"Smeared" titles in scanned docs

[BzzyBee]

This scanner has been so problematic. First, it wasn't recognized as connected, then two software updates ago it worked perfectly for months. With the most recent update, it started smearing only the larger font size titles of documents. I cleaned the glass plates and I've tried different scanning resolutions, but they all seem to smear just the larger font size titles. Super annoying. Any suggestions?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

HI @BzzyBee,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

Please I can hear how irritating this has been, especially after finally getting it working and now seeing the titles smear again. When only large text blurs while everything else looks fine, it can feel like something very specific is off. The good news is this is usually optical or processing related, not a hardware failure.

Before we proceed, please confirm:

Are you scanning from the flatbed glass or using the document feeder (ADF)?

Are the smeared titles thick/bold text or colored text?

Meanwhile, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Clean the Narrow ADF Glass Strip (If Using Feeder)

Lift the scanner lid.

Locate the thin strip of glass next to the main flatbed glass.

Clean it with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with glass cleaner.

Dry it completely with a dry cloth.

Test scan a document with large bold text.

Note: Even a tiny streak on this narrow strip can smear only certain parts of text.

Step 2: Test Scan From Flatbed Only

Place the same document directly on the large flatbed glass.

Close the lid fully.

Scan at 300 dpi.

Compare results with feeder scan.

If flatbed is clear, the ADF path is the cause.

Step 3: Disable Automatic Image Enhancements

Open the HP app.

Select Scan.

Open Advanced Settings.

Turn off auto-enhance, auto-sharpen, or text enhancement options.

Scan again at 300 dpi.

Large bold titles can smear when enhancement algorithms over-process contrast.

Step 4: Change File Type and Color Mode

Select PDF instead of JPG (or vice versa).

Try Grayscale instead of Color.

Keep resolution at 300 dpi.

Avoid very high DPI like 600 or above.

Test scan again.

Excessive DPI or aggressive compression can cause large text to appear smeared.

Step 5: Roll Back Driver (Windows Only)

Press Windows key + X.

Select Device Manager.

Expand Imaging Devices.

Right-click your scanner and choose Properties.

Under the Driver tab, select Roll Back Driver if available.

Since you mentioned the issue began after a recent update, reverting the driver can restore previous scan behavior.

Once you confirm whether this happens on the flatbed or only through the feeder, I can guide you more precisely.to one of our previous posts that has assisted other customers with the same issue.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,