HP Laser Jet Pro MFP 3301 - Paper Tray Issue: Tray 1 vs. Tray 2

[Mek111]

I just bought (Jan 21, 2026) this 3301 printer and it is going right back.  The reason is simple:  Paper Tray 2 cannot be selected as the default printer within the printer itself.  It is a real PAIN to deal with this in Mac or Windows.  It is hard for me to believe that HP with all its resources cannot address this in a Firmware Update.  This problem has been   an issue for years!  I have been a loyal HP user for over 30 years.  It is time for me to cancel that loyalty.

[Valsimot]

If the paper size and type settings for tray 1 and tray 2 are the same, the printer will print from tray 2.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Mek111 

Apologies for jumping in unannounced.

There is nothing in this message intended to change your mind or sway your opinion.

All is offered FYI and for your consideration.

=======================================

@Valsimot is right, of course.

There are few differences between what each tray supports.

That said, each tray can be set for its own paper / media.

-- Reminder --

Defaults work as long as other factors do not interfere of conflict.

If you have not done so, 

Consider / Try

Use the Embedded Web Server (EWS) to view / adjust the Tray and Paper / Paper > Trays settings.

Next,

Set the Default Print Options for each tray

EWS Examples are provided later in this message.

------------------------

Job Configuration

If the Source / Tray is set to some form of "Automatic" and that setting fails to select the tray as you need / expect -- the "solution" is to check / correct the Source / Tray  during the job setup.

Example - HP Smart - Windows - Simple PDF Print

HP_Smart_Win_PDF_Print_15

------------------------

What about Word?

Interestingly (or not), Word includes a Tray select option.

Word_Options_Advanced_Print_Default_Tray_2

==============================

Embedded Web Server - EWS 

Alternate EWS format - Select newer InkJet printers and select LaserJet printers

Open your Browser

Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Section Paper > Trays > click on Tray to configure

Next (as available)

Section Print > Default Print Options > Select default options / tray

EWS_9135_Tray_and_Paper_9EWS_9135_Print_Default_Print_Options_9

Printer - Media Specifications

Product Name

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301-3304 3388 Printer Series

Media Size (facet)	Letter; A4; Legal; Executive; 4 x 6 in
Media Size, ADF	A4; LTR; LGL
Media Size, Tray 1 (metric)	Letter; Legal; Executive; Oficio 8.5 x 13; 4 x 6; 5 x 8; A4; A5; A6; B5 (JIS); B6 (JIS); 10 x 15 cm; Oficio 216 x 340 mm; 16K 195 x 270 mm; 16K 184 x 260 mm; 16K 197 x 273 mm; Postcard (JIS); Envelope #10; Envelope Monarch; Envelope B5; Envelope C5; Envelope DL; A5-R; Custom
Media Size, Tray 2 (metric)	Letter; Legal; Executive; Oficio 8.5 x 13; 4 x 6; 5 x 8; A4; A5; A6; B5 (JIS); B6 (JIS); 10 x 15 cm; Oficio 216 x 340 mm; 16K 195 x 270 mm; 16K 184 x 260 mm; 16K 197 x 273 mm; Postcard (JIS); Envelope #10; Envelope Monarch; Envelope B5; Envelope C5; Envelope DL; A5-R; Custom
Media Sizes Custom (imperial)	3 x 5 in to 8.5 x 14 in
Media Sizes Custom (metric)	76 x 127 mm to 216 x 356 mm
Media Type and Capacity ADF	50 sheet on 20 lb plain paper
Media Type and Capacity Tray 1	1 sheet for all media type
Media Type and Capacity Tray 2	Sheets: Up to 250; Transparencies: Up to 10mm; Envelope: Up to 10
Media Types	Paper (bond, brochure, colored, glossy, heavy, letterhead, light, plain, preprinted, prepunched, recycled, rough), transparencies, labels, envelopes, cardstock
Media Weights Supported, ADF (imperial)	16 to 24 lb
Media Weights Supported, ADF (metric)	60 to 90 g/m²
Media Weights Supported, By Paper Path (Imperial)	16 to 43 lb Paper (Bond); Up to 47 lb (Bond) with postcards; Up to 52 lb (Bond) Glossy Papers
Media Weights Supported, By Paper Path (metric)	60 to 163 g/m² Paper; Up to 176 g/m² with postcards; Up to 200g/m² Glossy Papers
Media Weights Supported, Tray 1 (metric)	60 to 163 g/m² Paper; Up to 176 g/m² with postcards; Up to 200g/m² Glossy Papers
Media Weights Supported, Tray 2 (metric)	60 to 163 g/m² Paper; Up to 176 g/m² with postcards; Up to 200g/m² Glossy Papers

===================================

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References / Resources

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

Open 

 Product Home - Printers

 Enter the device type and model name of your HP product

OR

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301-3304 3388 Printer Series  

and

 User Guide – HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301-3304/3388 Series

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