Print head alignment corrects the installation positions of the print head and improves print colors and lines.

This machine supports two head alignment methods:

1. Automatic print head alignment

2. Manual print head alignment.

1. Automatic print head alignment

 If the ink level is low, the print head alignment sheet will not be printed correctly. Replace the ink cartridge if it is low.

1. Turn on the printer (1) and open the paper output tray (3).

   

2. Load a sheet of A4 or Letter-sized plain paper in the auto sheet feeder (or ASF) (2).

3. Press the  Maintenance button repeatedly until (u) appears.

If you want to print out the current alignment values, select (L) on the LED to print the current head position adjustment values.

4. Tap Black or Color. The machine prints the head alignment sheet.

   

   Do not touch any printed part on the print head alignment sheet. If the sheet is stained or wrinkled, the pattern may not be scanned correctly.

5. Scan the sheet to adjust the print head position.

6. Load the print head alignment sheet on the platen glass (glass scanner surface) with the printed side face down and align the printed triangle mark  on the upper left corner of the sheet with the alignment mark 

   .

7. Close the document cover gently.

8. Confirm that (U) is displayed in the LED.

9. If (U) isn't displayed, press the Maintenance button repeatedly until (U) appears.

   

10. Tap Black or Color.

11. The machine scans the head alignment sheet and aligns the print head automatically.

12. ​When the print head position adjustment is complete, the LED returns to the copy standby mode.

13. Remove the sheet from the platen glass.

Do not open the document cover or move the print head alignment sheet until the scan is complete.

• If the print head position adjustment failed, the error code will appear on the LED. Press the Stop/Reset button to release the error, then check the items below.

  • The platen glass and the print head alignment sheet are not dirty.

  • The print head alignment sheet is placed in the correct position with the printed side face down.

 To print and check the current head position adjustment values, display (L) on the LED, then press the Black or Color button.

 If the print results are still not satisfactory after the print head position adjustment as described above, adjust the print head position manually from the computer.

2. Manual print head alignment

 Instructions for Macintosh® users.

1. Open the printer driver setup window.

2. Select Custom Settings on the Maintenance tab. The Custom Settings dialog box opens.

3. Check the Align heads manually check box.

4. Select Send, and tap OK when the confirmation message appears.

5. Select Print Head Alignment on the Maintenance tab.

6. Load three sheets of A4 size or Letter size plain paper into the rear tray.

7. Make sure that the machine is on and select Align Print Head. Follow the instruction in the message.

8. Check the printed pattern.

9. Enter the numbers of the patterns with the least amount of streaks in the associated boxes.

   When you select the patterns with the least amount of streaks in the preview window, it will automatically set their numbers in the associated boxes.

   

10. When you have entered all the necessary values, click OK.

     If it is difficult to pick the best pattern, pick the setting that produces the least noticeable vertical white streaks.

    

    (A) Less noticeable vertical white streaks.

    (B) More noticeable vertical white streaks.

     If it is difficult to pick the best pattern, pick the setting that produces the least noticeable horizontal white streaks.

    

    (A) Less noticeable horizontal white streaks

    (B) More noticeable horizontal white streaks

11. Confirm the displayed message and tap OK.

12. The second pattern is printed.

     Do not open the scanning unit cover while a print is in progress.

13. Check the printed pattern.

14. Enter the numbers of the patterns with the least amount of streaks in the associated boxes.

     When you select the patterns with the least amount of streaks in the preview window, it will automatically set their numbers in the associated boxes.

    

15. When you have entered all the necessary values, tap OK.

     If it is difficult to pick the best pattern, pick the setting that produces the least noticeable vertical white streaks.

    

    (A) Less noticeable vertical white streaks

    (B) More noticeable vertical white streaks

16. Confirm the displayed message and tap OK.

17. The third pattern is printed.

     Do not open the scanning unit cover while a print is in progress.

18. Check the printed pattern.

19. Enter the numbers of the patterns with the least noticeable horizontal stripes in the associated boxes.

     When you select the patterns with the least amount of streaks in the preview window, it will automatically set their numbers in the associated boxes.

    

20. When you have entered all the necessary values, tap OK.

 If it is difficult to pick the best pattern, pick the setting that produces the least noticeable horizontal white stripes.

(A) Less noticeable horizontal white stripes

(B) More noticeable horizontal white stripes

 To print and check the current setting, open the Start Print Head Alignment dialog box, and select Print Alignment Value.

If your product issue was not resolved after following the steps above, or if you require additional help, please create or log in to your Canon Account to see your technical support options.

Or if you still need help, visit our Canon Community by clicking the button below to get answers:

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