HP8720 Duplex Printing Alignment Offset

[leathermasterkw]

I print inserts for product packaging where alignment of images and text on both pages is critical.  Image alignment for 2-sided printing on the HP8720 has always been wonky. Aligning the print heads, re-installing drivers or changing paper doesn't fix the problem - the second page is always, but consistently, out of alignment. Adjusting the location of the print on the second page is the only way to resolve this.  Following is what I've done to align both pages perfectly.   

I am running Windows 11 with Adobe Illustrator to design and print 2-sided insert cards.  Images and text are formatted within identically sized (non-printing) boxes, which are sized well below page size and aligned exactly relative to page center on each page. When printed as 2-sided flip-over, the horizontal alignment is fine, but the 2nd (flip over) page vertical alignment is lower by 1/16 (.0625) inches.

So, one would assume to decrease the 2nd page image location - but that lowers the image even further! After several trial and error steps, I discover that increasing the second page image by 1/8 (.125) inches fixes it.  I can only assume that the second page is calculated relative to the first page.  Perhaps the .125 unprintable area per page somehow throws the second page slightly off?  

I've had this issue many times, and the offset alignment always seems to be different.  The only thing I can offer to perfectly align your pages with duplex printing is to use identically sized print areas, and set your alignments from the center of the page.  Using this constant reference with a bit of trial and error helps to bring the pages into perfect alignment .

What a ride!

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @leathermasterkw,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand you've been on quite the journey with aligning duplex prints on your HP OfficeJet Pro 8720. The issue you're experiencing, where the second page is consistently out of alignment, is a common one in duplex printing and can often be attributed to mechanical tolerances and printer calibration.

Here are a few additional tips and considerations that might help:

• Printer Calibration: Double-check that your printer is fully calibrated. Sometimes, a calibration can help with alignment issues. Look for a calibration option in your printer’s settings or use any alignment tools available in the HP Smart app or printer software.
• Print Settings: Make sure your print settings in Adobe Illustrator and the printer’s driver are correctly configured for duplex printing. Sometimes, discrepancies can occur due to mismatched settings between the software and printer.
• Paper Handling: Ensure that the paper you're using is of high quality and properly loaded. Sometimes, paper thickness and feeding issues can affect alignment. Check that the paper guides in the tray are snug against the paper.
• Update Firmware: Verify that your printer’s firmware is up to date. Firmware updates can sometimes resolve issues related to printing alignment and overall printer performance. Update the firmware on an HP printer
• Custom Profiles: Create a custom print profile in Adobe Illustrator that takes into account the printer's known alignment offset. This could involve adjusting the print area or margins specifically for your printer model.
• Printer Driver: If you haven’t already, reinstall the printer driver and make sure you’re using the latest version. Sometimes, driver issues can cause alignment problems.
• Check Alignment Settings: Some printers have specific alignment settings for duplex printing. Consult the printer manual 

Refer to this document: HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 All-in-One Printer series User manual 

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

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