Automatic paper sensing
HP's automatic paper sensing technology helps you print stunning photos automatically—without any guesswork.
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Printing made easy with HP media sensing
HP Photosmart printers introduced after 2010 will automatically detect your paper’s type, size, and finish, adjusting your print settings for the best quality results. However, if you have an older model HP Photosmart, using HP Photo Paper with Auto Sense marks will help you get the best print quality. Read on to discover which HP printers and photo papers offer this technology and how it can improve the quality of your photo every time you print.
How automatic paper sensing works on older printers
HP automatic paper sensing technology adjusts your print settings so that you always get high-quality photo prints.
Auto Sense marks are featured on all HP Premium Photo Papers, including this 4" x 6" Premium Photo Paper.
To get the highest quality photo prints, it's important to make sure your print settings coordinate with the size, weight, texture, and finish of your paper.
On older printers, HP's automatic paper sensing technology is comprised of Auto Sense marks featured on HP Premium Photo Papers, and Auto Sense sensors built into select, older models of HP Photosmart printers.
When the Auto Sense sensors on the printer detect the Auto Sense marks on the photo paper, the printer will automatically adjust your print settings. This saves you time, effort, and the expense of wasted ink and paper from printing by trial and error.
Auto Sense-enabled printers automatically:
- Detect paper type
- Determine paper size and printing boundaries
- Adjust print settings to deliver optimum prints
- Alert you if your paper is loaded incorrectly
Automatic paper sensing: frequently asked questions
The HP Photosmart Plus e-All-in-One is one of many older HP Photosmart models that feature automatic paper sensing technology.
For the best results, make sure to look for the Auto Sense mark on the back of your photo paper.
Q: Can I customize the settings that will be applied for certain types of paper?
With automatic paper sensing technology, print settings are taken care of for you. However, if you prefer to customize your print settings yourself, you can override the automatic settings. Check your printer's user manual for details and instructions.
Q: Will automatic paper sensing technology work with my current HP printer?
If you have an older HP printer, then it will most likely feature built-in Auto Sense sensors that work with Auto Sense-enabled HP Photo Papers. However, there have been many advances in printing technology. So, if you have a newer printer, it will include paper sensors that do not require Auto Sense marks on photo paper in order to select the correct print modes. Check the availability section to see if your older printer model supports Auto Sense.
Interested in upgrading? Visit the HP Photosmart e-All-in-One buying guide to find a new Photosmart printer now.
Q: How can I tell if my paper is Auto Sense paper?
Auto Sense marks are only featured on HP Premium Photo Papers. Look for the Auto Sense mark on the back of your photo paper.
Q: Why don’t newer HP Photosmart printers use automatic paper sensing technology?
Newer HP Photosmart printers offer advanced technology, and no longer need Auto Sensors or Auto Marks on photo paper in order to adjust print settings and give you picture-perfect results.
Wondering if your older model has Auto Sense?
Thinking of upgrading? Consider the HP Photosmart 6510 e-All-in-One, which offers Web-connected HP Print Apps as well as HP ePrint—now print from virtually anywhere!1,2
Auto Sense Photo Paper
You can find Auto Sense marks featured on all HP Premium Photo Papers.
Auto Sense Photo Printers
The following HP printers feature Auto Sensors, which detect the Auto Marks on HP Premium Photo Papers:
HP Photosmart 8250
HP Photosmart 3100, 3200, 3300
HP Photosmart C5180, C6180, C6280, C7180, C7280, C8100
HP Photosmart D5460, D6160, D7160, D7260, D7360, D7460, D7500
HP Photosmart Premium All-in-One C309 series
HP Photosmart Plus All-in-One C209 series
Time to upgrade?
Check out the HP Photosmart e-All-in-One buying guide to see the entire lineup of Web-connected HP Photosmart printers!
Learn more
- Check out these Quick tips for perfect prints and get flawless photos every time.
- Make sure your high-quality photos last a lifetime—find tips for printing photos that resist fading.
- Now that you’re printing photographs more easily, get simple tips for organizing your digital photos.
- 1Requires a wireless access point and an Internet connection to the printer. Services may require registration. App availability varies by country, language and agreements. For details, http://www.hp.com/go/ePrinterCenter.
- 2Requires an Internet connection to the printer. Feature works with any connected Internet- and email-capable device. Print times may vary. For a list of supported documents and image types, see http://www.hp.com/go/ePrinterCenter. And for additional solutions, see www.hp.com/go/mobile-printing-solutions.