Inkjet Workshop - The basics

"If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or
clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back
and hit it again. Then hit it a third time – a tremendous whack."
~ Sir Winston Churchill ~

When all else fails, read the manual!

Read your printer installation guide - it will have specific instructions for setting up your printer. Follow the installation instructions. Don't improvise. Be sure that you have the correct cables for your printer, as they are not always included with the printer. Have several sheets of plain paper on hand for running test prints. If you cannot find your printer manual, check the manuals page for manual download links and directions.

Install the latest printer drivers - all printers need driver software to function. Some drivers are built into the computer's operating system. If your computer is new, these built-in drivers are likely current. If you are installing a new printer on an older computer or if your operating system does not have the correct drivers, use the CD that came with your printer. If you do not have a CD, you may usually download a printer driver from the web. The printer driver page has links to many printer manufacturer's driver download pages.

Consumables, consumables, consumables - the money in inkjet printing is in the paper and ink cartridges. Printer manufacturers spend a great deal of money on research and development to assure that their own printers, inks, papers, and printer drivers work well together. When you start out printing photos, use your printer's brand of photo paper and ink. This will give you the best chance of success with minimal fuss and effort. Later, when you have more experience printing photos, it can be fun (and time consuming) to experiment with other interesting papers.

Keep the printer clean - keep dust and dirt out of your printer. Dust and paper fibers can stick to the print head and act like paintbrushes that cause ink streaks across your prints. To keep your printer clean, keep the printer covers and trays closed when not in use. Since all cut paper leaves residue in printers, check your printer manual for information on cleaning the paper path to remove dust and paper particles.

Check and clean the nozzles - all inkjet printers have: (1) a method to check whether all of the nozzles are working properly; and, (2) a cleaning cycle to help clear clogged nozzles. If your inkjet prints develop white streaks, or if the text looks ragged, run a nozzle check on plain white paper. If any nozzles are clogged or skewing (ink is being sprayed in strange directions), run a nozzle cleaning cycle. Usually nozzle cleaning involves a 'sneezing' process in conjuction with a rubber blade wiping the nozzles. Printer user manuals have instructions for cleaning nozzles. Never attempt to clean nozzles by hand.