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Save paper, ink and time with auto paper sensing

Print stunning photos automatically—without any guesswork
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Content starts here
» How media sensing works
» Media sensing: frequently asked questions
» Availability
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Snapshot of kids with Auto Sense mark in corner


Printing made easy with HP media sensing

Learn how media-sensing technology can 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 media sensing works


Family printing photos

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 media-sensing technology 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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Media sensing: frequently asked questions


Woman printing photos
HP Auto Sense and Optical Sensor technology automatically adjusts print settings to match your media type.

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 media-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 media-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-type 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-type sensing also support media from competitive brands, so you'll still get the best print quality possible.

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Availability


Learn about all the HP printers and All-in-Ones that feature media-sensing technology, and find one that fits your photo printing needs.

HP Printers with Media Sensing Auto Sense Automatic Paper-type Sensing Key features
D5460
HP Photosmart D5460
X X A versatile, easy-to-use printer, ideal for everyday home printing
HP Photosmart Plus All-in-One
HP Photosmart Plus All-in-One
X A versatile, easy-to-use All-in-One. Prints useful pages such as calendars and games—without a PC.
HP Photosmart Premium All-in-One
HP Photosmart Premium All-in-One
X X Access the photo sharing site, Snapfish, directly from the large TouchSmart screen1.
HP Photosmart Premium Fax All-in-One
HP Photosmart Premium Fax All-in-One
X X All-in-One machine with built-in wireless connectivity and 50-page automatic document feeder
HP Photosmart Premium Web All-in-One
HP Photosmart Premium Web All-in-One
X X Use the extra-large TouchSmart screen to print select content from the Web—no PC required2.

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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 a Snapfish.com account and an Internet connection to the printer.

2Requires Internet connection to printer.
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