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4-20 ENWW
Ink is smearing
Check the print mode
z When you print documents that use a lot of ink, you must allow the document more time to
dry before handling it. This is especially true for transparencies. Select Best mode in the
printer driver, and increase the ink drying time from Advanced Features in the printer
driver. Under Advanced Features is an Ink Volume slider that you can use in conjunction
with drying time to decrease ink saturation. However, note that decreasing ink saturation
might give printouts a “washed-out” quality.
z Color documents that have rich, blended colors can wrinkle or smear when printed using
Best mode. Try using the Normal, Fast Normal, or Draft mode to reduce ink, or use
HP Premium Paper designed for printing vivid color documents.
Check the media type
z Some types of media do not accept ink well, which causes the ink to dry more slowly and
results in smearing. See “Selecting print media”.
Ink is not filling the text or graphics completely
Check the ink cartridges
z Try removing and then reinstalling the ink cartridges, and make sure to snap them firmly
into place.
z Your ink cartridge might be out of ink. Replace the empty ink cartridge. See “Replacing ink
cartridges”.
Check the media type
z Some media types are not suitable for use with your printer. See “Selecting print media”.
Output is faded or dull colored
Check the print mode
z The Fast Normal and Draft modes allow you to print at a faster rate. This option is good
for printing drafts. To achieve better colored printout, select Normal or Best mode in the
printer driver.
Check the paper type print setting
z When printing on transparencies or other special media, select the corresponding media
type in the Print Settings dialog box.
Check the ink cartridges
z On the printed page, check that all the lines in the text or image are connected and have
printed properly. If the lines are broken, one or more of your ink cartridges is probably out
of ink or defective. Replace those ink cartridges with new ones.
Colors are printing as black and white
Check the printer driver settings
z The Print In Grayscale check box might be selected. From your application, open the
Printer Properties dialog box. Click the Color tab and make sure Print in Grayscale is
not selected.