Print the built-in quality report or nozzle check before changing several settings. Look in the printer’s maintenance menu or official software for Print Quality Report, Nozzle Check, or the equivalent option.

Compare the pattern with the example in your manual: look for gaps, incomplete color blocks, or displaced lines. Keep this page as your starting point.

What next? Gaps call for ink-delivery checks and the prescribed cleaning procedure. Alignment defects call for alignment. If the pattern is complete, test paper, settings, and the source file first.

Use paper suitable for your inkjet printer and print job. Choose supported plain paper for documents and appropriate inkjet photo paper for photographs.

Replace damp, curled, or damaged sheets. Check the supported media thickness and load coated paper with the print side facing the direction specified for your printer.

Check the result: print the same small sample on the replacement paper. Compare text edges, image detail, and smudges before changing another setting.

Set Paper Type or Media Type to match the paper in the tray. Select Plain Paper, Matte, Glossy Photo Paper, or the option recommended for the actual sheets you are using.

Check the setting in the print dialog and any tray prompt on the printer. Using photo paper while leaving the setting on Plain Paper can produce unsuitable output.

Check the result: reprint the same sample after correcting the media setting. Look for sharper edges and less smearing, and allow the recommended drying time before handling photo prints.

Start with Standard quality for everyday documents. If you were using Draft, print the same page in Standard and compare it. Try High or Best when you need finer detail on suitable paper.

For color prints, turn off Grayscale or Black Only if those options are selected. Match the paper setting before comparing quality modes.

Check the result: if Standard improves light text, Draft mode contributed to the problem. If the same white gaps remain, check the diagnostic pattern rather than increasing quality repeatedly.

If poor print quality began after changing ink, check installation first. Confirm the cartridge number, color slot, and seating. Remove only the protective tape or covers specified in the cartridge’s installation instructions.

Check ink warnings, but remember that ink-level displays are estimates and reporting varies by cartridge. For tank printers, check tank levels and the specified refill ink.

Check the result: print the diagnostic pattern after correcting installation. If the cartridge is empty or damaged, find a matching replacement below; if the pattern still has gaps, follow the model’s ink-delivery troubleshooting.

Browse Starink HP ink cartridges, Canon ink cartridges, Epson ink cartridges, or Brother ink cartridges. Confirm your full printer model before ordering, or use our installation guides.

Use built-in cleaning when the diagnostic pattern has missing lines or colors and your model’s instructions recommend it. Check ink supply and installation first, then run the prescribed cleaning function.

Print another nozzle check or quality report afterward. Cleaning consumes ink; follow the model’s cycle limits, waiting periods, and ink requirements before repeating it or using Deep Cleaning or Power Cleaning.

Check the result: compare the same pattern before and after cleaning. Fewer gaps indicate improvement. If the permitted maintenance sequence does not help, get support rather than repeating cleaning indefinitely.

Check alignment when text appears doubled or the diagnostic lines are displaced. Use the printer’s alignment function if the test result or model instructions call for it.

Load the paper specified for alignment and complete all prompts, including pattern selection or scanning if required.

Check the result: reprint the same text or line sample and look for reduced doubling or misalignment. Alignment is different from cleaning and does not restore a color that is not printing.

Check whether the original file is clear at the intended print size. A small screenshot, heavily compressed image, or enlarged graphic can produce blurry prints even when the printer is working correctly.

Try the original document or PDF instead of a screenshot. Use a higher-resolution photo when available and avoid enlarging a small image beyond the detail it contains.

Check the result: print a different, clear document with the same settings. If it looks sharp, focus on the first file rather than replacing ink.

If the built-in test looks normal, try another file and application. Confirm the correct printer is selected and check paper size, media type, scaling, quality, and color options.

If expected options are missing or only one computer has the problem, follow the printer manufacturer’s official driver guidance. A driver controls printing from your device; printer firmware is separate.

Check the result: compare the same file from another app or device, using matching settings where possible. A difference points toward software or settings. Do not treat a firmware update as the default fix for faded or streaky prints.

Follow the maintenance instructions for your complete printer model. Store paper away from moisture and dust. Use the prescribed paper-path or smear-cleaning procedure if marks suggest that issue.

Use the printer’s power button and let shutdown finish. Do not remove a fixed printhead or apply household solvents as a general cleaning method.

Check the result: after approved maintenance, print a fresh sample. If marks persist, note where they occur and send a photo to support for further troubleshooting.