Adjust darkness of print

[Ddf43]

Just purchased a new laptop HP Model i3-dw3033dx

Got my trusty HP Envy 4520 printer installed.  Printing is ok.  But with new laptop, my options are now different with my printer.  I cannot find anywhere where I can choose a darker print.   Print is not as dark as I would like.  I installed a brand new HP cartridge and printing is still lighter than I was able to get on my old Toshiba.  Everything about my printer is different on this new laptop.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Ddf43 

Welcome to the HP Community.

It can seem counter intuitive - what you see on the computer screen is not what you might see on a printed file / photo.

The checkpoints and steps in following Troubleshooting document can help make sure the printer is ready to "do its best" work:   Black or Color Ink Not Printing, Other Print Quality Issues

For example, NOT the only step, simply an important "piece of the puzzle":

Note the first step in the document >> Reinstall the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software.

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The full driver provides the foundation on which other programs and printing software depend.

Preparation

If you have not done so,

In addition to the HP Smart application,

Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software for the printer.

HP Smart and other print software / applications benefit from having the full driver installed.

Printer Software Check

Notes

If the full driver printer software is installed, you will see the printer listed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features.

The installation of the printer software adds two shortcut icons to the Desktop.

The Printer Assistant is named for the printer and provides access to Print , Scan , and Tools

HP Scan is named for itself and provides a direct call to the HP Scan software.

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_4

Next...

Printer software not installed - OR - installed but not working?

NOTE:  If the printer software shows installed but is not working as expected,

Uninstall the printer software from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features

Restart the computer and log in

Reminder:  If using USB, disconnect the USB printer cable between the printer and the computer before installing software.  (Re)Connect the USB cable when instructed to do so near the end of the installation procedure.

Install a fresh copy of the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Restart the computer and log in

Method - Use the Easy Start Wrapper to Install the Full Feature / Full Driver Software

For printers that support the option,

Use the Easy Start wrapper to install and configure the printer software.

• Home Page - HP Easy Start 
• Open Category Software and Drivers 
• Topic: Software-Utility 
• Download-and-Save  the current version of the Easy Start wrapper to install your print software 
• If using USB:  Disconnect the USB cable between the printer and computer before installing the software.

• Right-Click on the downloaded package and "Run as Administrator" to start the installation

• When asked, Select to install the “Full Driver” / “Full Feature Software”
• If using USB:  Connect the cable when instructed to do so (near the end of the installation process).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in.

Notes >> Easy Start... The Journey

1. Full Administrator Rights are required to complete the HP Software installation.
2. About 2/3 of the way through the setup, you will be given the opportunity to select the software - select the "Full Driver" set (as opposed to the basic driver or other application).
3. You can skip / ignore suggestion(s) that you add the HP Account – you’ll need the account at some point, for now, you can skip this suggestion (as many times as it insists it’s a good idea) during the full driver software installation.
4. If you see it, you can skip / ignore suggestion(s) regarding Instant Ink subscription.  Instant Ink subscription is NOT mandatory.
5. Full driver includes print and scan functions supported by your printer and provides the printer features on which other applications / software might depend.

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Next...

Both the Full Feature Software and the HP Smart Application provide severely limited features to help you adjust the printed result.  For example, you can adjust the quality (best / normal / draft).  Not generally useful for a printer that is physically working but is not producing the result you want / need.

Printer Specifications for HP DeskJet 4530, 4670, ENVY 4510, 4520, OfficeJet 4650 Printers

A few of the sizes provide for Borderless photo printing (generally on photo paper).

Fortunately, if you are wishing to print a previously saved photo / image file, you can use HP Smart to Scan > Import your photo and then edit the results before Save / Share / Print.

Open HP Smart

Click to Scan Photos

Select to "Import" your photo - for example, find the saved photo file on your computer

Find and open the photo

Scan

Example - HP Smart - Windows - Scan Photos - Menu / Setup

HP_Smart_W10_Scan_Photo_Screen_5

...Scan the photo

Before you Share / Save / Print the photo,

Click to open the scanned content (three dots)

Select Edit to / enhance / change the colors and other features of the print.

Example - HP Smart Windows - Scan Photo - Edit / Adjust (possibly Filters)

HP_Smart_W10_Scan_Edit_Image_Set_6

When finished, Click Done and continue to Save / Share / Print the results.

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What else?

Irfanview is very nice (and free) print software that might be useful to you in some circumstances.

Irfanview is not "plug and play" - the software includes many features - not all of what it does is obvious or preset.

Yes, Irfanview does require that you have installed the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software.

Irfanview > Brilliant Free Photo Viewing, Editing, and Print Software

 Irfanview provides an exceptional software experience that can be used for a variety of scan and print tasks, including the “Mirror” or horizontal flip function plus several other options not found elsewhere.

• Create a Restore Point (optional, recommended)
• Download the appropriate version (32bit or 64bit) of the program from the Website and install the program
• Additional information at the website, including:  FAQ

NOTES

• Both 32bit and 64bit versions for Windows are available.
• Irfanview is also available as an Windows 10 Application from the Microsoft Store

For example,

Irfanview 64bit version – Information and Download

Software and All Plugins for 64bit version:  https://www.fosshub.com/IrfanView.html

Includes Plugin for creating Multiple-page PDF files for images (Poster or large paper printing)

Includes access (where available) to Scan with HP Twain > Adjust settings > Save

How to find Help within the Irfanview software

Once installed, open the software > tab Help

Example help entry:

Vertical/Horizontal Flip

• Click on the Image Menu, then Vertical Flip. The image will turn upside-down. The left/right orientation will stay the same.
• Click on the Image Menu, then Horizontal Flip. The image will turn side-to-side, as in a mirror.

Note: The effect can be used on a smaller portion (rectangle selection) of an image, as well as the entire image.

Examples - Irfanview - Photo Print

Irfanview_Print_1Irfanview_Print_Color_Correction_1Irfanview_Custom_Print_Size_1

References / Resources

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

 “Things that are your printer”

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), more

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

HP ENVY 4520 All-in-One Printer series 

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