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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281 CDW color untrue quality

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Check some of the most frequent questions about Instant Ink: HP INSTANT INK, HP+ PLANS: INK AND TONER.
Check out our Black or Color Ink Not Printing, Other Print Quality Issues info about: Print quality and Cartridge Issues.
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1 REPLY 1
02-01-2024 03:11 PM
Hi @blitzzone,
Welcome to the HP Support Community
I understand you're experiencing color print quality issues with your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281cdw printer, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and improve the output:
- Check Toner Levels: Ensure that the toner cartridges have sufficient toner. Low toner levels can result in faded or inaccurate colors. Replace any cartridges that are low or empty.
- Calibrate the Printer: Many printers, including the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281cdw, have a calibration option in the settings menu. This feature helps align the printer's colors for accurate printing. Refer to your printer's manual for instructions on how to perform calibration.
- Use High-Quality Paper: Low-quality paper can affect print quality. Make sure you're using paper that is compatible with your printer and is designed for color printing.
- Check Print Settings: Ensure that you're using the correct print settings for your document. Select the appropriate paper type and quality settings in the print dialog box on your computer.
- Update Printer Drivers: Make sure you have the latest printer drivers installed on your computer. Outdated drivers can sometimes cause printing issues.
- Clean the Printer: Dust and debris inside the printer can affect print quality. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently clean the exterior and interior of the printer. Be careful not to touch the imaging drum or transfer belt.
- Run Diagnostic Tools: Some printers have built-in diagnostic tools that can help identify and resolve printing issues. Check your printer's manual or HP's website for information on diagnostic tools specific to your model.
Refer to this document: HP Color LaserJet Pro M280 Printers - Fixing Poor Print Quality
I hope this helps! Keep me posted.
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A_Gayathri
HP Support Community Administrator.
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