How to Print Perfect Photographs

Printer and Ink

Calibrate your printer: >>TIP Make sure that you calibrate your printer's heads each time you add a new ink cartridge. Calibration keeps the print heads aligned and capable of printing crisp and accurate images. Some printers align their heads automatically, others prompt you to initiate an alignment process the first time you print with a new cartridge, and still others require you to run a bundled utility manually. If you're not sure how to get the calibration process rolling, check the manufacturer's documentation. >>TIP Get into the habit of printing a test page at least once every month to verify that your print heads remain in good working order.

Avoid budget ink: Want the best print quality? >>TIP Stick with ink that comes straight from your printer manufacturer. Sure, you can save money by using refurbished ink cartridges or by refilling your own--those options cost about half what manufacturer-authorized cartridges do--but in most cases the resulting print quality is inferior. You get what you pay for.

Solve cartridge snafus: Ink cartridges can clog, especially if you don't use your printer for a long time. When that happens, you'll see gaps, inconsistent colors, and perhaps even ink splattered on the prints. >>TIP Make your printer program's head-cleaning utility your first stop. This program will clean the print heads while running a few sheets of paper though the printer (get additional details from your printer manual). Be aware that the process does use a fair amount of ink. >>TIP If using the head-cleaning utility doesn't work, try removing the cartridge, turning it upside down, and gently cleaning the nozzles with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Then replace the cartridge and run the utility once more.