PRINTER TOOLS

[howdy_2u]

Sometimes when I print a color photo on photo paper, I get faint lines through the photo and not good color quality.  I would like to find the toolbox in order to clean the print heads, find ink levels, etc., but cannot find them in the printer app or through the HP Print and Scan Doctor.  The troubleshoot comes out clean, but no tools are given.  The test page is no help.  I'm on Instant Ink, and they say the ink cartridges are fine--no need to replace.  UGH

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @howdy_2u 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for laying that out so clearly—photo print issues like faint lines and poor color can be especially frustrating when everything else seems to check out. Let’s get you to the right tools and steps to clean the printheads and check ink levels on your HP ENVY Pro 6458.

Let me know how it goes after trying these steps. If the issue persists, we can explore deeper calibration or even Instant Ink cartridge diagnostics. 

To address the issues you're experiencing with faint lines and poor color quality when printing color photos, there are a few steps you can take to improve the print quality on your HP ENVY Pro 6458 All-in-One Printer:

 

Steps to Improve Print Quality:

Use Original HP Ink Cartridges:

• Ensure that you are using original HP ink cartridges, as they are designed to work with HP printers to produce the best quality prints.

Check Ink Levels:

• If you are enrolled in the HP Instant Ink program, your printer should automatically keep track of ink levels. However, you can manually check the estimated ink levels via the printer control panel or software.

Examine Paper Type Settings:

• Make sure you have selected the correct paper type from the printer software settings. Using recommended paper types, such as HP Advanced Photo Paper, can enhance print quality.

Align the Ink Cartridges:

• Aligning cartridges can correct alignment issues that may cause poor print quality.
• Open the HP printer software from your computer. Click on "Print & Scan," then click on "Maintain Your Printer" to access the Printer Toolbox.
• Select "Align Ink Cartridges" or "Align Printer" from the options.

Clean the Printheads:

• Cleaning the printheads can remove any blockages or dried ink affecting print quality.
• Open the printer software and go to "Print & Scan," then to the "Maintain Your Printer" section.
• Click "Clean Ink Cartridges" and follow the on-screen instructions.

Print Diagnostics Page:

• A diagnostics page can help identify specific issues with print quality.
• In the printer software, navigate to "Print & Scan," then "Maintain Your Printer," and select "Print Diagnostic Information."

You’re clearly doing everything right—just a few more tweaks and we’ll get those photos looking vibrant again.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[howdy_2u]

Thank you for the reply, but my HP Smart software for my HP Envy Pro 6458 does not have a choice for "Print & Scan" or "Maintain Your Printer".  I have buttons for: Scan, Shortcuts, Printables, Print Documents, Mobile Fax, Help & Support, Print Photos, and Printer Settings.  None of them have Maintain Your Printer or access to a tool box that I can find.  Even the wrench icon on the left side will just do a diagnose and fix scan that takes a long time and has no answers and does not take me to a tool box.  I know there is a toolbox in there Somewhere, but I'll be darned if I can find it.  Since you work for HP, you should be able to tell me how to find it or send me a link to download the toolbox for my printer or something.  I

Please, please tell me how to get to this toolbox so that I can align and clean my ink cartridges.  

Thank you.

Marjorie

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

@howdy_2u 

Hi Marjorie! You're absolutely right to expect better clarity here—HP Smart can be a bit elusive when it comes to finding those maintenance tools. 

Let’s get you to the printhead cleaning and alignment toolbox for your HP Envy Pro 6458 without the wild goose chase.

🧰 How to Access the Toolbox to Align & Clean Ink Cartridges

Option 1: Using HP Smart App

1. Open HP Smart on your computer or mobile device.
2. Tap your printer’s image to open its settings.
3. Look for Tools or Print Quality Tools.
4. Select:
   • Clean Printhead to fix streaks or missing colors.
   • Align Printer to improve print accuracy.

If you don’t see these options, try tapping Advanced Settings → this opens the Embedded Web Server (EWS) in your browser.

Option 2: Using Embedded Web Server (EWS)

1. Find your printer’s IP address:
   • On the printer’s control panel, tap the Wireless icon.
   • Note the IP address (e.g., 192.168.x.x).
2. Open a browser and type that IP address into the address bar.
3. In the EWS:
   • Go to Tools → Print Quality Toolbox.
   • Choose Clean Printhead or Align Printhead.

Option 3: HP Printer Assistant (Windows Only)

1. Search for your printer name in the Windows Start menu.
2. Open the HP Printer Assistant.
3. Click Maintain Your Printer or Print Quality Tools.
4. Run Clean Printhead and Align Cartridges from there.

If none of these options appear, it may help to update HP Smart or reinstall it from the HP Smart download page to ensure you have the latest features.

Let me know which method works best for you—or if you’d like me to walk you through one step-by-step. You’re not alone in this, and we’ll get your printer back to crisp, clean prints in no time! 🖨️✨

Regards.