Grayscale; black ink only or High Quality

I have the HP Photosmart C4600 series, and I was curious about how to make my ink last the longest. I am just printing assignments, nothing that needs to be super nice looking. I selected print in grayscale but I wasn't sure which would be best for me, the high quality or black ink only.
Thank you for your help,
Crystal

The "high quality" setting will use the color cartridge for better graphics quality, the "black only" setting will use the black cartrdige only.
For best economy use "black only" and print in draft or econofast mode.
Bob Headrick, HP Expert
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How do I set the print preference to use black ink only?

Despite having a color printer, I want to print in grayscale , black ink only, by default

That depends on your printer and the software that came with the printer. You can consult your printer manual or the online site for your printer manufacturer.
Generally, to change for the '''current session only''', File > Print, click Properties, in the new window see what options are offered. Take special note whether there is an option to use black cartridge only.
To change for '''all future sessions''', click (Windows) Start > Settings > Printers and Faxes, click you printer from the list, in the new window, click Printer > Printing Preferences. You will see the same window as in the instructions for '''current session only''' above, see what options are offered and look for use black cartridge only option. You may need to restart your computer. Test by printing one page that contains colored text or elements.
 
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How can I print black ink only when in automatic two-sided mode for Officejet 6500?

When I set the printer to automatically print on two sides, it only allows color or high quality grayscale as print color options. If I print on only one side, then I have a third option for black ink only. Does anyone know how to get black ink only while getting two sided printing automatically?
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Sorry, this is not an option. When printing the front page of a duplexed page the black is underprinted with color to make the print "set" and dry faster. As a result "black only" is not an option when printing automatically duplexed pages.
Bob Headrick, HP Expert
I am not an employee of HP, I am a volunteer posting here on my own time.
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Black ink only & double side printing

This is regarding a printing issue using my newly bought printer. I wish to print double sided using the option black ink cartrige only under grayscale printing. However, when I select double side printing, there were only 2 options under the grey scale printing (off which means color or high quality). Is there a way to select both double side and black ink cartrige? Furthermore, does grayscale printing using high quality option uses ink from the black ink cartrige or also from the color cartriges? thanks in advance

What printer model? What operating system?
Generally there are two options for grayscale printing, either "use black cartridge only" or not. If the "use black cartridge only" box is not checked color ink will be used as it provides better print quality.
Some printers and some drivers do not support "black cartridge only" when printing in duplex mode. In duplex printing a small amount of color ink may be used to underprint the black print to make it dry faster to prevent smearing in duplex printing. (Not intuitive, but it is correct....)
See here for some information on how ink is used. Some ink will be used for servicing even when printing with black ink only.
Bob Headrick, HP Expert
I am not an employee of HP, I am a volunteer posting here on my own time.
If your problem is solved please click the "Accept as Solution" button ------------V
If my answer was helpful please click the "Thumbs Up" to say "Thank You"--V

How do I print in black ink only and when I want color I can turn on the feature?

Hi everyone,
I finally got the HP Envy 5530 to work..hooray! OK, just a follow-up how do I have my documents print without the color component.
Now I don't mind the color, its pretty, but I just want the standard, old black and white so that I can save the color when absolutely needed.
How do I just print in standard black for homework notes, and when I want color how do I activate this feature.
Is their a way to turn off the colored ink?
How do print in the black ink as cheaply as possiable so the quality isn't fantastic but good enough.
Thanks.
Franklin

Hi,
Me again, to set print Black only as default, please try:
Double click printer ison on desktop,
Click Set Preferences,
Click Advanced Settings,
In Grayscale pull down window, select Black Ink Only
Click Apply then Ok
After that, you can print colors for each job BUT you have to select color to overwrite the default (default will stay until you reset it). Please note: printer still consumes color inks during warming up process.
Regards.
BH
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How do I print in black ink only for a HP office jet 6200?

I'm new to my Macbookpro I just got and having problem printing emails,web info etc in black ink only. I have a HP officejet all in one 6200 printer and have tried but can't find any options for changing to black ink only when the print window comes up. I've checked for software updates and nothing there. I'm not very computer smart but I'm trying my best to figure this out. I've spent hours on this so far. Can anyone help me out?

Hi,
Follow the steps below in order to print using Black Ink only:
1. From the application used to print, click the File menu and select Print.
The Print window appears.
NOTE: The Print window might be minimized - Click the Show Details button to see all available settings.
2. To access the color options, click the lowest selection box listed as the name of the program (e.g. TextEdit)
Will appear as Copies & Pages within Microsoft Office applications.
3. Select Paper Type/Quality from the drop-down menu.
4. Click the triangle next to Color Options to expend the settings.
5. Set the Color field as Grayscale.
6. Set the Grayscale Mode as Black Ink Cartridge Only.
You may save the settings for future use by clicking Presets > Save Current Settings as Preset...
A used preset will remain as default till another preset will be used.

Print in Black ink only - HP LaserJet Pro 100 color MFP M175nw

Hi, I have a HP LaserJet Pro 100 color MFP and use Mac OSX. How do I print in black ink only? I want to turn the colour ink off . . . I'd greatly appreciate any help. Thanks in advance!

Hello @Bob_Loblaw ,
Welcome to the HP forum.
I understand that you want to print in grey scale. I would like to help you with this.
I found some instructions on Cnet. How to print in grayscale in OS X.
There is also a short video on YouTube. Print Black and White on a Mac
Hope you find these helpful.
Aardvark1
I work on behalf of HP
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HP Officejet Pro 8600 - Now won't print in Black Ink Only!

Hi! After previously owning the Hp Officejet 8500a pro and experiencing numerous issues related to the 'Black Only' printing! We then decided to scrap the HP Officejet 8500a and move on to a new printer! We did a LOT of research into the new printer and at the time of purchasing the 8600 around August 2012 last year, we found no online content of similar issues relating to the 8500. We even contacted Live HP support to check if the 8600 would print in Black Ink Only with the colours cartridges levels at empty. The HP live chat representative informed us the printer WOULD indeed print in black only with all COLOUR cartridges installed and empty. Since we bought the new 8600, we have replaced just the Black setup cartridge with a Genuine HP Black 950xl. A few days ago all colours where at about 10% levels, apart from the yellow which then ran empty. We have been printing in Black Ink Only with the following message appearing, since the yellow ran out: "Yellow Cartridge out of ink, click continue to print in Black Ink only" As of this morning, the below message appeared with no option to print ink black only! "Depleted cartridges must be replaced to resume printing" The Yellow and now Magenta where out of ink, with no option but to purchase both cartridges, we replaced them and ran off 8 order sheets in Black Ink Only. Both cartridges where replaced with Genuine HP. Directly after printing these 8 pages, the current Ink Levels are now: Magenta - 100% fullCyan - Has now ran out with a Red X (Annoying!!!)Yellow - Is showing a 10% Ink level with a brand new cartridge installed!!!Black - 40% full 1. Why am I no longer able to print in Black Ink Only with the empty colour cartridges installed?2. Why is the Yellow showing 10% full with a brand new ink cartridge installed full of ink? Does anyone have any advice on how to resolve this, I would very much appreciate some imput. Kind RegardsKev Challis

I know it won't print without a cartrige. I was trying to explain that this "problem" is one that needs to be prepared for in advance by not having empty cartriges installed. I am not trying to find a way around the way the printer is made to function. My printer came with the color cartriges that I plan on having for a long time because I rarely need to print anything in color. The link Jason posted clearly states that this printer, being a IIC, needs all cartriges installed in order for it to print. Here is the section: For example, a driver color setting (by selecting "print in grayscale with the black cartridge only" in printing preferences) specifies printing using only black ink. In addition, many IPH printers can operate in "reserve mode," which allows the user to continue to print with just the black cartridge when the color cartridge is removed or not installed. In HP IIC systems, all supplies are required to be installed in the printer for the printer to function. (empahsis mine) Why it needs all supplies installed to function? I don't know and don't care. Why does it not print with empty color cartriges installed (the first question of the person that started this thread)? I don't know and it doesn't really matter. Have one set of color cartriges on reserve in case one of the ones you have runs out of ink. Don't want to hassle with this "problem"? Own another printer that is not an IIC inkjet printer.

HP Officejet Pro L7580 how to print in black ink only

My ink cartridges were all empty but I only bought the black ink. How do I just print documents using only the black ink cartridge because everytime I try to print, it tells me I need to replace all the other color cartridges. I selected grayscale and black ink only but still get that message. My OS is Windows 7. Is there anyway around this or do I need to buy the color ones too?

Hello @Rod24,
Welcome to the HP Forums!
I understand you only replaced the black, instead of the color inks because you only want to print in black ink. I will do my best to assist you! Looks like you need to replace the color ink cartridges as well in order to print black ink.
I looked in the manual here. It doesn't state anything about using single-mode ink cartridge. Please let me know if you have any further questions. Have a great day!
I worked on behalf of HP.

Printing with black ink only

I have a HP photosmart c6280. I only want to print in black only but my colored ink keeps expiring and needs to be replace too frequently. I have tried grayscale but it still drains my color ink. what can be done about this?????

Greetings!
Go to your 'Control Panel' and look up your specific printer under your Hardware and Sound. Under your printer 'preferences' choose black ink only. No guarantee, but that'll usually do it. Just ensure you 'mutually' verify under advanced options just prior to actually printing anything that you are choosing the 'black ink only' method. Some printers inevitably still print with color because the print head can overheat with friction as the head module is still commanded to assist the black ink cartridge to spit out a small amount of ink no matter what. It's a software and hardware paradox but some inkjets work off this principle that you still need to have the ink -ever so slightly- but still coming out of the print head head to complete the dark black. (I know, it sounds weird, but that's out of my realm for being able to explain the manufacturers...) Hope that helps... Cheers!

BLACK INK ONLY

HI,I have a officejet 6700 printer I'v been trying since I got it to have it print in black ink only .I click on preferences and advanced then choose black ink only it prints then in black but then reverts back to color !!!! how do I make it (BLACK) the default? if I print from my phone useing E-PRINT it's always in color and noway of changing it.What gives? I just want to make BLACK my default no matter what I print untill I choose to do color...I'm ready to go out and buy a black & white printer (and it won't be a HP) .Same if I print from my laptop or PC I have to tell it each time to print in BLACK !!! it's a pain in the butt. there is nothing in plain English on HP's web site that gives a simple fix.

Hi DENNY5757,
Welcome to the HP Support forums. I understand that you would prefer to set up your printer so that you can print in blank ink.
From your post is sounds like you’ve changed the settings in the print program for black only but you haven’t set it for the printer driver. The instructions below are for Windows 7, if the instructions don’t work because you have a different operating system please let me know.
Please go into the Devices and Printers from your Control panel.
Please right click on the Officejet 6700 printer and select ‘Printing Preferences’. This should bring up a screen that looks similar to the image on the left in the screen shot.
Please click on the ‘Advanced’ button in the lower right hand corner.
Under Printer Features there is a the ‘Print in Grayscale’ option, please choose ‘Black Ink Only’ (as seen in the image on the right side of the screen shot).
Please click ‘OK’ on the Advanced Options screen.
Please click on ‘Apply’ for the Printing Preferences.
You should now be able to print in black from your computer. The HP ePrint app will require you to choose the print options for each document.
Regards,
Happytohelp01
Please click on the Thumbs Up on the right to say “Thanks” for helping!
Please click “Accept as Solution ” on the post that solves your issue to help others find the solution.
I work on behalf of HP

I want to print with black ink only, the OFFICE DEPOT salesman told me that he turned off the color.

I want to print with black ink only, the OFFICE DEPOT salesman told me that he turned off the color. I don't want to buy colored ink, I don't use it.

HI,
Welcome to the HP Forum!
topdog3647 wrote:
I want to print with black ink only, the OFFICE DEPOT salesman told me that he turned off the color. I don't want to buy colored ink, I don't use it.
Please identify your notebook/pc /printer.
Look at the base/rear/side of the notebook/pc/printer at the barcoded sticker.
Post item number 2 as seen on the following example of an HP notebook's barcoded sticker. The barcode on your HP product may be slightly different in appearance, but will still have the important information needed for us to help you.
###Do not post the serial number of your product as it is personal information.###
If your printer is a laser printer then simply go to print preferences and select grayscale printing
Best regards,
erico
****Please click on Accept As Solution if a suggestion solves your problem. It helps others facing the same problem to find a solution easily****
2015 Microsoft MVP - Windows Experience Consumer

Epson Stylus CX9400 - Cannot print in black ink only

I cannot print in black ink only on my CX9400 printer. My OS is Windows 7. I've never had this problem before, and it only happens with pdf documents. Please adivse me how to correct this problem. Thank you.

Dear user BVILLE22,
In 10.1.2, we have intentionally removed the option 'Print color as Black' from the print dialog due to its incorrect behaviour of converting all text to black. The correct one is to print it as Grayscale and for doing so, you can follow the two below mentioned methods:
Method 1:
1. Select your printer and click on its properties button.
2. Search for option 'Print in Grayscale', which is provided at different location for different printers. One I am attaching for reference is under 'Color' tab of printer properties
3. Click ok and then print.
Method 2:
1. Select your printer.
2. click on Advance button.
3.Select Color management section -> 'Working Gray' as color profile.
4. click ok and then print.
Hope this will solve your problem.
Regards
Sonal
Adobe Systems

How do I get my Epson NX400 printer to print black ink only?

I have documents that were created using colors for the text that I find difficult to read. They also print in those colors.
I have followedEpson's instructions to set the NX400 to print black ink only.
The printer still prints in color.
Possibly, Epson's drivers don't work, Or possiby, something in Lion OS is overriding the drivers.
Is there some setting in Lion OS that overrides the printer drivers? Is it not possible to print black ink only?
Help would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

Hello, unfortunately, even if you do print them in Black & White only, colored text will show as some shade of gray, possibly even White.
As an Experiment, in the Print Dialog, choose PDF>Save as PDF, then see what it looks like using the Colorsync setting of Grayscale or B&W.

Make my HP OfficeJet 4620 print in black ink only, permanently.

I want my printer to always print in black only, on draft quality. I have gone to Devices and Printers > Printing Preferences > Advanced and changed Print in greyscale to "Black Ink Only". I've also made the same change by going to the page I wish to print and going CTRL+P > Properties > Advanced and making the same changes.
However, my printer automatically reverts to printing in full colour after only one document i.e. every time I print a new document the changes are undone and it reverts to full colour.
It is far too time consuming to repeatedly change the settings every time I print something, I have to print around 70 separate documents every morning! How to I make this change permanent?
I'm using Windows 8 if that helps.
Thanks!
This question was solved.
View Solution.

Hello MarkC-S,
Welcome to the HP forums!
I understand you tried changing the print settings to "Black Ink Only", but it's reverts back to color ink. As you stated, the print settings seem correct and it should be sticking permanently. How is this printer connected? Wireless or USB? I would recommend uninstalling the software.
Please follow this HP document on Uninstalling From Programs and Features.
Next, clean out your Temp folder on your computer:
On the keyboard, hit the Windows key and "R" key together, then type %temp%. Hit enter.
Press "Ctrl" and "A" together. This will highlight everything. Right click on your mouse and select delete
Now, install the full feature software from the HP website here. Choose your correct operating system; Either 32 bit or 64 bit. If you need help installing the software, then please follow this HP document here. Choose your correct connection type.
After the installation is complete, please let me know if the "Print in black ink" sticks this time!
I worked on behalf of HP.

Grayscale; black ink only or High Quality

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