Print quality issues

Overview

Find the image that resembles the print quality problem you are having, and then click the link below it to read problem-solving steps.

If the printer is a multi-function device with a scanner (MX31x, MX41x, or MX51x device), confirm that the print quality issue is not a scanner problem by printing from a computer, or by printing a menu demo page directly from the printer: Menu > Reports > Print Demo.

If the print quality issue only appears on scanned documents or copies, go to Cleaning tips for clearing lines, smudges or spots on scanner glass for diagnostic information.

Image misalignment or color shifting on pages	Color missing or very light print output exhibited on all colors on pages printed	Missing color plane or very light color (one color) on printed pages	Repeating horizontal lines appear on pages printed
Repeating horizontal lines appear on pages printed	Milky or runny print on pages printed	Non-repeating marks on the back side of the page check	Non-repeating marks on the front side of page printed
Repeating marks or voids check	Repeating marks or voids every third page printed	Ghost or residual images on pages printed	Smearing, smudging, or poor fuse grade on pages printed
Solid color print or a colored background check	Mixed color background on pages printed	Hieroglyphics, strange symbols or random characters appear on the printed page	Dark vertical lines when printing
Troubleshooting vertical streaks	Smearing, smudging, or poor fuse grade on pages printed	Streaks, marks, splotches, or clouds near the edges of the printouts	Roller marks on the rear side on pages
Solid black pages or horizontal black stripes on pages printed	Poor toner transfer at the top of pages	Missing spots or print voids when printing duplex	Powder defect on pages
Solid black pages or horizontal black stripes on pages printed	White voids or white gapping	Edge background on pages	Colors are too dark or black shading is covering partial or entire page
Colors are too dark or black shading is covering partial or entire page	Colors are too dark or black shading is covering partial or entire page

LEGACY ID:SO7446

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