poor print quality from scan and copying

[BernardMcGuire]

poor print quality from scan and copying

[Sneha_01]

Hi @BernardMcGuire,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

Poor print quality from scanning and copying can be due to various factors, ranging from settings issues to hardware problems. Here’s a detailed troubleshooting guide to help you improve the quality of your scans and copies:

1. Check Scanner and Printer Settings:

Scan Settings:

• Resolution: Ensure that you are scanning at a high resolution. For high-quality scans, use at least 300 dpi (dots per inch) or higher.
• Color Settings: Select the correct color mode (e.g., color or grayscale) based on your document.
• File Format: Save scans in high-quality formats like TIFF or PNG for better results.

Copy Settings:

• Quality Settings: Check the copy settings on your printer and ensure you have selected the highest quality option available (e.g., "Best" or "High").
• Paper Type: Use the appropriate paper type for the copy settings. For best results, use high-quality paper that matches the type of ink or toner used in your printer.

2. Clean Scanner Glass and Printer Components:

Scanner Glass:

• Clean the scanner glass with a soft, lint-free cloth and a mild glass cleaner. Make sure the glass is completely dry before scanning again.

Printer Heads and Cartridges:

• For inkjet printers, perform a printhead cleaning from the printer’s settings menu. This can help resolve issues with poor print quality.
• Check the ink levels and replace any low or empty cartridges.

3. Check for Firmware and Driver Updates:

Firmware Updates:

• Go to the HP Support website and check if there are any firmware updates available for your printer. Firmware updates can resolve quality issues and improve performance.

Driver Updates:

• Ensure that you have the latest printer drivers installed. Update the drivers through the HP Support website or via your computer’s device manager.

4. Perform a Printer Alignment:

• Alignment Process:
  • Printers often have an alignment utility accessible from the printer’s control panel or software. Running an alignment can help improve print quality and accuracy.

5. Check the Quality of the Original Document:

• Document Quality:
  • Ensure that the original document or photo being scanned or copied is in good condition. Any imperfections in the original can affect the quality of the scanned or copied result.

6. Perform a Printer Maintenance:

Cleaning:

• Perform regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning the printheads (for inkjet printers) or replacing worn-out parts (like drum units for laser printers).

Print Quality Diagnostics:

• Use the printer’s built-in diagnostics to check for and correct print quality issues. Most printers have a built-in tool to diagnose and fix common problems.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support