Learn how you can get the most from your HP Photosmart photo printer or All-in-One. We'll quickly show you 10 simple, valuable tips to maximize your printer's performance,
improve its speed, and extend its life. We'll also show you how to get the best photo prints possible.
There's a good reason why HP recommends using only genuine HP ink and paper in an HP printer–because the printer, paper, and ink have been designed to work together as a system
for the best possible results.
For the longest-lasting photo prints:
HP Premium Plus photo paper is HP's best all-around photo paper. It has exceptional fade resistance and produces vibrant, professional-quality photos that last for generations*.
Having the most current printer driver can boost your printer's performance by up to 50 percent!
It's beneficial to get to know your printer driver software (the interface that pops up whenever you print).
Your printer driver controls resolution and color settings, and it usually chooses them automatically–which is fine when you're printing on plain paper.
But if you're printing a digital photo, you'll want to adjust your settings to produce the best-quality print.
Choose your preferred setting from the Print Quality dropdown box.
Under Basic Options, select your preferred Paper Type from the dropdown box.
Printer settings
Knowing when to use different print modes can help you save money, conserve ink, and get the best print possible.
Draft mode:
This setting lets you print faster while using less ink. Although it is not the best setting for photo printing, this mode is perfect for drafts and everyday document printing.
Normal mode:
Suitable for wallet-size photos. Otherwise, use Best mode.
Best mode:
Use this setting to produce the highest quality photos.
In order to switch between the modes, you will need to change your print quality setting. Please refer to your printer's manual as menus may vary.
Paper settings
Your HP printer uses more or less ink depending on what type of paper you're using.
Adjust the paper settings each time you change paper sizes or paper types. (Usually you can select paper type and size in your printer settings menu.)
Make sure that if you're printing photos, you use paper that is specially designed for photo printing.
Use HP SureSupply services to quickly and easily order print supplies as soon as you need them.
Don't get caught without ink when you need to print a snapshot at home.
Most HP Photosmart printers alert you when you are running low on ink before you actually run out.
You can also use HP SureSupply–a free tool that instantly lets you order the exact print supplies you need as soon as your printer sends you a low-ink or toner alert.
Supplies can be ordered online either through HP or a participating retailer and often include free shipping.
Download the HP SureSupply utility to your desktop and click on it at any time. It's easy to install and will pull up the exact supplies your printer uses.
Learn how to use the innovative features that make HP Photosmart the best choice for printing photos at home.
Touchscreens:
Touchscreens offer easy, PC-free photo editing and printing. Most HP photo printers, like the HP Photosmart C4680 All-in-One printer, allow you to remove red-eye, enhance details, and
make other quick fixes to your photos straight from an interactive TouchSmart display. Find out more about
editing photos with your touchscreen printer.
Built-in wireless and Bluetooth:
No networking knowledge is required to connect your new HP Photosmart printer to a wireless network. Learn more about the easy 1-2-3 setup.
Smart Web printing:
This software lets you select, organize, and combine website content–and then scales everything to fit on one page, just like you see it on the screen. Learn how to
print Web pages efficiently with Smart Web printing.
Easily print photos, and whatever else you want, from virtually anywhere in your home. For example, you can print pictures from the den, the kitchen counter, or the kids' room.
Learn more about the benefits of wireless and Bluetooth printing.
HP now offers the ability to wirelessly print photos from your iPhone or iPod touch using the HP iPrint Photo application.
Use your printer's touchscreen to make quick edits, such as removing red-eye–all with just the touch of a button.
Learn just two simple photo fixes that will help you improve all your photo prints. You can make most of the edits right on your HP Photosmart printer's TouchSmart frame or front panel.
Cropping
is the easiest way to improve your photos. It only takes a minute to use this technique to turn a throwaway snapshot into a work of art. And you can do it right on your printer. To learn more, see cropping in action.
You can also print 8" x 10" for framing, and, with some HP Photosmart printers, like the
HP Photosmart B8550 Photo Printer, you can even make larger, poster-sized prints.
HP's online support site allows you to learn about your HP product whenever–and wherever–it's convenient for you.
You can access a variety of resources, both printed and onscreen, that provide information about setting up and using your HP Photosmart printer.
Play a slideshow on the touchscreen display:
Many HP All-in-Ones allow you to play a Tips Slideshow depicting information about your printer's special features.
Use your printer's onscreen Help:
Provides detailed instructions on using all features of the HP All–in–One–you can view them right on your printer's display.
Get online help via your printer's touchscreen or front panel:
Connect to online help through your computer.
Explore the Setup and Basics Guides:
Product guides and manuals offer instructions and tips for using and understanding your printer's features. You can also find product guides online.
Get online support:HP's online support site offers technical support, drivers, supplies, and ordering information.
HP has several free online resources to help you get the most out of your HP products.
Improve your photography skills,
learn photo-editing techniques, and more. HP's online classes are free, taught by experts, and you can enroll at any time and go at your own pace.
Get printer support and inspiration via the HP Newsgram e-mail.
You can sign up to receive tips, customized product support, creative projects, and special offers through the HP Newsgram e-mail newsletter.
*Based on light fade testing under glass using HP Vivera Inks on HP Premium Plus photo paper and HP Premium photo paper, according to Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc.
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