> Solving Problems > Print Quality is Poor > Blurry Prints, Vertical Banding, or Misalignment

Blurry Prints, Vertical Banding, or Misalignment

The following causes can be considered.

The print head position is out of alignment.

Solutions

Align the print head.

  • Windows

    Click Print Head Alignment on the printer driver's Maintenance tab.

  • Mac OS

    Select System Preferences from the Apple menu > Printers & Scanners (or Print & Scan, Print & Fax), and then select the printer. Click Options & Supplies > Utility > Open Printer Utility, and then click Print Head Alignment.

The bidirectional printing setting is enabled.

Solutions

If print quality does not improve even after aligning the print head, disable the bidirectional setting.

During bidirectional (or high speed) printing, the print head prints while moving in both directions, and vertical lines may be misaligned. Disabling this setting may slow down printing speed but improve print quality.

  • Windows

    Clear Bidirectional Printing on the printer driver’s More Options tab.

  • Mac OS

    Select System Preferences from the Apple menu > Printers & Scanners (or Print & Scan, Print & Fax), and then select the printer. Click Options & Supplies > Options (or Driver). Select Off as the Bidirectional Printing setting.