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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- A SMUDGE COMING ON MY PRINT JOBS

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05-13-2025 06:44 AM
@TKACTERRYC, Welcome to the HP Support Community!
Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding Smudges on Print Jobs!
We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.
If you are encountering smudges on one side of your print jobs after changing the cartridges, here are several steps you can follow to diagnose and potentially fix the issue:
Check for Obstructions:
- Open the printer and inspect the area around the ink cartridges for any debris, ink buildup, or small pieces of paper that might be interfering with the print head.
Clean Print Heads:
- Most printers have a maintenance or tools menu where you can select an option to clean the print heads. This can help remove any dried ink or debris that might be causing the smudges.
Align Print Cartridges:
- Aligning the print cartridges can sometimes resolve issues related to print quality. Again, this can usually be done from the maintenance menu on the printer.
Inspect the Cartridges:
- Ensure that the new cartridges are securely installed and that there are no stray bits of packaging left on them. Also, check that the cartridges are the correct type for your printer model.
Check Paper Quality:
- Use high-quality paper meant for your printer. Low-quality paper or paper that is not compatible with your printer can cause smudging.
Perform a Test Print:
- Run a test print to see if the smudge appears on the test document. If not, it might be an issue with the specific document you are trying to print.
Check for Software Issues:
- Ensure that you are using the latest printer drivers and software for your model. Sometimes old or corrupted drivers can cause printing issues.
Hope this helps!
Take care, and have an amazing day!
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Regards,
ZOEY7886
I am an HP Employee