Using black cartridge only--

I am using the black cartridge only (or I'm trying to) to print text, but the other (color) cartridges
are running out and then they have to be replaced!
I have an Officejet Pro K8600....
What is the problem? How can I stop the color cartridges from being used when I want to print
black text only? What am I doing wrong?
What the heck?
HELLLLP!!!

knotknott wrote:
I am using the black cartridge only (or I'm trying to) to print text, but the other (color) cartridges
are running out and then they have to be replaced!
See here for information on how ink is used in the printer.
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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Similar Messages

Can I print with black cartridge only if colour cartidges are empty on HP C1600 seeries printer?

Can I print using the black cartridge only whilst the colour cartridges are empty? I have a HP Photosmart C1600 series printer and Vista installed on my PC. I have set the Printer preferences to "Grayscale and use Black Cartridge only" but the printer itself is telling me it wont print unless i replace my empty yellow cartridge. I bought a brand new Black cartridge so i could print using black ink only as i dont need to use colour.

Hi,
Many printers from all vendors will not print with just one empty ink cartidge, it doesn't matter which one. Some printers allow users to print but at slower than snail speed. Whichever way, we have to have ink carridges to be able to print (even scan).
Regards.
BH
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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.
 
'''Other issues that need your attention'''
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Black cartridge only query.

I want to print B/W photos on Glossy Photo Paper, using the black cartridge only. This could be done on my old Deskjet 5150, but not it seems on the Photosmart D7360. I do not want B/W photos with a colour tint!
Does anyone have any idea how I can do this please?

The black ink is pigmented on your printer and the Deskjet 5150, it is *not* compatible with glossy photo paper. If photo paper is selected as the paper type then "use black cartridge only" should not be a choice.
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
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Printing using the black cartridge only!!

No matter what settings I use, i.e., greyscale/black cartridge only, the printer continues to use ink from the other cartridges. I want to use only the black ink cartridge except on the rare occasion I print in color. Any idea?

tiredofinkscams wrote:
Thanks for the reply. I have the printer set to "fast draft" on everything, and always use the "greyscale" and "black cartridge only". I also never print webpages. The colored ink cartridges still gradually empty. Granted the are much slower at emptying than the black, but I want the option of NOT using and having to replace the color cartridges. I have been tweaking this for some time and I still believe the color cartridges are being used. Please tell me that that is not intentional on HP's part!
What printer model do you have? Inkjet printers (from any manufacturer and any model) will use some ink to keep the nozzles unclogged, even if not printing with color for example. Models with separate ink supplies and printheads will tend to use more ink for servicing than models with the printheads built into the ink supply. For models with integrated printheads many printers will allow printing with an empty color cartrdige or a color cartrdige that has been removed completely.
Regards,
Bob Headrick, Microsoft MVP Printing/Imaging
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

Printing with Black Cartridge Only option grayed out: Officejet 6000

Trying to print a black and white photo in gray scale using only the black ink cartridge, unfortunately that option is grayed out. Is there some setting that has to be chosen first before black cartridge only option becomes available?
I feel like I've tried just about every combination, but maybe I'm missing some minuscule, unintuitive step.
Thanks

Nope, its not a bug. When you choose borderless the print region actually becomes bigger than the page to make sure there are no white gaps. The ink that does not make it to the page is caught in a trough filled with foam just below the print zone.
The color ink is a dye ink (like food coloring). The black ink is a pigment ink - like carbon dust suspended in water. When it is over-sprayed in the trough it piles up until the pile of pigment starts dragging and smearing on the back of every subsequent page! Not good, so we do not allow the black cartridge to print when set to borderless.
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I am employed by HP

Use black ink only hp 1010 printer

i want to use black ink only and the set up is different and i can't set up. i need help?

Hi @bjohns,
Welcome to the HP Forums!
I understand that you are wanting to use black ink only with your HP Deskjet 1010 printer. I am happy to look into this for you!
So I can research this in more detail for you, what type of Operating System are you using? Windows or Mac? What version? If you do not know the Operating System you are using, please visit this website. Whatsmyos. As there are different settings for each Operating System.
Once I know this information, I will get back to you.
Hope to hear from you soon!
RnRMusicMan
I work on behalf of HP
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C6280 not printing with Black Cartridge Only

Under Color selection the program used to give 2 selctions for Black Ink Printing.
1. High Quality
2. Black Ink Cartridge Only.
Recently it only gives one selection and that is High Quality.
MY HP program is up to date.
Will appreciate any help on this.

Nope, its not a bug. When you choose borderless the print region actually becomes bigger than the page to make sure there are no white gaps. The ink that does not make it to the page is caught in a trough filled with foam just below the print zone.
The color ink is a dye ink (like food coloring). The black ink is a pigment ink - like carbon dust suspended in water. When it is over-sprayed in the trough it piles up until the pile of pigment starts dragging and smearing on the back of every subsequent page! Not good, so we do not allow the black cartridge to print when set to borderless.
Say thanks by clicking "Kudos" "thumbs up" in the post that helped you.
I am employed by HP

Printing with black cartridge only

I'm going to buy HP ENVY 120 all-in-one printer. I will not need the color printing much. Can I use black and white cartridge only without installing color cartriges at all or with empty one or more color cartridges? I just want to save some money on color cartridges. Thanks. Victor.

Hey @VIC-GEISH ,
Thank you for taking the time to post on the HP Forums today! Hope you enjoy the experience.
So there are a few things that I have to let you know. No printer, HP or not can print only black that is an InkJet. The reason for this is because many people would print only black with their multi-colour printers and the ink wells for the coloured cartridges would dry out and never be usable. So whether you select black only or greyscale you are still going to be printing some colour in those printouts so that the printer will be able to print colour when you need it to.
If using ONLY black was what you were trying to get the instructions for, unfortunately that is not possible. If you want to print ONLY black i recommend looking into laser black only printers that are multi-function, black only printers. They don't use ink they using toner power cartridges that last a very long time but are more expensive. We have those options in our HP LaserJet line.
Hope this helps! Have a great day!
I worked for HP.

Printer uses black & blue only

Hello
i own a HP Photosmart C4680
the color cartridge was printing only blue(was empty) so i bought a new one and replaced it
but the printer uses blue only even when printing black only (changed settings) then i got a black/blue 3d effect + the blue has many lines in it
i have tried many things that didnt work
tried to put cartridge in and out many times i tried printing without connecting the printer to the pc
i have cleaned the connection tips of the cartridge & printer with alcohol i didnt clean the middle iron thing where the inkt comes out from(i have done it from the manual i found on the forum)
i have tried to clean the cartrdige from the help menu by printing
then i semi reset the printer while holding the power button & the secret code ect
and sadly nothing worked i have searched for more solutions on the forum but nothing worked what is the best thing i could do? could it be firmware or just a faulty cartridge?
thank you for the help

Hi @HappyPeople
Welcome to the HP forums!
I'd like to help you narrow down what is causing the issue with your Photosmart C4680, so I'll get you to try a few things and let me know how they go for you
First, I'd like you to follow the steps under Solution six: Print and evaluate a print quality diagnostic report and troubleshoot defects in this document as this will help us test the hardware.
If that page also just has black and blue (or just blue) please follow the cartridge cleaning steps within this A 'Cartridge Problem,' 'Cartridge Failed,' or 'Incompatible Cartridge' Error Message Displays on the... document.
Once you've cleaned the cartridges, please try printing that page again to see if there is any change. If there is still no change, please check the warranty date on your cartridges. If they are both in warranty, call HP Tech Support and inquire if they can replace the cartridges for you as this problem seemed to come up when you changed a cartridge.
Let me know how things go for you
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**MissTeriLynn**
I work on behalf of HP

Can I print with a black cartridge only? HP Deskjet 3520

Hi everyone,
I just bought a new black ink cartridge for my printer, assuming that I did not need to replace all the colors since I only want to print in black (shipping labels and such.)
Well, it only prints in a grayish shade now! The ink levels on the colored cartridges are low, and the black ink is high and brand new. So WHY can I not just print in plain old black?
What am I doing wrong?
Thank you so much for your help!

The post here has links to a troubleshooting document for the Deskjet 3520. If the steps there do not resolve the issue please call HP Support, even if the printer is not longer under warranty. In the US or Canada call 1-800-HPINVENt, elsewhere see the document here for contact information. If the above does not give satisfactory results then please post back here and mention what country you are located in..
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

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

In the C309, How can I use just the regular black ink cartridge only?

Hi
I just bought a HP C-309 a short time ago. I bought a HP reg black cartridge XL quite quickly. This thing is a sweet
machine, works perfectly, but is a terrible terrible ink hog.
Had I known, I would have gone for the Kodak which touts much lower ink costs.
I only use this thing for documents. I do not want to keep putting color cartridges in. They are all on low except for the black XL cartridge. How can I set it up to use only this cartridge for black and white..and just leave the color ones on empty.
I will have to get rid of it if I have to keep feeding it this way. The ink levels seem always low. By the way, the help asks me for model number. They want to know whether it is 309n or 309g. I see no way to find out..no notations on machine or purchase documents. HP, if you need this info...make it easy for the consumer to FIND the info...gheesh!

Hi lyn1360
There are several circumstances when color ink may be used—primarily to improve print quality, and sometimes to improve printer reliability—even if the document appears to be only black text-and-graphics. Many HP printers utilize chemical interactions to improve the quality and permanence of plain paper black text-and-graphics by adding small amounts of color ink to certain black areas. Some dark images which look black to human eye may contain a combination of black and color inks. For black and white images and photos or grey black which we think as black, a blend of colors called "composite black" may be used to achieve significantly better image quality and smoother gray tones than can be accomplished with black inks alone. Some inkjet printers utilize pigmented black ink, which is incompatible with some inkjet photo paper. In this case, dark or black areas are made up of color inks.
For users who wish to print utilizing just black ink (despite the reduced print quality), many HP printers offer options. 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 like your printer C309, all supplies are required to be installed in the printer for the printer to function.
To find the correct model number for your printer, you can just open the carriage access door and on the right side you can see the model number. For OJ Pro printers, we need to open the cartridge access door on the front left side to see the model number.
For more info regarding the ink usage, check the below link:
http://h10060.www1.hp.com/pageyield/en-019/articles/howInkIsUsed.html?cCode=us
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How can i use only black cartridge for printing documents

i have today installed hp 1510 all in one printer, it uses ink from the both cartridges i just want to use black ink for printing documents, how can i do that
This question was solved.
View Solution.

Hi @sandeepv
I can help you with your print settings, so the printer will print black and white only.
If you have a Mac operating system, use the instructions below.
Printing with the Black Print Cartridge Only option
Click File and then click Print.
Make sure your printer is selected.
Verify that the Preset option is set to Standard.
In the Copies & Pages menu, select Select Paper Type / Quality.
NOTE:If this option is not available, click ColorSync. Then click the down arrow beside Quartz Filter and change the setting from None to Black & White.
Select the Paper tab.
From the Color option menu, select Grayscale.
Select the Color Options tab.
Select the Black Print Cartridge Only option.
If that option is not listed, then it is not available. The printer will print using only the black cartridge, however, printing with one cartridge will be slower than printing with both cartridges.
NOTE:To save the setting, click the arrow next to Preset and select Save As. Save the Preset option as Black Cartridge Only and then click OK. Then, the next time you want to print with just the black cartridge, select the Black Cartridge Only Preset. -Source
If you are using a Windows operating system, use the instructions in the following link. Although this document is titled Changing Print Settings in Windows 8 it can be used for other Windows operating systems. The navigation from Windows 8 to older Windows operating systems would vary, please let me know if you are using a different operating system and/or if you require additional assistance.
I hope this helps.
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Sunshyn2005 - I work on behalf of HP

Using black ink cartrige only when receiving faxes

I have an HP 6600 Deskjet printer in my office. it is used primarily as fax machine. I go through quite a few color cartridges. Have found this puzzling since faxes are black and white. Was told by rep a Office Depot that is was because all color cartridges are being used to make the black ink for faxes.
Is there any way to set fax option to use black ink cartridge only? Thank you.

Hello!
Welcome to the forums @carperwm
I understand you are looking to see if you can use black ink only when printing out faxes, with your Officejet 6600.
Unfortunately you cannot, as the ink system will continue to work all together to print out the faxes.
However, you can choose to print in black ink only from your computer, check out these guides for help on changing the settings:
Changing Print Settings in Mac OS X
Changing Print Settings in Windows 7
I hope the information helps, have a great day
R a i n b o w 7000I work on behalf of HP
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Using black cartridge only--

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