What should I do if my printout has lines running through it?
Check which direction the lines are running while viewing the printout in an upright position (portrait orientation). If the lines are running left-to-right across your printout, see the suggestions in Horizontal Banding
below. If the lines are running up-and-down, see the suggestions in Vertical Misalignment or Banding
Vertical Misalignment or Banding
- If the paper you're using has a printable side (check your paper packaging for details), make sure the printable side is loaded face-up in the printer. The printable side is usually brighter or whiter.
- Make sure the paper Type or Media Type setting in the Windows, Mac OS X 10.5/10.6, or Mac OS X 10.4 printer driver matches the paper you loaded.
- Try selecting a higher Quality Option or Print Quality in the Windows, Mac OS X 10.5/10.6, or Mac OS X 10.4 printer driver.
- Try turning off High Speed in the Windows, Mac OS X 10.5/10.6, or Mac OS X 10.4 printer driver. (On Mac, you can turn off High Speed when printing in Automatic Mode by setting the Quality/Speed slider to Quality. When printing in Advanced Mode, unselect High Speed.)
- Print a nozzle check pattern. If there are gaps, clean the print head.
- Try aligning the print head.
Published: May 6, 2010
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