Quality Photo

[Makimomobear]

• I am trying to print photos on glossy sticker paper and glossy photopaper. However, the images printed smudge and it fades. I am using the prepackaged ink that came along with the printer. How can I print a quality printed image like epson printer does?

[Dragon-Fur]

@Makimomobear 

Welcome to the HP Community.

Quality issue is perhaps the result one or more of...

• Printer is in need of maintenance / cleaning.  This is less likely if the printer is new - worth checking "just in case"...

            Color or Black Ink Not Printing, Other Print Quality Issues

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• The printer does not support the paper type you are trying to use.  For example, not all "glossy sticker paper" is supported - in particular, we hear about Cricut paper having problems (though, in truth the issue is usually a "feed" problem).  Not all brands, weights, and kinds of photo paper are supported.  In general, the printer will likely accept HP and other high quality photo papers in supported weights and sizes.

             Product Specifications for the HP Smart Tank 615 Printer (Y0F71A) 

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• The Tray and Paper Management settings are incorrect.  For example, the printer might not be aware of the paper type / size loaded in the tray.

           User Guide

            Important >> Read Page 8

           General Example - Retain / Modify / Check Paper Size Type - Tray and Paper Management

Retain_Printing_Preferences_8

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• The paper is not loaded correctly for its size / type.

             User Guide

             Page 18

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• In general, everything works better, everything is easier, everything is accessible after the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software is installed.

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The full driver provides the foundation on which other programs and printing software depend.

Preparation

If you have not done so,

In addition to the HP Smart application,

Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software for the printer.

HP Smart and other print software / applications benefit from having the full driver installed.

Printer Software Check

Notes

If the full driver printer software is installed, you will see the printer listed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features.

The installation of the printer software adds two shortcut icons to the Desktop.

The Printer Assistant is named for the printer and provides access to Print , Scan , and Tools

HP Scan is named for itself and provides a direct call to the HP Scan software.

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_4

Printer software not installed?

NOTE:  If the printer software is installed but not working,

Uninstall the printer software from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features

Restart the computer and log in

Install a fresh copy of the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Restart the computer and log in

Method - Use the Easy Start Wrapper to Install the Full Feature / Full Driver Software

For printers that support the option,

Use the Easy Start wrapper to install and configure the printer software.

• Home Page - HP Easy Start 
• Open Category Software and Drivers 
• Topic: Software-Utility 
• Download-and-Save  the current version of the Easy Start wrapper to install your print software 
• If using USB:  Disconnect the USB cable between the printer and computer before installing the software.

• Right-Click on the downloaded package and "Run as Administrator" to start the installation

• When asked, Select to install the “Full Driver” / “Full Feature Software”
• If using USB:  Connect the cable when instructed to do so (near the end of the installation process).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in.

Notes >> Easy Start... The Journey

1. Full Administrator Rights are required to complete the HP Software installation.
2. About 2/3 of the way through the setup, you will be given the opportunity to select the software - select the "Full Driver" set (as opposed to the basic driver or other application).
3. You can skip / ignore suggestion(s) that you add the HP Account – you’ll need the account at some point, for now, you can skip this suggestion (as many times as it insists it’s a good idea) during the full driver software installation.
4. If you see it, you can skip / ignore suggestion(s) regarding Instant Ink subscription.  Instant Ink subscription is NOT mandatory.
5. Full driver includes print and scan functions supported by your printer and provides the printer features on which other applications / software might depend.

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       Having installed the full driver software,

• The actual Shortcut / settings might need adjustment for the current job submission.  This is fairly easy to find and determine but does require that we know which software / application you are using (unknown) and - to the extent that you can tell us - which settings you are using (unknown).

• Finally, if the print quality on the print job is cranked up too high (for example, set to "Best"), some print jobs on some paper types (for example, high gloss) will not actually print "best".  Rather, too much ink will be added for the type of paper surface and "best" turns into "smudge" and "not dry".

References / Resources

HP Smart for Windows

HP Smart is an application available in the Microsoft Store

Learn how to use HP Smart on your Windows 10 computer.

Open the Software and Drivers Support Website for your printer > Check the Box Get the App

OR Open and Read >>> HP Printers - Using the HP Smart App (Windows 10)

NOTES: 

Disconnect from Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection before downloading.

• HP Smart requires that you sign into the application using your HP Account credentials.

• HP Smart benefits (likes) having the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software installed.  For example, full driver provides access to Shortcuts and Printing Preferences.

• Document includes the HP Smart application download links for Windows and Mobile devices, plus an FAQ section to assist with questions / issues.
  •  FAQ examples: 
    • What are the requirements to use the HP Smart app?
    • Which printers are compatible with the HP Smart app?
    • Why do I need to sign in or create an account to use the HP Smart app features?
  • Older versions of the HP Smart app no longer support the login feature.
  • Update the application to the latest version to access / use HP Smart

Adobe Reader DC – Install Whether You Use It or Not

If you have not done so,

Reinstall / Update your PDF Reader (Adobe Reader DC /Optional  Foxit Reader)

HINT:  Watch out for and UNCHECK unwanted extra software

NOTE:  Adobe Reader DC software can be installed even if you do not normally open / view / print PDF files directly from the Adobe Reader DC software.

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

 “Things that are your printer”

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), more

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

HP Smart Tank 615 Wireless All-in-One 

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