If everything is pale, check the print settings first: draft mode, ink saving and the wrong paper type all make prints faded. If only black or one color is weak, that ink is low or clogged. Answer the questions below for steps that fit your printer and ink.
By Online Printer Test PageLast updated
Most likely
When every color and black are equally pale, the driver is usually printing in draft or economy mode, or the paper type tells it to use less ink.
Then reprint: Color test page
Most likely
On a laser printer, an all-over light print usually means toner save mode, a low density setting, or a nearly empty cartridge.
HP test page steps by model, from HP’s manualsEpson test page steps by model, from Epson’s manualsCanon test page steps by model, from Canon’s manualsBrother test page steps by model, from Brother’s manuals
Then reprint: Black and white test page
Most likely
If colors print but black is pale or missing, the black supply or the black nozzles are at fault. Some drivers also make black from color inks in grayscale mode, which looks washed out.
Because you use third-party ink
Pigment black in some third-party cartridges dries faster in the nozzles. If black keeps clogging, try an original black cartridge.
HP nozzle check steps by model, from HP’s manualsEpson nozzle check steps by model, from Epson’s manualsCanon nozzle check steps by model, from Canon’s manualsBrother nozzle check steps by model, from Brother’s manuals
Then reprint: Black test page
Most likely
A single weak color means that ink is low, not reaching the head, or has blocked nozzles. The color checker on the color test page can tell you which one from the symptoms.
Because you use third-party ink
If the weak color is a refilled or compatible cartridge, the chip may report ink that is not there. Check the ink window or weigh the cartridge if your manual allows.
HP head cleaning steps by model, from HP’s manualsEpson head cleaning steps by model, from Epson’s manualsCanon head cleaning steps by model, from Canon’s manualsBrother head cleaning steps by model, from Brother’s manuals
Then reprint: CMYK color bars
Most likely
Fading only on one side or in one band suggests uneven toner distribution on a laser, or the head sitting too high over curled paper on an inkjet.
HP head cleaning steps by model, from HP’s manualsEpson head cleaning steps by model, from Epson’s manualsCanon head cleaning steps by model, from Canon’s manualsBrother head cleaning steps by model, from Brother’s manuals
Then reprint: Solid fills
Exact menu steps from each maker’s manuals, by model, with sources.
This is the fastest way to narrow it down. Print the CMYK color bars. If every column is equally pale, the cause is a setting or the paper. If one column is paler than the rest, it is that ink.
Faded or missing color right after a change often means a seal was left on, the cartridge is not fully seated, or air entered an ink tank line. Remove and reseat the cartridge, check the tank valve, run one cleaning and print a nozzle check.
Full ink with faded prints usually means clogged nozzles, a draft or economy setting, or the wrong paper type. On refillable tanks, air in the line after a refill can also starve the head until a cleaning pulls ink through.
Black can be empty or clogged while color still works, because they use separate cartridges or nozzles. Check the black level, try “black ink only” in the print dialog, then run a nozzle check.
The same causes apply to each color: low ink, a clog, or a cartridge not seated. Print the single-color test page for that ink to confirm, then run a nozzle check.
Toner save mode, a low density setting or a nearly empty cartridge. Rocking the cartridge gently often gives a few better pages, which confirms the toner is low.
