Can't print colour - only preset which is black and white

[KellynG]

Hi!

I have a Mac OS Ventura 13.6 and a HP Deskjet 2800e.  I cannot print colour, even though there is a colour cartridge installed.  It seems the presets are black and white and I cannot access anywhere that lets me change it to colour.  Can anyone point me in the right direction?  Trying to print from Word - the print options only allow black and white, or black and white draft.  Not sure why.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @KellynG,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It sounds like you're having trouble printing in color from your HP DeskJet 2800e on macOS Ventura 13.6. Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

**1. Check Printer Settings in macOS

Open Print Dialog:

• From the application you're using (e.g., Microsoft Word), go to File > Print (or press Command + P).

Access Printer Settings:

• In the Print dialog, click on the Printer or Printer Features drop-down menu.

Check Color Options:

• Look for a section labeled Color or Print Settings. If you don’t see these options, look for a drop-down menu that might allow you to choose between Standard and Advanced settings.

Select Color:

• Ensure that Color is selected and not Black & White or Grayscale. If there’s an option for Color Management, make sure it’s set to use color.

**2. Check HP Printer Software

Open HP Smart App:

• Open the HP Smart app on your Mac. If you don’t have it, you can download it from the Mac App Store.

Select Printer:

• Select your HP DeskJet 2800e from the list of available printers.

Access Settings:

• Go to the Printer Settings or Print Settings within the HP Smart app and check if there are any color options you can adjust.

**3. Update Printer Drivers

Download Latest Drivers:

• Go to the HP Support website and search for your HP DeskJet 2800e. Download and install the latest drivers and software for macOS Ventura.

Reinstall Printer:

• After updating the drivers, you might need to remove and re-add the printer:
  • Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
  • Select your printer and click the minus (-) button to remove it.
  • Click the plus (+) button to add the printer again and select the updated driver if available.

**4. Check Ink Cartridge Installation

Verify Cartridges:

• Make sure that the color cartridge is properly installed. Open the cartridge access door and ensure the cartridge is seated correctly.

Check Ink Levels:

• Use the HP Smart app or printer control panel to check ink levels. Ensure the color cartridge has sufficient ink.

**5. Reset Print System

Reset Printing System:

• Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
• Right-click (or Control-click) in the list of printers and choose Reset Printing System.
• Confirm the action. This will remove all printers and reset the printing system.
• After resetting, add your printer again and test printing in color.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support