The quality of my printed output is unacceptable. What should I do?

• If the image looks fine on your computer screen but not when printed, make sure you're using the latest driver version for your printer. Also, make sure you select the correct quality option, paper type, paper size, and orientation setting in the printer software for your print job. If that doesn't help, and the image also looks incorrect on screen and you're using Epson Scan, see the solutions below for your problem.
  
  White or Dark Lines in Printout
  • Clean the print head.
  • Make sure the paper type setting matches the type of paper you loaded.
  • Make sure you loaded the printable side of the paper faceup.
  • Turn off any high speed settings in your product software.
  • Align the print head.
  • You may need to replace the ink cartridges.
  Blurry or Smeared Printout
  • Make sure your paper is not damp, curled, old, or loaded facedown in the sheet feeder (the printable side should be faceup).
  • Use a support sheet with special paper, or load special paper one sheet at a time.
  • Make sure your paper meets the specifications for your product.
  • Use Epson papers to ensure proper saturation and absorption of genuine Epson inks.
  • Make sure the paper type setting in your product software matches the type of paper you loaded.
  • Remove each sheet from the output tray as it is printed.
  • Avoid handling printouts on glossy paper right after printing to allow the ink to set.
  • Turn off any high speed settings in your product software.
  • If you print on both sides of a sheet of paper, smudges may appear on the reverse side of heavily saturated or dark images. If one side of a sheet will contain a lighter image or text, print that side first.
  • Clean the print head.
  • Align the print head.
  • Clear the paper path.
  Note: Your product will not operate properly while tilted at an angle. Place it on a flat, stable surface that extends beyond the base of the product in all directions.
  Faint Printout or Printout Has Gaps
  • Clean the print head.
  • The ink cartridges may be old or low on ink, and you may need to replace them.
  • Make sure the paper type setting matches the type of paper you loaded.
  • Make sure your paper is not damp, curled, old, or loaded facedown in the sheet feeder (the printable side should be faceup).
  • Clean the paper path.
  Grainy Printout
  • Make sure you loaded the printable side of the paper faceup in the sheet feeder.
  • Select a higher print quality setting and turn off any high speed settings in your product software.
  • Clean the print head.
  • Align the print head.
  • You may need to increase the image resolution or print a smaller size; see your software documentation.
  Incorrect Colors
  • Your printed colors can never exactly match your on-screen colors. However, you can use a color management system to get as close as possible. Try using the color management options in your printer software.
  • Make sure the paper Type or Media Type setting matches the paper you loaded.
  • Make sure the Black/Grayscale or Grayscale setting is not selected in your printer software.
  • For best results, use genuine Epson ink and paper.
  • Clean the print head.
  • The ink cartridges may be old or low on ink, and you may need to replace them.
  • Try turning off Fix Photo in the printer software.
  • Try changing the Gamma setting in your printer software.
  • Use a color management system. Try using the ICM setting.
  • After you print, the colors on your printout will need some time to set as the ink dries. During this time, the colors may look different than you expect. To reduce the drying time, avoid stacking your prints on top of each other.
  
  Related references
  Paper or Media Type Settings
  Selecting Printing Preferences - Mac OS X 10.5/10.6/10.7
  Selecting Printing Preferences - Mac OS X 10.4
  Selecting Advanced Print Settings - Windows
  Selecting Basic Print Settings - Windows
  Selecting Basic Print Settings - Mac OS X 10.5/10.6/10.7
  Selecting Basic Print Settings - Mac OS X 10.4
  Print Head Cleaning
  Print Head Alignment
  Replacing Ink Cartridges
  Color Management Options - Windows
  Managing Color - Mac OS X 10.5/10.6/10.7
  Managing Color - Mac OS X 10.4
  Cleaning the Paper Path
  Available Epson Papers
  Paper Specifications