What is the best photo paper for inkjet printers?

For most inkjet printers, use photo paper rated at 200-300 gsm (grams per square meter). Brand-matched paper (HP paper for HP printers) often gives best results. Glossy is best for vibrant colors, matte for portraits and fine art, and luster/satin for a balance of both.

What printer settings should I use for photo paper?

Select 'Photo Paper' or 'Glossy' as paper type, choose 'Best' or 'High Quality' print quality, set correct paper size, and enable color management. Turn off 'Fast Draft' modes. For accurate colors, use the paper manufacturer's ICC profile if available.

Why do my photo prints look grainy or pixelated?

Grainy prints usually mean the source image resolution is too low. For good quality, use at least 300 DPI at print size. A 4x6 print needs at least 1200x1800 pixel image. Also ensure print quality is set to 'Best' not 'Draft'.

Should I use glossy or matte photo paper?

Glossy: Best for vibrant colors, landscapes, and photos you'll frame behind glass. Shows fingerprints easily. Matte: Best for portraits, black and white, and fine art. No glare, easier to handle. Luster/Satin: Middle ground with vibrant colors but less glare.

Can I use photo paper in any printer?

Inkjet photo paper only works in inkjet printers. Laser printers need special laser photo paper (though results aren't as good). Check paper packaging for compatibility. Most photo paper is inkjet-only.

Photo Paper Printing Guide - Best Settings for Photo Quality [2026]

Photo Paper Types Explained

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Glossy

Shiny, reflective finish with vibrant colors

Best for: Landscapes, vacation photos, colorful images

Drawback: Shows fingerprints, glare in bright light

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Matte

No shine, soft elegant look

Best for: Portraits, B&W photos, fine art

Drawback: Colors less vibrant than glossy

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Luster/Satin

Semi-gloss finish, best of both worlds

Best for: General photos, professional prints

Drawback: More expensive

Paper Weight (GSM) Guide

150-180

Everyday prints

200-250

Good quality

260-300

Professional

300+

Fine art

Best Printer Settings for Photos

Step-by-Step Settings

1

Select Paper Type

Choose "Photo Paper Glossy", "Photo Paper Plus", or the closest match. Never use "Plain Paper" for photo paper.
2

Set Print Quality to Maximum

Select "Best", "High", or "Photo" quality. Never use Draft for photos.
3

Choose Correct Paper Size

Match the setting to your actual paper: 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, Letter, etc.
4

Enable Color Management

Let the printer manage colors, or use ICC profiles for professional work.
5

Use Borderless (Optional)

Enable "Borderless" for edge-to-edge printing without white margins.

HP Printers

Paper Type: HP Advanced Photo Paper
Quality: Best
Color: Automatic or sRGB

Canon Printers

Media Type: Photo Paper Plus Glossy II
Quality: High
Color: Vivid Photo

Epson Printers

Paper Type: Premium Glossy Photo Paper
Quality: Photo or Best Photo
Color: PhotoEnhance or Automatic

Brother Printers

Media Type: Brother Glossy Paper
Quality: Photo
Color: Natural or Vivid

Troubleshooting Photo Prints

Colors look wrong / too dark / too light

Fix: Calibrate your monitor. What you see on screen may not match the print. Also try different color settings in printer preferences (Vivid, Natural, sRGB).

Photos look grainy or pixelated

Fix: Source image resolution too low. Use higher resolution images. For 4x6" at 300 DPI, you need at least 1200x1800 pixels.

Ink smearing or not drying

Fix: Wrong paper type selected in settings, or using plain paper setting with photo paper. Also, let prints dry 5-10 minutes before handling.

Banding or lines across photos

Fix: Run print head cleaning and alignment. May indicate clogged nozzles. See our nozzle check page.

Paper jamming or curling

Fix: Store photo paper flat in original packaging. Feed one sheet at a time for thick paper. Make sure paper is loaded in correct tray/slot.

Pro Tips for Better Photos

Before Printing

• Edit photos for brightness/contrast first
• Crop to match paper aspect ratio
• Check image resolution (300 DPI minimum)
• Print a test on plain paper first

Paper Handling

• Handle by edges to avoid fingerprints
• Store in cool, dry place
• Load print side facing correct direction
• Fan paper stack before loading

After Printing

• Let dry 5-10 minutes before handling
• Don't stack wet prints
• Frame behind glass for longevity
• Use UV-protective frames outdoors

Ink Considerations

• Use genuine ink for best color accuracy
• Dye ink = vibrant colors
• Pigment ink = longer lasting
• Keep print heads clean

Related Resources

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Ready to Print Amazing Photos?

Test your printer's color accuracy first

Print Color Test Page

Photo Paper Printing Guide