How does your print look?

Your printer passed this check.

Likely cause: a low quality setting, a paper type setting that does not match the paper, or paper that lets ink spread.

1. 1.Reprint at High or Best quality.
2. 2.Match the paper type setting to the paper in the tray.
3. 3.Try a smoother paper and compare.

Fix smudges

Likely cause: print head alignment on an inkjet, or uneven paper feed.

1. 1.Run the printer’s head alignment routine from its maintenance menu.
2. 2.Reload flat paper and set the paper guides.
3. 3.Reprint and compare both directions.

Align a print head

Likely cause: blocked nozzles on an inkjet, or a drum or corona wire problem on a laser.

1. 1.On an inkjet, print the nozzle check and look for gaps.
2. 2.On a laser, follow the maker’s cleaning steps for streaks.
3. 3.Reprint this page and compare.

Fix streaks or lines

Likely cause: partly blocked nozzles or low ink for that color.

1. 1.Check the ink level for that color.
2. 2.Print the nozzle check and look at that color’s band.
3. 3.Run one cleaning cycle if the band has gaps, then reprint.

Fix a missing color