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- HP Community
- Printers
- Scanning, Faxing, and Copying
- how to print from the top portion of my printer

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05-12-2021 03:28 PM
I have the HP printer Office jet 5255 It works fine bu there is an area I don't know how to use properly .. This area is the top portion of the printer.,,, It is a small lid that lifts up and you can scan 4 x 6 cards ..
Not sure how to place or print.. is there an area in YouTube or HP that show a video on how to use ths?
05-13-2021 12:07 PM
There are two "top portions" in your printer:
- The Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) that can be used to feed / scan regular sized paper.
- The Flatbed "glass" area on which you can place photos / cards / documents / images to be scanned.
Printer Parts illustration on Page 6
Load Media starts on Page 12
The documentation states ADF supports "Standard, 35 sheets".
While you might "get away with" using various larger sized plain paper in the ADF, do not expect little cards to feed properly. (Do not use the ADF for photos, cards.)
There are several scan applications / software programs you can use to scan little cards on the flatbed / glass.
A few of the choices... (first two are the more common options)
HP Scan
HP Scan is part of the full driver printer software package.
If you have not done so, install the Full Feature Software (full driver) for the printer.
NOTE: Scroll down in message to "References / Resources" for link / how-to printer software installation help.
Installed Full Feature Software includes both the Printer Assistant icon (on the Desktop) and a separate icon for HP Scan.
Printer_Assistant_Shortcut_Icon_on_Desktop_2
Use HP Scan to scan one or more cards that you have placed on the flatbed / glass.
Reminder
If you are scanning more than one card and you want each card scanned and saved as a separate file, use the "Detect" option.
Example(s)
9025_HP_Scan_Menu_PDF_4
9025_HP_Scan_menu_JPEG_More_Image_All_1
HP Smart - Windows
If you are scanning single cards / photos / document pages at a time,
Use HP Smart to scan the content - Edit, Save, Print, Share (send) the scanned files.
Example(s)
HP_Smart_W10_Main_Menu_1
HP_Smart_W10_Scan_Edit_Document_Set_1
After the content is scanned,
Edit choices are about the same for both document page(s) and for images.
Image Edit Example set
HP_Smart_W10_Scan_Edit_Image_Set_1
HP Scan and Capture
HP Scan and Capture is pretty tolerant and works with most printers.
It does not include the scope of abilities included in HP Scan / HP Smart,
HP Scan and Capture is easy to use, provides a very decent preview window, and includes some basic editing.
Scan_and_Capture_Document-Photo_Settings_1
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
References / Resources
Method - Use the Easy Start Wrapper to Install the Full Feature / Full Driver Software
For printers that support the option,
Use the Easy Start wrapper to install and configure the printer software.
- Home Page - HP Easy Start
- Open Category Software and Drivers
- Topic: Software-Utility
- Download-and-Save the current version of the Easy Start wrapper to install your print software
- If using USB: Disconnect the USB cable between the printer and computer before installing the software.
- Right-Click on the downloaded package and "Run as Administrator" to start the installation
- Select to install the “Full Driver” / “Full Feature Software”
- If using USB: Connect the cable when instructed to do so (near the end of the installation process).
- After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in.
Notes >> Easy Start... The Journey
- About 2/3 of the way through the setup, you will be given the opportunity to select the software - select the "Full Driver" set (as opposed to the basic driver or other application).
- You can skip / ignore suggestion(s) that you add the HP Account – you’ll need the account at some point, for now, you can skip this suggestion (as many times as it insists it’s a good idea) during the full driver software installation.
- If you see it, you can skip / ignore suggestion(s) regarding Instant Ink subscription. Instant Ink subscription is NOT mandatory.
- Full driver provides print and scan functions supported by your printer.
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HP Smart for Windows
HP Smart is an application available in the Microsoft Store
Learn how to use HP Smart on your Windows 10 computer.
Open the Software and Drivers Support Website for your printer > Check the Box Get the App
OR Open and Read >>> HP Printers - Using the HP Smart App (Windows 10)
NOTES:
- HP Smart requires that you sign into the application using your HP Account credentials.
- Document includes the HP Smart application download links for Windows and Mobile devices, plus an FAQ section to assist with questions / issues.
- FAQ examples:
- What are the requirements to use the HP Smart app?
- Which printers are compatible with the HP Smart app?
- Why do I need to sign in or create an account to use the HP Smart app features?
- Older versions of the HP Smart app no longer support the login feature.
- Update the application to the latest version to access / use HP Smart
- FAQ examples:
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HP Scan and Capture
Microsoft Store (formally Windows Store) - Requires Windows 8 or higher
Download-Save-Install HP Scan and Capture
Description
HP Scan and Capture is a simple and fun application that captures photos or documents from any* HP scanning device or your computer's built-in camera. These images can be previewed, edited, saved, and shared to other applications.
* NOTE: The correct HP drivers for your scanner must be installed from HP's Support Website.
Click Start (windows key) > Open the All Apps List > scroll the list
Open Category HP
Find and open the HP Scan and Capture application
Optional
Right-Click on the application and PIN to Start
What else?
Application controls / options
Settings > Apps > Apps and Features
Scroll / Search for HP Scan and Capture
Left-click on the App for options associated with this app.
If available, Click Advanced for additional controls.
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What else?
Windows Scan – Microsoft Store (formally Windows Store) - Requires Windows 8 or higher
- “Get” the application from the Store > Windows Scan
Paint (mspaint)
- Open Paint
- Expand the “white background” area to a size to accommodate your data. If unknown, try 1300x1300
- File > Select “From Scanner or Camera”
- Select your printer > Follow the prompts to scan and then save your item
NAPS2 – “Not Another PDF Scanner”
- Download-Save-Install > NAPS2
- Not another PDF Scanner – free program scans PDF files and image(s) as .jpeg or PDF file(s).
- Includes an OCR feature – may need Ghostscript add-on (See NAPS2 forum entry)
- Read the Support pages for information
- Download, save, and install the NAPS2 software to use.
HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems
“Things that are your printer”
NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System
Categories: Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), more
When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic
HP OfficeJet 5255 All-in-One Printer
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