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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Printed colors are off OfficeJet Pro 8020

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03-26-2024 12:50 PM
It is not uncommon for my printer to print colors inconsistently. I make stickers and Ive had to adjust my files colors several times from the original to get the original colors. When I do print the original file, the colors come out lighter than usual and continues to do so untill I darken the file. I changed the ink recently and nothings changed.
I cant afford to keep wasting ink for my products that dont make enough to waste this amount of ink in order to color correct my files. If anyone could help this struggling student id be so greatful
P.S, ive run a printing diagnostic and nothings come up, and theres no update for me to install
03-29-2024 06:45 AM
Hi @StrugglingStu,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
Inconsistent color printing can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and improve the situation.
- Check Printer Settings: Ensure that your printer settings are optimized for color accuracy. Sometimes, printers have default settings that might not produce the best results. Make sure you're using the correct paper type setting as well.
- Calibrate Your Printer: Many printers have calibration tools or options in their settings. Calibrating your printer can help ensure that it's producing accurate colors. Check your printer's manual or online resources for guidance on how to calibrate it.
- Update Printer Drivers: Even if you haven't seen an update notification, it's worth checking the HP website for any updated printer drivers or firmware. Sometimes, updates can improve color accuracy and overall performance.
- Check Color Profiles: Ensure that you're using the appropriate color profile for your printer and paper combination. Using the wrong color profile can result in inaccurate colors. You may need to adjust color profiles in your printing software or operating system settings.
- Clean Printer Heads: Over time, printer heads can become clogged or dirty, leading to inconsistent printing quality. Most printers have a cleaning utility that can help clean the printer heads. Refer to your printer's manual for instructions on how to perform this maintenance task.
- Use Genuine Ink Cartridges: While it might be tempting to use third-party or refilled ink cartridges to save money, these can sometimes cause issues with color accuracy and print quality. Using genuine ink cartridges recommended by the HP printer can help ensure consistent results.
- Print a Test Page: Printing a test page can help you identify any specific color discrepancies or issues. This can help you narrow down the problem and make targeted adjustments.
By following these steps, you should be able to improve the consistency and accuracy of your color printing without wasting unnecessary ink.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
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Alden4
HP Support
HP Support Community Moderator