Set up your printer to save ink

Default settings for most printers are set to print at a very high quality. Without changes to the settings, your printer will consume the maximum amount of ink per page. By resetting the default, ink and money will be conserved and you can switch to high quality print whenever needed.

If you are not familiar with changing printer settings, follow the instructions below to reset your printer’s default settings and save ink. Select the operating system that corresponds to the Windows product key sticker on your computer. Some headings or screens may vary, depending upon your printer’s functions and the applications used to create documents.

If you run the Windows 7 operating system, go to the start icon in the lower left corner, then to “Devices and Printers.” Select the appropriate printer, then click on “Customize your Printer.” Select the “Advanced” tab at the top, then click the “Printing Defaults” button at the bottom. The resulting screen will allow you to adjust print quality, either by adjusting each option individually or by selecting from the drop-down list of settings given at the top. Before leaving this screen, click “Apply” at the bottom.

In Windows Vista, click on the Start Icon at the bottom left, select “Control Panel” then under Hardware, click on “Printer.” Highlight the printer you want to adjust, then you will see across the top: “Select Printing Preferences.” At that screen you will be able to adjust settings individually or select an economical setting from the drop-down menu.

From the Start Menu (bottom left corner) select “Printers and Faxes.” On the right side of this screen, highlight the default printer, which will have a check mark. On the left, select “Set Printer Properties.” Select “Printing Defaults” then “Advanced.” You may need to click on “Paper/Quality” tab to find printing options.Here you can change print quality or select “Economode.” As you exit these screens, click “Apply.”

Later, when you want to print a higher quality document or photo, instead of clicking on the print icon or “quick print,” go to the top left corner for the drop-down menu. Select Print, then Properties. “Printing Shortcuts,” “Advanced” or “Paper/Quality” will allow you to switch back to high quality printing. This change will affect printing until you change it, or shut down the computer. It will not reset the default setting.

Color printers have a “grayscale” option which can be used to conserve color ink. Use color occasionally in order to keep the cartridges from drying out.

Patty Harshbarger, owner of Computer Renaissance in Bradenton, can be reached at (941) 753-8277 or at patty@cr-bradenton.com.