Improve Print Quality

Faded text, streaks or washed‑out colours can often be corrected with a few maintenance tasks. Use this guide to restore crisp, vibrant prints.

1. Use the right paper & settings

• Select paper designed for your printer type (inkjet or laser). For photos, use high‑quality photo paper.
• Ensure the paper size and type in the print driver matches what’s loaded in the tray.
• Choose a higher print quality setting (e.g. High or Best) in the print dialogue for important documents.

2. Check ink or toner levels

• Low ink or toner can cause faint prints and banding. Replace or refill cartridges when they’re low.
• Use genuine Canon supplies or compatible alternatives recommended by your retailer.

3. Clean the print heads / nozzles

• Access your printer’s maintenance menu and run a Nozzle Check to see if any colours are missing.
• If gaps appear, run the Cleaning or Deep Cleaning function. This flushes dried ink from the nozzles.
• Allow the printer to rest for a few minutes between cleaning cycles to avoid overheating.

4. Align the print head

• Misalignment can cause blurry text or shifted images. Use the Print Head Alignment function from the maintenance menu.
• The printer will print an alignment sheet; follow the on‑screen instructions to complete the alignment.

5. Check for obstructions & debris

• Power off the printer and open the access door. Remove any paper scraps or dust inside.
• A soft, lint‑free cloth can gently clean rollers. Avoid touching the nozzles or electrical contacts.

6. Update drivers & firmware

• Outdated drivers can cause poor output. Download the latest drivers from Canon’s support website for your model.
• Check for firmware updates via the printer’s menu or Canon PRINT app and apply them if available.

7. Use the right colour profile

• For photo printing, enable colour management in your editing software and select the correct ICC profile for your paper.
• Disable any duplicate colour adjustments (avoid double profiling) to prevent washed‑out colours.

8. Replace worn parts

After many pages, parts like drum units (in laser printers) or maintenance cartridges (in some inkjets) may wear out and degrade quality. Consult your user manual for replacement intervals and order genuine replacements when needed.

By following these tips, your printer should produce vibrant, professional results again. If issues persist, consult the product manual or contact Canon support for further assistance.