HP Officejet 5230 - Text is distorted at start and end of some lines

[alanfcox1]

I am trying to install this printer on a Mac using Mac Catalina 10.15 but all i am printing is text that is distorted at the beginning and end of some lines - I see that someone has the same problem using Windows so I don't think it is to OS - have done the initial alignment and that appeared ok. Any suggestions? Thanks

[Kumar0307]

@alanfcox1, Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Try making a standalone copy and check if that prints fine.

Are you using US letter size sheets?

Have you tried printing different types of documents like PDF, Word or Webpages and check if the issue persists?

For now, let us try these steps:

Reset the printer

1. With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
2. Wait at least 60 seconds.
3. Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer.
4. Turn ON the printer, if it does not automatically turn on.
5. Wait until the printer is idle and silent before you proceed.

Note: HP recommends connecting the printer directly to a wall outlet rather than a surge protector or a power strip.

Update the printer firmware

Click here to know different methods of updating printer firmware.

Clean the ink cartridges

1. On the printer control panel, swipe left on the display, and then touch Setup .

2. Touch Tools, and then touch Clean Cartridges.

Align the printer

1. On the printer control panel, swipe left on the display, and then touch Setup .

2. Touch Tools.

3. Swipe up on the display, and then touch Align Printer.

4. Wait for the alignment page to fully eject from the printer.

5. After the alignment page prints, lift the scanner lid, place the alignment page with the print side down on the scanner glass. Position it according to the engraved guides around the glass.

Try to print again.

Let me know how this goes.

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