Perform a Print Head Alignment (Mac OS X)

Aligning the print head adjusts for differences in the print head position, and resolves problems such as color misalignment and incorrect print position.

1. In the Apple menu select System Preferences
   
   Note: In versions of Mac OS X older than 10.4, open the IJ / BJ Printer Utility from the Library>Printers>Canon>BJPrinter>Utilities folder.
   
   
2. Open Print & Fax.
   
   
3. Make sure the correct printer is selected and, depending on OS version, click 'Open Print Queue...' or 'Print Queue...'.
   
   
4. Click the Utility icon.
   
   
5. Select the printer, then click 'Maintenance'.
   
   
6. From the drop-down menu, select 'Test Print'.
   
   
   
   
7. Click the Print Head Alignment icon.
   
   
   
   
8. Confirm that a sheet of A4 or letter size plain paper is loaded in the paper source selected by the Paper Feed Switch, and click 'Print Head Alignment'.
   
   Note: Click 'Check Setting' to print the pattern with the current adjusted values.
   
   
   
   
9. The power lamp flashes, and print head cleaning is started. After cleaning has finished, the head alignment pattern will be printed.
   
   Note: Do not perform other operations until printing is completed.
   
   
   
   
10. Perform print head alignment. Refer to the printed sheet, and follow the procedures as shown below.
    
    Select the pattern with the fewest visible vertical stripes in column A. Enter the selected pattern's number in the column A box.
    
    Similarly, enter the selected numbers in the boxes for column B to K.
    
    After all numbers have been entered click 'Send'.
    
    
    
    
    <1> Example of highly visible vertical stripes in the pattern.
    <2> Example of the fewest visible vertical stripes in the pattern.
    
    
11. Print head alignment is completed.