Printing colors too dark

[claritycoaching]

3 year old Envy photo 7855 suddenly printing graphics extremely dark. Text is fine, as is alignment. 
happened before AND after installing new color cartridge. 

[Max3Aj]

@claritycoaching, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
I understand your HP Envy Photo 7855 is printing graphics that appear too dark, even after replacing the color cartridge. I’ll guide you through a few steps to help resolve this issue.

Check Print Settings

Sometimes, print settings can override color profiles and cause darker prints.

• On your PC, go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
• Right-click your printer > Printing Preferences.
• Under the Paper/Quality or Color tab:
  • Ensure Color is selected (not grayscale).
  • Click Advanced and check if ICM (Image Color Management) is enabled.
  • Try setting Color Management to Application Managed Colors if available.

Run Print Quality Diagnostic

This helps identify if the issue is hardware-related.

• On the printer’s touchscreen:
  • Tap Setup > Tools > Print Quality Report.
• Check for any streaks, color imbalances, or missing blocks.

If the report looks off, proceed to clean the printhead.

Clean the Printhead

• On the printer touchscreen:
  • Tap Setup > Tools > Clean Printhead.
• You may need to run this 2–3 times for best results.

Update Printer Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause unexpected print behavior.

• Visit the HP Software and Driver Downloads page.
• Enter Envy Photo 7855, download and install the latest firmware.

Use HP Paper and Ink

Non-HP paper or third-party ink can sometimes cause color inconsistencies. Try printing on HP photo paper using genuine HP cartridges to compare results.

Color Calibration (Optional)

If you're printing from photo editing software, ensure your monitor is calibrated and ICC profiles are correctly applied.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[claritycoaching]

Hi,

MAC, not PC, so most of your reply doesn't apply, and I've tried the other things you suggested.

Printer profile is set to 1st option: ACES CG Linear.

There don't seem to be any new drivers for me to install.

Other thoughts? Printer is about 2 1/2 years old. Should still work!

[Max3Aj]

@claritycoaching, Thanks for the update! Since you're on a Mac and have already tried the basics (new cartridge, printhead cleaning, etc.), and you're seeing dark graphics but normal text, let's dig a bit deeper into color management and ICC profiles, which are often the culprits in cases like this, especially when printing from macOS.

Targeted Steps for macOS Users

Check ColorSync Settings

The profile ACES CG Linear is not ideal for printing, it’s a wide-gamut linear profile used in high-end video workflows, not for inkjet printers.

Try this instead:

• Open the Print dialog from your app (e.g., Preview or Photoshop).
• Click Show Details (if hidden).
• Under Color Matching, select ColorSync.
• Choose a printer-specific ICC profile like:
  • HP ENVY Photo 7800 series (or similar)
  • Or try sRGB IEC61966-2.1 for general use

If you don’t see these profiles, you may need to reinstall the HP printer driver to restore them.

Disable Double Color Management

If you're printing from apps like Photoshop or Lightroom:

• In the app, set Color Handling to Photoshop Manages Colors.
• In the Print dialog, under Print Settings > Color Options, set Color Management to Off or Application Managed.

This avoids the printer and macOS both trying to manage color, which can cause dark or oversaturated prints.

Reset the Printing System (if needed)

If profiles or settings seem off:

• Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
• Right-click (or Control-click) in the printer list and choose Reset printing system.
• Re-add your HP Envy Photo 7855.

Reinstall HP Smart and Drivers

Sometimes macOS uses AirPrint by default, which lacks full color control.

• Download the full driver package from HP: Official HP® Support
• Install HP Smart from the Mac App Store and re-add the printer using HP Smart.

I hope this helps!

If my response resolves your issue, please click “Accepted Solution” to help others find the answer. Also, don’t forget to click the “Yes” button to say thanks!

Take care and have a great day.

Max3Aj

HP Support