Ink is smearing

Check the print settings

When you print documents that use much ink, allow more time to dry before handling the printouts. This is especially true for transparencies. In the printer driver, select the Best print quality, and also increase the ink drying time and reduce the ink saturation using the ink volume under the advanced features (Windows) or ink features (Mac OS). However, note that decreasing ink saturation might give printouts a "washed-out" quality.

Color documents that have rich, blended colors can wrinkle or smear when printed using the Best print quality. Try using the other print mode such as Normal to reduce ink, or use HP Premium Paper designed for printing vivid color documents. See Changing print settings.

Check the media type

Some types of media do not accept ink well, ink will dry more slowly and smearing may occur. See Selecting print media.

Check the margin settings

Increase the margins in your document. Refer to the documentation included with your software application.

If you are using a computer running Windows, make sure Minimize Margins is not selected in the printer driver.

Ink is not filling the text or graphics completely

Check the ink cartridges

Ink cartridges might have run out of ink. Replace any empty cartridge. Or try removing and reinstalling the cartridges; make sure they snap firmly into place. See Replacing the ink cartridges.

Check the media type

Some media types are not suitable for use with the printer. See Selecting print media.

Output is faded or dull colored

Check the print mode

The draft or fast mode in the printer driver allows you to print at a faster rate, which is good for printing drafts. To get better results, select Normal or Best. See Changing print settings.

Check the paper type setting

When printing on transparencies or other special media, select the corresponding media type in the printer driver. See To print on special or custom-sized media (Windows).

Check the ink cartridges

If lines in the text or image are broken or do not print properly, one or more of the ink cartridges may have run out of ink or are defective. Replace these cartridges with new ones. See Replacing the ink cartridges.

ENWW

Poor print quality and unexpected printouts

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HP K550 manual Ink is smearing, Ink is not filling the text or graphics completely, Output is faded or dull colored