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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Printer is leaving lines on the print

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06-02-2025 02:50 AM
My printer is leaving lines on my print work, the colours have just been changed, have done test sheet. Head has been cleaned. Does anybody know what is wrong and how I can fix it. Thank you in advance for any help.
Solved! Go to Solution.
Accepted Solutions
06-03-2025 09:24 AM
Hi @Kkhyatt,
Welcome to the HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.
Thanks for your patience! Since you've already changed the ink, run a test sheet, and cleaned the print head, here’s a targeted troubleshooting checklist.
1. Run Multiple Printhead Cleanings
Even if you've already cleaned the printhead once, HP recommends running the cleaning cycle 2–3 times in a row:
- Open HP Smart or your printer’s control panel.
- Go to Settings > Printer Maintenance > Clean Printhead.
- Repeat the cleaning process up to 3 times.
2. Check and Adjust Print Settings
Incorrect settings can cause banding or lines:
- In the print dialog, go to Printer Properties.
- Set Print Quality to Best.
- Ensure Paper Type matches the actual paper (e.g., HP Premium Photo Paper).
- Enable Borderless Printing if available.
3. Use HP-Recommended Photo Paper
Some third-party glossy papers (like Kodak) may not absorb ink properly, causing streaks
- Try switching to HP-branded photo paper for better compatibility.
4. Update Printer Firmware
Outdated firmware can cause print quality issues:
- Visit HP’s support site.
- Enter your printer model and download the latest firmware.
- Install and restart the printer.
5. Perform a Hard Reset
This can clear internal glitches:
- Turn off the printer and unplug it.
- Hold the Power button for 15 seconds.
- Plug it back in and turn it on.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!
VikramTheGreat
HP Support
06-03-2025 09:24 AM
Hi @Kkhyatt,
Welcome to the HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.
Thanks for your patience! Since you've already changed the ink, run a test sheet, and cleaned the print head, here’s a targeted troubleshooting checklist.
1. Run Multiple Printhead Cleanings
Even if you've already cleaned the printhead once, HP recommends running the cleaning cycle 2–3 times in a row:
- Open HP Smart or your printer’s control panel.
- Go to Settings > Printer Maintenance > Clean Printhead.
- Repeat the cleaning process up to 3 times.
2. Check and Adjust Print Settings
Incorrect settings can cause banding or lines:
- In the print dialog, go to Printer Properties.
- Set Print Quality to Best.
- Ensure Paper Type matches the actual paper (e.g., HP Premium Photo Paper).
- Enable Borderless Printing if available.
3. Use HP-Recommended Photo Paper
Some third-party glossy papers (like Kodak) may not absorb ink properly, causing streaks
- Try switching to HP-branded photo paper for better compatibility.
4. Update Printer Firmware
Outdated firmware can cause print quality issues:
- Visit HP’s support site.
- Enter your printer model and download the latest firmware.
- Install and restart the printer.
5. Perform a Hard Reset
This can clear internal glitches:
- Turn off the printer and unplug it.
- Hold the Power button for 15 seconds.
- Plug it back in and turn it on.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!
VikramTheGreat
HP Support
06-05-2025 11:16 AM
Hi @Kkhyatt,
You're very welcome! If you ever need anything else, just let me know. 😊
Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue; it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!
Take care and have a great day ahead!
VikramTheGreat
HP Support