Cannot print in color

[eam118]

Hi - I bought a brand new DeskJet 2855e printer because we needed to print pictures for a project this weekend. Installation without issues, all test pages printed normally. When I go to print from any application on my computer however (Word, Adobe, Preview), it will only print in black and white. I have looked in every single menu option for 'grayscale' options and there are none (from each app as well as from control panel). The 'standard' printer options only have black and white options (black and white, black and white - draft, black and white - fine), and I cannot find/add a color option anywhere. Printing from a Mac running Sequoia 15.7.2. Can print in color directly from the HP app, but no way to get the document that needs to be in color INTO the app. Please help!

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @eam118,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your HP DeskJet 2855e is only printing in black and white from your Mac, even though test pages and the HP app print in color. Let’s go through a few steps to check what could be causing this.

Check the printer driver selection

Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners and make sure you’re using the HP DeskJet 2855e driver, not “AirPrint” or a generic driver.

AirPrint sometimes defaults to black-and-white printing in certain apps.

Adjust print settings in the application

When printing from Word, Adobe, or Preview, click Show Details or More Options in the print dialog.

Ensure Color is selected instead of “Black & White” or “Grayscale.”

Reset the printing system on Mac

Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners → Right-click → Reset printing system.

This removes old printer profiles and ensures the Mac uses the full HP driver.

Update the HP printer driver and HP Smart app

Open HP Smart → Check for Updates or download the latest driver for macOS from hp.com.

Outdated drivers can limit color printing options.

Check ink levels

Even if the test page prints, low or missing color ink can sometimes force B&W printing for documents.

Verify all cartridges are properly installed and have sufficient ink.

Try printing from a different app

Test a color PDF in Preview or a photo in Photos.

If it prints in color from these apps, the issue may be specific to Word or Adobe settings.

Select paper type correctly

Some printer drivers restrict color printing if the wrong paper type is selected.

Ensure Plain Paper or Photo Paper matches your media in the printer driver settings.

Reinstall the printer in HP Smart

Remove the printer from Mac settings, then add it again using HP Smart.

This ensures macOS uses HP’s full color driver instead of default AirPrint.

I hope this helps.

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Best regards,