How to Align a Print Cartridge

Aligning a print cartridge is done whenever the printer starts printing garbled or fuzzy outputs. It is also done whenever you install a new ink cartridge to the printer. Some printers automatically align the cartridge once it detects a new print cartridge installed, but you still have to know how to align a cartridge on your own to prevent issues with the print quality.

• 1

  Place a paper into the paper tray of the printer. Turn on the computer and printer.

• 2

  Click "Start," "Devices and Printers," and then right-click the name of your printer. Select "Printing Preferences," and navigate through the tabs to look for "Printer Services," "Printer Utility" or something similar. Under this tab you should be able to find "Align Cartridges," Align Print Cartridges" or something similar.

• 3

  Select the option, and wait for the process to begin. The LED lights of the printer may blink as the process initializes. Wait for the printer to eject an alignment sheet indicating that the process is finished.