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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- PRINTS TOO DARK

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01-25-2025 11:54 AM
I have a brand new HP Color LaserJet Pro that is perfectly functional other than the prints/print quality - the are coming out incredibly dark. I have searched for a way to fix this and have had no luck from manual or otherwise. Please advise.
01-28-2025 12:00 PM
Hi @ANDREWSLOANE,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
If your new HP Color LaserJet Pro is printing too dark, here are a few things you can try to fix the issue.
Check Print Settings:
- In the print dialog box (before printing), make sure you don’t have the "Draft" or "Economy" mode selected, as these can affect the print quality.
- Check the "Print Quality" setting and make sure it is set to "Normal" or "Best" rather than "Fast".
Adjust Density Settings:
- Many HP printers have an option to adjust print density (the darkness of the print). You can adjust this through the printer settings:
- On the printer's control panel, go to Settings > Print Quality (or Advanced Settings > Quality).
- Look for an option called "Print Density" or "Toner Density" and set it to a lower level.
Update Printer Driver:
- Sometimes outdated or incompatible printer drivers can affect print quality. Make sure your printer driver is up to date by visiting the HP website and downloading the latest drivers for your model.
Check the Toner Cartridges:
- Ensure that the toner cartridges are installed correctly and not leaking or overfilled, as this can cause dark prints. If the printer is new, it's unlikely to be a toner issue, but it's worth checking.
- Sometimes, the printer might need to be calibrated after the first few prints to ensure consistent color and quality.
Perform a Printer Calibration:
- Some HP Color LaserJet Pro printers offer a calibration option that optimizes print quality. Check your printer's control panel or settings menu for a "Calibrate" option and follow the prompts to run it.
Check Paper Type:
- Ensure you are using the correct paper type for your print jobs. Using paper that is too thick or glossy can sometimes result in darker prints.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
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Alden4
HP Support
HP Support Community Moderator