  1. From the Color Balance menu on the printer control panel, increase or decrease the values for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.

  2. Resend the print job.


Does the print still appear tinted?

The problem is solved.

Contact customer support .