Why does HP Photosmart 7520 use ink from "Photo" cartridge when I am only printing B&W Docs?

[Sotti]

No recent changes to system, or error messages

[KrazyToad]

@Sotti

Welcome to HP Forums. This is a great place to get support, find answers and tips.

I have gone through your Post and I understand your concerns

I suggest you check the Print Settings and try printing in Black and White Only and also try Draft Mode

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.

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

You can download the Full Feature Software from this Link: https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/HP-Photosmart-7520-e-All-in-One-Printer-series/5199...

Next change the Settings in Devices and Printers.

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.

   • 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.

     You can refer to this Link: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c05078948

Please keep me posted how it goes and if you need further assistance 👍

Thank you and have a wonderful day 😊

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the "Solution Accepted" and this will also help other community members with similar issue.

[LBH54]

I hear and understand what you are saying but why would the printer use ANY ink from the photo cartridge if I am not printing a photo.  I want to be able to print in color if the document has color w/o having to switch back & forth.  Sounds like a design flaw that ends up costing me more to replace a cartridge I should not be using unless I am printing a photo.

[SYO50]

What if I’m printing from my smart phone only?

How do I get printer to print in just black ink?

which black ink is the most important for this purpose? Bowtie or house?