the picture come out to dark. true color is not there

[DanPratt]

i have photo paper and my pictures are coming out to dark.

[Dragon-Fur]

@DanPratt 

Welcome to the HP Community --

Start with trying to make sure the printer is doing its best work:

HP DeskJet 2600, 2700, 4100, 4800 printers - No black ink, wrong colors, other print quality issues

If you think your computer / display is causing the difficulty in telling you what the photo actually looks like, you can try adjusting the colors on the display. This approach is generally only useful 1) If the color on the display is obviously "not right", 2) If the simple tools available in Windows can correct any problems, 3) If you've not tried this before and you think it worth the time.

One of many articles on the 'net:  How to Calibrate Your Monitor Color in Windows 10 

What else?

Assuming / after the printer passes its diagnostics and test print checks,

Decide whether you want to fix the printed picture using the tools available to adjust the colors before you print (or save) the photo.

Remember that looking at a photo on a screen / monitor is not the same thing as printing that same photo on a piece of paper.  Screens show color "through" the image -- prints just reflect the colors off the paper background.

Search for more about this on the 'net - for example, search for  "colors on print paper different from colors on screen"

Adjust the photo colors before print / save

For example,

If you have a copy of the photo saved on your computer, the photo can be IMPORTED into HP Smart > Scan > Edit > Adjust before the picture is saved, printed again, or shared (to email).

First part - HP Smart > Windows > Scan > Import file > Edit

HP_Smart_Win_Scan_Import_Select_Open_Edit_1

Example - HP Smart - Windows - Scan > Edit > Available Edit Actions

"Adjust" is for color...

HP_Smart_Win_Scan_Edit_Image_Set_1

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What else?

At least in Windows...

You can certainly use photo editing / printing software to correct / adjust the colors.

This approach generally requires that the Full Feature Software be installed to support the photo editing software.

General Example - Irfanview (free) - Print > Color Correction

Irfanview_Print_Color_Correction_2

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=

References / Resources

Video - Install Software

 HP DeskJet 2700 series Printer: Download Offline Copy of Software and Install on Win 10 computer

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Irfanview > Brilliant Free Photo Viewing, Editing, and Print Software

Irfanview provides an exceptional software experience that can be used for a variety of scan and print tasks, including custom print size, tiles, and the “Mirror” or horizontal flip function, and several other options not found elsewhere.

• Create a Restore Point (optional, recommended)
• Download the appropriate version (32bit or 64bit) of the program from the Website and install the program
• Additional information at the website, including: FAQ

NOTES

• Both 32bit and 64bit software versions for Windows are available.
• Irfanview is also available as an Windows 10 Application from the Microsoft Store

For example,

Irfanview 64bit version – Information and Download

Software and All Plugins for 64bit version: https://www.fosshub.com/IrfanView.html

Includes Plugin for creating Multiple-page PDF files for images (Poster or large paper printing)

Includes access (where available) to Scan with HP Twain > Adjust settings > Save

How to find Help within the Irfanview software

Once installed, open the software > Tab Help

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HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

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

NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories: Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software / Drivers / Firmware Updates , Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair

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HP DeskJet 2742e All-in-One Printer 

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[DanPratt]

I thank you Dragon-Fur for the input.  i am going to try using photoshop and change the coloring.   i just believe that i have the wrong printer, but it is good for everything else i need. 

[Dragon-Fur]

@DanPratt 

You are welcome.

Sure - Photoshop is great -- I've not used it for a long time though I did very much like some of the features.

Any of the tools will perhaps work well enough to improve the results...

True -- this is a lower-end general-use printer.

It's not meant to be "best in class" for photo printing.

That said, "too dark" might be the results of the exposure and settings used when the photo was taken.

Check that information in the photo's metadata.

Good Luck.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"