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Automatic paper sensing

HP's automatic paper sensing technology helps you print stunning photos automatically—without any guesswork.
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» How automatic paper sensing works
» Automatic paper sensing: frequently asked questions
» Availability
» Learn more
Snapshot of kids with Auto Sense mark in corner


Printing made easy with HP media sensing

Learn how automatic paper sensing technology automatically detect your paper type, discover how you can use it to improve the quality of your photos, and see which HP printers and papers make it possible.

How automatic paper sensing works


Woman looking at photos by window
HP automatic paper sensing technology adjusts your print settings so that you always get high-quality photo prints.

HP Advanced Photo Paper with Auto Sense mark
Check for the Auto Sense mark found on select HP 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. HP's automatic paper sensing technology, HP Auto Sense, adjusts your print settings automatically, taking the guesswork out of selecting the correct settings. It also saves you time, effort, and the expense of wasted ink and paper from printing by trial and error.

HP Auto Sense

HP Auto Sense-enabled printers are designed to detect Auto Sense marks on the back of select HP paper. When used with this unique media, just select "Print" and Auto Sense-enabled printers automatically:

  • Detect the paper type

  • Determine paper size and printing boundaries

  • Adjust print settings to deliver optimum prints

  • Alert you if your paper is loaded incorrectly

The following HP papers carry the Auto Sense mark-just look for the icon on the packaging:

Automatic paper-type sensing

Even when printing on other media types—such as transparencies or papers from competitive brands—HP printers can automatically adjust print settings for picture-perfect results. HP automatic paper-type sensing determines your media type and width, and adjusts accordingly to deliver the best photo prints possible.

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Automatic paper sensing: frequently asked questions


HP Photosmart Plus e-All-in-One Printer
The HP Photosmart Plus e-All-in-One is one of many HP Photosmart All-in-Ones that feature automatic paper sensing.

Snapshot of couple and back of photo paper with circle Auto Sense mark
For the best results, make sure to look for the Auto Sense mark on the back of your photo paper.
Find answers to some of the most common questions about automatic paper sensing technology from HP.

Q: Can I customize the settings that will be applied for certain types of paper?

With HP media-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 printer?

HP Auto Sense and HP Optical Sensors are built-in features that are only available on select HP printers. Check out the Availability section below to find an automatic paper sensing or Auto Sense-equipped printer that fits your needs.

Q: How can I tell if my paper is Auto Sense paper? Is all HP paper Auto Sense compatible?

If you are using older HP photo paper, it may not be Auto Sense compatible. Look for the Auto Sense mark on the packaging or on the back of your photo paper.

Q: What if I don't have HP Auto Sense paper? Does Auto Sense only work with HP printers and paper?

While Auto Sense technology is unique to select HP printers and photo papers, printers with automatic paper sensing technology also support media from competitive brands, so you'll still get the best print quality possible.

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Availability


Many new HP Photosmart printers feature automatic paper type sensing—plus, most feature HP ePrint, which lets you e-mail photos and documents directly to your printer from any device with e-mail capabilities1!

HP Photosmart Plus e-All-in-One

HP Photosmart Plus
e-All-in-One

$149.99

  • 3.45" color touchscreen
  • Print at your convenience—from across town or your living room—with HP ePrint1
  • Access to basic HP Print Apps2
  • Auto-engaging photo tray.

HP Photosmart Premium e-All-in-One

HP Photosmart Premium
e-All-in-One

$199.99

  • 4.3" color touchscreen
  • Print at your convenience—from across town or your living room—with HP ePrint1
  • Access to basic HP Print Apps2
  • Save paper by up to 50% using automatic two-sided printing

HP Photosmart Premium Fax e-All-in-One

HP Photosmart Premium Fax
e-All-in-One

$299.99

  • 3.45" color touchscreen
  • Print at your convenience—from across town or your living room—with HP ePrint1
  • Access to basic HP Print Apps2
  • Print scan, copy, and fax
  • Built-in wireless and Ethernet capability

Visit the HP Photosmart photo printer buying guide to see additional HP printers that can help you print lab-quality photos at home, along with documents and so much more.

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Learn more


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*Display permanence rating by Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. and/or HP Image Permanence Lab using select HP Vivera pigment inks. For details, visit www.hp.com/go/printpermanence.

1Requires an Internet connection to the printer. Feature works with any Internet- and e-mail-capable device. For details, http://www.hp.com/go/ePrinterCenter.
2Requires a wireless access point and an Internet connection to the printer. Services may require registration. Apps availability varies by country and language. For details, http://www.hp.com/go/ePrinterCenter.

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