Why is my printer printing with streaks?

Streaks are typically caused by clogged printhead nozzles (inkjet) or a dirty/damaged drum unit (laser). Run the automatic cleaning cycle 2-3 times, check ink/toner levels, and clean the printhead or drum manually if needed.

How do I fix faded prints?

Faded prints are usually caused by low ink/toner, incorrect print settings (draft mode), or a failing printhead/drum. Check consumable levels, switch to Normal or Best quality in print settings, and replace cartridges if needed.

What causes smudged prints?

Smudging is caused by excess ink not drying (inkjet), fuser problems (laser), dirty rollers, or incompatible paper. Let prints dry before handling, clean internal rollers, and use paper rated for your printer type.

Print Quality Analyzer

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Answer a few questions and get specific fixes for your exact issue

Step 1 of 4

What type of printer do you have?

Common Print Quality Issues

Streaks and Lines

Horizontal or vertical lines appear on every print. Usually caused by clogged nozzles or dirty drum.

Fix Streaks Guide

Faded Prints

Text and images are too light or washed out. Often caused by low ink/toner or wrong settings.

Fix Faded Prints

Blurry Text

Text lacks sharpness and edges are fuzzy. Can be caused by alignment issues or paper type.

Fix Blurry Text

Smudged Prints

Ink smears when you touch the page. Usually a fuser issue (laser) or drying problem (inkjet).

Fix Smudging

Color Problems

Colors look wrong, missing, or inconsistent. Often a clogged nozzle or empty cartridge.

Fix Color Issues

Blank Pages

Printer feeds paper but nothing prints. Could be a sealed cartridge or software issue.

Fix Blank Pages

Quick Print Quality Tips

Run automatic cleaning first

Most print quality issues are fixed by running the built-in cleaning cycle 2-3 times.

Check ink/toner levels

Low consumables cause fading, streaking, and missing colors. Replace when below 20%.

Use the right paper

Cheap or wrong paper type causes smudging, bleeding, and poor quality. Use paper rated for your printer.

Print regularly

Inkjet printers should print at least once a week to prevent ink from drying in the nozzles.

Run alignment after cartridge changes

Always run the alignment utility after installing new cartridges for best quality.

Print Quality Analyzer

What type of printer do you have?

Inkjet Printer

Laser Printer

What is the main problem with your prints?

Streaks or Lines

Faded or Light

Smudged or Smeared

Blurry or Fuzzy

Missing Colors

Spots or Specks

Where does the problem appear?

Same spot every page

Random locations

Entire page affected

Only at edges

Any recent changes?

Replaced ink/toner

Printer sat unused

New paper type

No changes