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Manually Align the Print Head - Windows PC - PIXMA MG2420, MG2520

Article ID: ART143086 | Date published: 05/13/2015 | Date last updated: 02/07/2020
 

Description

Learn how to manually align the print head for your PIXMA MG2420 or MG2520 printer from a Windows PC.

Solution

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

Note These instructions are for a Windows PC. If you use a Mac®, refer to align the print head manually from a Mac.

Tip These instructions show you how to complete a manual alignment. Refer to automatic alignment if you want the machine to do it for you.

Note During this process, you will print, then check the printed pattern 3 different times.

 
Manual print head alignment

  1. Open the printer driver setup window.

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

    Custom Settings selected from the Maintenance tab

  3. Check the Align heads manually check box.

    Align heads manually checkbox selected from Custom Settings screen

  4. Select OK when the prompt appears.

    Okay selected when prompt appears

  5. Select Print Head Alignment on the Maintenance tab. The Start Print Head Alignment dialog box opens.

    Print Head Alignment selected from Maintenance tab

  6. Load 3 sheets of A4 or Letter size plain paper into the rear tray.

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

    Align Print Head - Message reads: Since alignment involves printing, get the printer ready (turn the power on) and load 3 sheets of A4 or letter size plain paper. The printer will print an alignment pattern. To align the print head position, click Align Print Head. To print and check the current setting, click Print Alignment Value. Align Print head button chosen at bottom left of screen.

  8. You will get a printed page that looks similar to this. Refer to this page as you follow the next steps.

    Figure shows number entered into boxes automatically

  9. Enter the numbers of the patterns with the least amount of stripes (see samples below) in the applicable columns. When you have entered all the values, select OK.

    Figure shows Print Head Alignment screen with these instructions: Examine the printed patters, and enter the pattern number of the patter with the least noticeable streaks in the fields for columns A to C, and E, then enter the pattern number of the pattern with the least noticeable horizontal stripes in the field for column D. Figure shows columns with no values yet entered. Okay button selected at bottom left of screen.​

    Note Pick the setting that produces the least noticeable vertical stripes.

    Figure A shows fewer vertical streaks than figure B.

    (A) Least noticeable vertical stripes
    (B) Most noticeable vertical stripes

    Pick the setting that produces the least noticeable horizontal stripes.

    Figure A shows less noticeable horizontal streaks than figure B.

    (A) Least noticeable horizontal stripes
    (B) Most noticeable horizontal stripes

  10. Confirm the displayed message and Select OK. The second pattern prints.

    Second sheet of alignment will print. Select OK to start printing.

  11. Follow the same steps as in number 8-9 above. This time you will choose only the least noticeable vertical stripes. When you have entered all the values, Select OK.

    Note Pick the setting that produces the least noticeable vertical stripes.

    Figure A shows less noticeable vertical streaks than figure B.

    (A) Least noticeable vertical stripes
    (B) Most noticeable vertical stripes

  12. Confirm the displayed message and Select OK. The third pattern prints.

    Third sheet of alignment will print. Select OK to start printing.

  13. Follow the same steps as in number 8-9 above. This time you will choose only the least noticeable horizontal stripes. When you have entered all the values, Select OK.

    Note Pick the setting that produces the least noticeable horizontal stripes.

    Figure A shows less noticeable horizontal streaks than figure B.

    (A) Least noticeable horizontal stripes
    (B) Most noticeable horizontal stripes
     

  14. To print and check the adjustments you just made to the settings, open the Start Print Head Alignment dialog box, and select Print Alignment Value.

Note If you continue to experience misaligned prints after following the steps above, the encoder film in the printer may need to be cleaned. Clean the encoder film.

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:

Link to Canon Community Forum








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