How to print only with black ink (Windows)

[ReverseTalk]

Some people have basic printing needs. If you're one of those people who just needs to print occassionally and does not print a lot of photos or color-heavy documents, you might consider printing with black ink only.

Printing with Black Ink Only (Windows)

If you want to minimize the use of color ink or print a photograph in grayscale, you can change the settings in the HP software to print with black ink only or grayscale.

• Black & White or Black Ink Only: The printer uses only the black ink cartridge to produce a black & white print out. Any colors present in an original document or photo are converted to black. Select this setting when you want to print only with the black ink cartridge.
• Grayscale: The printer uses a mix of color inks to produce a high quality black printout. Select this setting when you want high quality black & white documents or photos.

   NOTE:

Some HP printers must have some ink of each color available to print. For these types of printers, the ink is used for periodic servicing tasks. This helps to prevent issues such as printhead clogs and poor print quality. There is no way to bypass this feature.

Print only black for one print job

Change the print settings to print with black ink only for single print jobs. The steps vary by printer model and operating system.

   NOTE:

You must have the full feature printer software installed on your computer to change this print setting.

1. In your software application, click Print.
2. Select your printer from the list of available printers.
3. Click the option that opens the Printer Properties dialog box.
   Depending on your software application, this button might be called Properties, Options, Printer Setup, Printer Properties, Printer, or Preferences.
4. On the properties window, click the Paper/Quality or Features tab, depending on your software.
   • To print using only the black ink cartridge, change one of the following settings depending on what displays.
     • Click Advanced, click Print in Grayscale, and then select Black Ink Only.
     • Click the Black & White button.

          NOTE:

       To use even less black ink at a lower quality, select the Draft quality setting when available.

   • To print high quality black & white documents or photos, change one of the following settings depending on what displays.
     • Click Advanced, click Print in Grayscale, and then select Print in Grayscale or High Quality Grayscale.
     • Click Print in Grayscale, and then select High Quality Grayscale.

          NOTE:

       The printer uses a mix of black and color inks to produce a high quality black printout.

5. Click OK, and then click Print to start the print job.
   The printer prints the print job in black ink for this print job only.

Print only black for all your print jobs

If you do not want to change the print settings every time you print, you can change the default print settings to print with black ink only or grayscale for every print job. The steps vary by printer model and operating system.

   NOTE:

You must have the full feature printer software installed on your computer to change this print setting.

1. On your computer, search Windows for Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click your printer, and then select Printing Preferences from the drop-down list.
3. Select your printer again, and then click the Paper/Quality or Features tab, depending on your software.
   • To print using only the black ink cartridge, change one of the following settings depending on what displays.
     • Click Advanced, click Print in Grayscale, and then select Black Ink Only.
     • Click the Black & White button.

          NOTE:

       To use even less black ink at a lower quality, select the Draft quality setting when available.

   • To print high quality black & white documents or photos, change one of the following settings depending on what displays.
     • Click Advanced, click Print in Grayscale, and then select Print in Grayscale or High Quality Grayscale.
     • Click Print in Grayscale, and then select High Quality Grayscale.

          NOTE:

       The printer uses a mix of black and color inks to produce a high quality black printout.

4. Click OK to complete the change.

      NOTE:

   When you want to print in color again, open the Printer Preferences window, and then select Color or turn off the black ink only or grayscale setting.

[Bob_Headrick · Accepted solution]

There are a few additional considerations:  

• The pigmented black ink used in most HP inkjet printers is not compatible with photo paper.  If photo media is selected in the driver black ink will not be used at all, even black text would be printed with a mixture of color or photo ink.  Printing in black ink only will not be an option if photo paper is selected.

• Black only printing may not be available when printing automatic two-sided (duplex).  Some color is typically underprinted on the front page of duplex prints to speed the dry time and prevent smearing as the paper is drawn back into the printer to print the back side.  While not obvious, underprinting does significantly improve dry time.  This may preclude selecting "black ink only" when selecting automatic duplex printing.

• Printers that use individual ink cartridges and separate printheads will typically NOT allow printing at all if one or more colors are completely depleted.  This includes attempts to print in black only.  There are good technical reasons for this, it is to prevent damage to the printhead that could result in expensive repairs.