Black and White

[saxysing]

How do I get my Photosmart Printer to print documents in black and white only using black ink? I can't find any reference or controls to choose between color and B & W. I'm running out of colored ink and my black is still full even though I only print documents. I used to have that choice with my old printers on PC. Thanks.

[PrintDoc]

What model Photosmart?

[saxysing]

Photosmart C7280

[saxysing · Accepted solution]

Never mind, I finally figured it out, even though it was well hidden and I never did find it in the instruction manual. It seems like something that basic should be on the main print page and you shouldn't have to go looking for it. In case anyone else out there wasn't born knowing this, here's how it works:

Go to the 3rd drop down menu on the main print page: Click on Paper Type/ Quality: On the Color drop down menu, click on Gray Scale; Click on Color Options; Click on Black Print Cartridge Only. Then Print.

Much more efficient and user friendly then the old method of choosing black or color on the main print page, don't you think?

[shirleyforeman]

Oh my goodness. You don't know how happy I am that you figured that out! Seriously, I've been trying to work it out since I purchased my PREVIOUS printer!! I can't imagine why they make it so difficult to do. And I've looked at help forums, user manuals, called HP etc. THANK YOU, Shirley Foreman

[saxysing]

You're very welcome. I was hoping someone would benefit from this.

[Stan13]

How do I make a copy from glass or ADF in gray scale, black only cartridge?

[danlynch]

My menu does not allow me to choose Black Print Cartridge Only, it's grey-ed out and the only choice is High Quality.  Why is this?  Secondly, I cannot choose to default the paper to 81/2 x 11 letter size, it's "stuck" on photo paper and won't allow me to change....why?  HELP!!!

"Go to the 3rd drop down menu on the main print page: Click on Paper Type/ Quality: On the Color drop down menu, click on Gray Scale; Click on Color Options; Click on Black Print Cartridge Only. Then Print."

[saxysing]

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Stan13 wrote:

How do I make a copy from glass or ADF in gray scale, black only cartridge?

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Sorry, I haven't been able to figure that out. There is upgrade driver software available (for a price) from HP for our printer. They supposedly give you a lot more options and capabilities for the printer. I can't guarantee this will help your problem, as I haven't purchased it. So far I am able to do everything I need to with the original driver, though it is pretty basic.

[alexanderlooper]

I just bought an HP Officejet Pro 8500 A909n, and this comment solved my problem, too.  Thanks so much for posting.   

I am surprised that this problem persists.