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hp photosmart
1215/1218
knowledge
user's guide
Page 2
© Copyright 2000 Hewlett-Packard Company
All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be
photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another language without
the prior written consent of Hewlett-Packard Company.
The information contained in this document is subject to change
without notice. Hewlett-Packard shall not be liable for errors
contained herein or for consequential damages in connection with the
furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
HP, the HP logo, JetSend, and PhotoSmart are property of
Hewlett-Packard Company.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
CompactFlash, CF, and the CF logo are trademarks of the
CompactFlash Association (CFA).
Mac, the Mac logo, and Macintosh are registered trademarks of
Apple Computer, Inc.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines
Corporation.
Palm, Palm III, Palm V, and Palm VII are registered trademarks of
3Com Corporation or its subsidiaries.
Other brands and their products are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders.
HP Customer Care
We’re delighted that you’ve chosen an HP PhotoSmart 1215/1218
color printer. To help ensure trouble-free performance, your HP
product comes with award-winning HP Customer Care.
Help Us Help You Better
Before you contact HP Customer Care, we’d like to ask you to do a
few things. Record your printer’s:
Serial number _______________________
Model number_______________________
Purchase date _______________________
Review this User’s Guide. The fastest way to solve problems is to
consult “Troubleshooting” on page 73.
HP Customer Care Online
Click your way to a great solution! HP Customer Care Online
www.hp.com/photosmart
(
questions about your HP color printer—24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. See the inside back cover for a list of international Web site
addresses.
HP Customer Care User Forums
Share in the great ideas and smart suggestions forum moderators and
fellow users offer. Review existing messages left by other HP product
owners or post your own questions, then check back later for ideas
and suggestions. Access the forums directly through
support/home_products
) is a great place to start for answers to
www.hp.com/
.
HP Customer Care by Phone
Call us direct and connect to a service technician who specializes in
your product and who can typically answer your questions in one
phone call. See the inside back cover for a list of phone numbers.
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Contents
Chapter 1 Getting started..................................................................................................................................1
Unpacking your printer ......................................................................................................................................................... 2
Other items you will need ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
Cables ......................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Memory cards............................................................................................................................................................... 3
HP paper...................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Printer parts......................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Front panel ................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Reading the indicator lights............................................................................................................................................. 7
Installing the Two-Sided Printing Module (optional)................................................................................................................... 8
Replacing or installing print cartridges .................................................................................................................................... 9
Loading paper................................................................................................................................................................... 11
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Chapter 2 Getting to know your printer........................................................................................................... 17
Adjusting printer settings ..................................................................................................................................................17
Printing a test page ......................................................................................................................................................17
Page size....................................................................................................................................................................17
Page layout .................................................................................................................................................................19
Photo cropping ............................................................................................................................................................20
Photo brightness...........................................................................................................................................................21
Photo color..................................................................................................................................................................22
Infrared (IR) type ..........................................................................................................................................................22
Factory default settings .................................................................................................................................................23
Understanding memory cards...............................................................................................................................................24
Types of memory cards .................................................................................................................................................24
Inserting a memory card ...............................................................................................................................................24
Understanding infrared ....................................................................................................................................................27
Supported devices........................................................................................................................................................27
Tips for using infrared...................................................................................................................................................28
Chapter 3 Printing directly from the printer......................................................................................................29
Printing from a memory card................................................................................................................................................30
Deciding which photos to print ......................................................................................................................................30
Choosing photos on the printer’s front panel .................................................................................................................32
Canceling a photo .......................................................................................................................................................34
Printing photos ..........................................................................................................................................................35
Printing files using infrared (IR) ..........................................................................................................................................36
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Contents
Chapter 4 Printing from a computer................................................................................................................ 39
Printing from your Windows PC ...........................................................................................................................................40
Selecting the printer Properties ....................................................................................................................................41
Using the HP PhotoSmart Taskbar icon ..........................................................................................................................41
Using the HP Photo Printing software ..............................................................................................................................46
Printing from your Macintosh ...............................................................................................................................................51
Using the Print dialog box .............................................................................................................................................53
Two-sided printing .............................................................................................................................................................54
Using the Two-Sided Printing Module (optional) ...............................................................................................................54
Two-sided printing from your Windows PC......................................................................................................................55
Two-sided printing from your Macintosh..........................................................................................................................58
Chapter 5 Saving photos ................................................................................................................................ 61
Saving from a memory card.................................................................................................................................................61
Saving photos from a memory card to your Windows PC .....................................................................................................62
Saving photos from a memory card to your Macintosh .........................................................................................................64
Chapter 6 Care and maintenance ................................................................................................................... 67
Using the HP PhotoSmart Toolbox (Windows PC) ...................................................................................................................67
Using the HP PhotoSmart Utility (Macintosh)...........................................................................................................................69
Cleaning the printer............................................................................................................................................................70
Materials you will need.................................................................................................................................................70
Cleaning the print cartridges .........................................................................................................................................70
Cleaning the print cartridge cradle.................................................................................................................................72
Cleaning the outside of the printer..................................................................................................................................72
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................................. 73
Software solutions ......................................................................................................................................................74
Hardware solutions ......................................................................................................................................................77
Printing solutions ..........................................................................................................................................................83
Automatic two-sided printing solutions ............................................................................................................................94
Infrared (IR) solutions ....................................................................................................................................................97
Error messages ............................................................................................................................................................99
Chapter 8 Specifications, regulatory and warranty information......................................................................103
Specifications ............................................................................................................................................................103
Regulatory and warranty information............................................................................................................................105
Appendix Connecting and upgrading your printer ......................................................................................... 109
Connecting the printer to your Windows PC ........................................................................................................................109
System requirements...................................................................................................................................................110
Connecting the printer ................................................................................................................................................111
Networking the printer................................................................................................................................................111
Connecting the printer to your Macintosh ............................................................................................................................112
System requirements...................................................................................................................................................112
Connecting the printer ................................................................................................................................................113
Networking the printer................................................................................................................................................113
Connecting the printer to a power source ............................................................................................................................114
Installing the printer software .............................................................................................................................................114
Upgrading your printer .....................................................................................................................................................115
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Chapter 1 Getting started
Thank you for purchasing an HP PhotoSmart 1215/1218 color printer! Your new printer
prints everything from laser quality black and white text documents to color photos.
Before you get started, be sure to set up your printer—see the Quick Start poster
included in the box. If you need more information about setting up your new printer, see
“Connecting and upgrading your printer” on page 109.
Use your new HP PhotoSmart 1215/1218 printer to:
• Print photos directly from a digital camera’s memory card without using your
computer.
To start printing using your memory card, see “Printing from a memory
card” on page 30.
• Print files wirelessly from an infrared device such as a Personal
Digital Assistant (PDA), laptop computer, cell phone, or digital
camera.
To start printing using infrared, see “Printing files using
infrared (IR)” on page 36.
• Print high-quality documents and projects such as photo album
pages, greeting cards, iron-on transfers, or newsletters from a computer.
To start printing a document or project, see “Chapter 4 Printing from a
computer” on page 39.
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Unpacking your printer
Before you begin, check to be sure you have the following:
Quick Start
poster
Documentation
Two-Sided Printing Module
(model 1215 optional
accessory, included with
model 1218)
Macintosh
Windows
Software on
CD-ROM
Color print cartridge
Printer
Power cord
Black print cartridge
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Other items you will need
Other items you will need
Depending on how you are using the printer, you will
need additional items (listed below).
Cables
To connect the printer to a computer, you need a
directional IEEE 1284-compliant parallel cable
USB cable
. These cables are available where you
bi-
or a
USB cable
purchased your printer or at most computer supply
stores, and must be purchased separately.
Memory cards
If you use your digital camera’s memory card with the
printer, make sure the memory card is a
CompactFlash Type I or II, IBM Microdrive
SmartMedia
memory card. See “Understanding
, or
memory cards” on page 24 for more information.
IBM Microdrive
Microdrive
CompactFlash
memory card
HP paper
You can print on many different types and sizes of paper. We recommend using HP custom paper for the best output quality. For
example, if you are printing a photo, be sure to print on HP Premium Plus Photo Paper for photo-quality results.
Parallel cable
SmartMedia
memory card
HP paper
HP paper can be found at most computer and office supply stores or on the Web at
Note:
Your printer has automatic paper type and size sensors to help you get great printing results automatically. The printer uses an
www.hpshopping.com
.
optical sensor to detect paper type and size, then selects the print mode for great results. Depending on where you live, you
may need to set the default paper size to use a particular large or small paper size, see “Page size” on page 17.
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Printer parts
Photo tray
Place 4 x 6 in (102 x
152 mm) photo paper
or hagaki paper (for
Japan only) in this
Top cover
Open this cover to
change print cartridges
Single envelope slot
Place a single envelope in
this tray for printing
Output tray
This tray catches your
printed photos or
documents
Side paper guide
Adjust this guide to
the edge of the paper
in the paper tray
Output tray extension
Pull this out (gently) when
you are printing a large
number of pages to prevent
paper from falling to the
floor
Paper tray
Place paper or
envelopes in this
tray for printing
tray for printing
Front paper guide
Adjust this guide to the
edge of the paper in the
paper tray
Fine-length paper guide
Adjust this part of the front
paper guide to the edge of
small paper in the paper tray
Slider
Move this slider to engage
or disengage the photo tray
LCD
Read this window for
information about the
status of your printer
SmartMedia memory
card slot
Insert a SmartMedia
memory card into the slot to
begin printing or saving
CompactFlash/IBM
Microdrive memory
card slot
Insert a CompactFlash or
IBM Microdrive memory
card into the slot to begin
printing or saving
Infrared port
Aim an infrared device here
to print your photo or
document wirelessly
Power button
Press this button to turn
the printer on and off
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Power cord
connection
Connect the power
cable (included in
the box) here
Parallel port
Use this port to connect the
printer to the computer if you
are using a bi-directional IEEE
1284-compliant parallel
cable
Rear access door
Remove this door to install the
Two-Sided Printing Module or
to clear a paper jam
Two-Sided Printing Module
(model 1215 optional
accessory, included with
model 1218)
Install this module to enable the
printer to automatically print on
the second side of a piece of
paper
USB port
Use this port to connect the
printer to the computer if you
are using a USB cable
(Windows 98, Windows Me,
Windows 2000, or
Macintosh)
Printer parts
Note:
This picture shows the Two-Sided Printing Module installed. The Two-Sided
Printing Module replaces the rear access door. For more information, see
“Installing the Two-Sided Printing Module (optional)” on page 8.
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Front panel
Copies
Use this button to select the
number of copies you want
to print
LCD
Read this window for
information about the status
of your printer
Tip:
Choose Photos
Use this button to choose
which photos you want to
print or save from the
memory card
Cancel/No
Press this button to stop
printing or saving, cancel a
selection, or answer “no”
to a question on the LCD
Save
Press this button to start
saving selected photos
from the memory card to
the computer
Power
Press this button to turn the
printer on and off
To get maximum use from your print cartridges, do not unplug the printer or
Power
turn off the power source (such as a power strip), until the
light is off.
Photo Size
Use this button to choose
the printed size for all
selected photos
OK/Yes
Press this button to make a
selection or answer “yes” to
a question on the LCD
Print
Press this button to start
printing the selected photos
from a memory card
Tools
Use this button to change the
printer settings
Infrared port
Aim an infrared device here to
wirelessly printyour photo or document
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Reading the indicator lights
Power light
On
The printer power is on
Blinking
The printer is busy (for example, printing
or saving)
Off
The printer power is off
Printer parts
SmartMedia memory card slot light
On
The memory card is inserted correctly
Blinking
The memory card in the card slot is being
accessed
Off
There is no memory card inserted, the memory
card is not inserted correctly, or the other
memory card slot is in use
CompactFlash/IBM Microdrive
memory card slot light
On
The memory card is inserted correctly
Blinking
The memory card in the card slot is being
accessed
Off
There is no memory card inserted, the memory
card is not inserted correctly, or the other
memory card slot is in use
Attention light
Blinking
Read the LCD for instructions
Caution: Do not remove the memory card while the indicator light is blinking.
Removing a memory card while it is in use may damage the card or
the files saved on the card.
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Installing the Two-Sided Printing Module (optional)
The Two-Sided Printing Module enables the printer to automatically print on the second
side of a piece of paper. If you have an HP PhotoSmart 1218 printer, the Two-Sided
Printing Module is included in the box. If you have an HP PhotoSmart 1215 printer, you
can purchase the module as an accessory. For ordering information visit the HP Web
www.hpshopping.com
site at
For more information on how to print using the Two-Sided Printing Module, see “Twosided printing” on page 54.
To... Follow these steps...
.
C6463A
Install the Two-Sided
Printing Module
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1. Remove the printer’s rear access door: turn the knob on
the door counter-clockwise 1/4 turn to the unlock
position, then remove the door.
2. Insert the Two-Sided Printing Module (with the top button
facing up) into the back of the printer until it “snaps”
into place.
Note:
Store the rear access door to avoid damage while
it is not in use.
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Replacing or installing print cartridges
To get the best performance from your printer, we recommend using only genuine HP
supplies, including genuine HP factory-filled print cartridges.
Replacing or installing print cartridges
Caution: Check that you are using the correct print cartridges. Use one black
print cartridge (HP 51645) and one color cartridge (HP C6578). Do
not refill print cartridges yourself. Damage resulting from the
modification or refilling of HP print cartridges is specifically excluded
from HP printer warranty coverage.
To... Follow these steps...
Replace or install print
cartridges
(continued on next page)
1. On the printer front panel, press
the printer on.
2. Open the top cover. The print cartridge cradle
Power
to turn
moves to the center of the printer.
3. Lift the cradle latch for the print cartridge you
want to replace or install.
4. If you are replacing a print cartridge, lift the
old print cartridge out and discard it.
5. Remove the tape
from the new print cartridge:
• Take the print cartridge out of its package.
• Grasp the tab and peel off the tape.
Note:
Do NOT touch the ink nozzles or the copper contacts. Touching these parts may
cause print cartridge failure.
Print cartridge
Tape
Do not touch
here on print
cartridges
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
To... Follow these steps...
Replace or install print
cartridges
(continued)
6. Insert the print cartridge:
• Insert the print cartridge into the cradle.
• Close the cradle latch to “lock” the print
cartridge in place.
7. Close the top cover.
8. When the LCD prompts you, load plain paper
in the paper tray. If you need more
information, see “Loading paper” on page 11.
9. On the front panel, press
OK/Yes
. The printer
begins printing a calibration page to align the
print cartridges.
Calibration page
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Loading paper
You can print on many different types and sizes of paper. We recommend using HP
custom paper for the best output quality. For example, if you are printing a photo, be
sure to print on HP Premium Plus Photo Paper for photo-quality results.
HP papers can be found at most computer and office supply stores or on the Web at
www.hpshopping.com
You can load a:
• Stack of paper.
• 4 x 6 inch (102 x 152 mm) photo paper in the printer’s photo tray.
• Single envelope.
•Stack of envelopes.
.
Loading paper
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
To... Follow these steps...
Load paper in the paper
tray
Use the printer’s paper tray to
print on many different types of
paper. You can use everything
from plain paper to HP Premium
Inkjet Transparency Film.
1. Pull out the front paper guide on the paper tray and
slide the side paper guide as far to the left as it will
go.
2. Place a stack of paper into the paper tray.
• Load the paper
print side down
. The printer
prints on the face-down side of the paper in the
paper tray; the printed document faces up in
the output tray.
• Always load paper in the portrait direction,
Side paper
guide
Front paper
guide
with the long edge against the long edge of the
paper tray.
• Be careful not to use too much or too little paper. It may be difficult for the printer to
“grab” a sheet of paper when there are only one or two sheets in the paper tray.
Check that the stack of paper contains several sheets but is no higher than the top of
the front paper guide.
• Use one kind and size of paper at a time. Do
not mix paper types or sizes in the paper tray.
3. On the output tray, move the slider (visible through
the output tray) toward you (away from the inside of
the printer) until it stops. This disengages the photo
tray.
4. Adjust the side and front paper guides to fit close to
the edges of the paper, without bending the paper.
This helps the paper feed straight into the printer.
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To... Follow these steps...
Loading paper
Load paper in the photo
tray
Use the printer’s photo tray to
print on 4 x 6 inch (102 x 152
mm) photo paper. When you use
the photo tray, you can leave
your regular paper in the paper
tray.
Load a single envelope
Use the printer’s single-envelope
slot to print one envelope at a
time.
1. On the output tray, move the slider (visible through the output tray) toward you (away
from the inside of the printer) until it stops. This disengages the photo tray.
2. Lift the output tray.
3. Load paper in the photo tray with the
down
. If you are using tabbed paper, feed or
print side
place the tabbed paper into the printer so the tab
feeds in last.
4. Lower the output tray to its original position.
5. On the output tray, move the slider away from you
(toward the inside of the printer) until it stops
against the edge of the paper. This engages the
photo tray.
Note:
When you are finished using the photo tray, disengage it so the printer will use the
paper in the paper tray.
• Load the envelope into the single-envelope slot with
the address side down and the flap on the left. Slide
the envelope in until it stops.
Tip:
See the picture on the printer.
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
To... Follow these steps...
Load a stack of envelopes
You can print multiple envelopes
using the paper tray.
1. Pull out the front paper guide on the paper tray and slide the side paper guide as far to
the left as it will go.
2. Place a stack of envelopes into the paper tray.
• Load the envelopes against the right side of
the paper tray.
• Load the envelopes address side down with
the flaps on the left. Check that the envelopes
are not batched together with one flap
surrounding several envelopes.
• Be careful not to use more than 15–20
envelopes. The stack should fit below the front
paper guide.
• Use one kind and size of envelope at a time. Do not mix envelope types or sizes in
the paper tray.
3. Adjust the side and front paper guides to fit close to the edges of the envelopes, without
bending them. This helps the envelopes feed into the printer correctly.
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To... Follow these steps...
Loading paper
Load index cards and other
small media
Use the printer’s paper tray to
print on small media.
1. Pull out the paper tray.
2. Lift the output tray.
3. Pull out the front paper guide on the
paper tray and slide the side paper guide
as far to the left as it will go.
4. Load paper in the paper tray with the
print side down
.
5. Adjust the side and fine-length paper
guides to fit close to the edges of the
paper, without bending them. This helps
the paper to feed into the printer
correctly.
6. Lower the output tray to its original position.
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Chapter 2 Getting to know your printer
Adjusting printer settings
You can use the
adjust the printer’s settings.
Note:
Tools
button on the printer’s front panel to print a test page or
An asterisk (*) on the LCD indicates the current setting.
Printing a test page
You can print a test page to check your print cartridges and make sure the paper is
loaded correctly.
To print a test page:
1. Make sure plain paper is loaded in the paper tray. If you need more
information, see “Loading paper” on page 11.
2. On the printer front panel, press
asks if you want to print a test page, then press
OK/Yes
The printer begins printing a test page.
.
Tools
until the LCD
Test page
Page size
By default, the printer automatically detects paper type and size by scanning the paper
in the paper tray. You can also choose to override the automatic detection by manually
setting paper type and size.
Depending on where you live, you may need to set the printer to use a particular small
or large paper size. If you live in Japan, you need to set the default small paper size to
either Hagaki or 4 x 6 inches. If you live in any other Asian or Pacific country, you need
to set the default large paper size to either A4 or 8½ x 11 inches.
LCD
OK/Yes
button
Tools
button
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
To... Follow these steps...
Manually adjust the paper
size
Adjust the paper size in
Japan
Adjust the paper size in
other Asia or Pacific
countries
1. On the printer front panel, press
settings, then press
2. Press the
right side
3. Press OK/Yes
OK/Yes
of the
.
Tools
.
Tools
button to select
until the LCD asks if you want to select paper
Manually set
.
Each time you print, the LCD will ask you to select the paper size and paper type (Plain
Paper or Photo Paper).
1. On the printer front panel, press
settings, then press
2. Press OK/Yes
Paper Size
.
3. Press OK/Yes
4. Press the right side
5. Press
OK/Yes
OK/Yes
again to select
.
of the
.
1. On the printer front panel, press
settings, then press
2. Press OK/Yes
Paper Size
.
3. Press OK/Yes
4. Press the right side
5. Press
OK/Yes
OK/Yes
again to select
.
of the
.
Tools
until the LCD asks if you want to select paper
.
Auto-detect
Tools
button to select
Tools
until the LCD asks if you want to select paper
.
Auto-detect
Tools
button to select A4 or
. The LCD will ask if you want to select
Hagaki
or
4 x 6
.
. The LCD will ask if you want to select
8½ x 11
.
Small
Large
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Page 25
Page layout
The page layout specifies how the printer positions photos on the
page. You can choose:
Photo Album
•
the orientation setting from the digital camera. The printer orients
the page to fit as many photos as possible. For example, if your
photos are all landscape, the page will print landscape. The
printer uses the photo orientation setting from the camera to
determine how to place the photo on the page.
Paper Saver –
•
as possible on each sheet of paper. Some photos may be turned
sideways to fit on the page—they may not print right-side up.
To select the page layout:
1. On the printer front panel, press
want to select the page layout, then press
– Select this option if you want to print photos using
Select this option if you want to fit as many photos
Tools
until the LCD asks if you
OK/Yes
Adjusting printer settings
Photo
Album
.
2. Press Tools
3. Press
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again to select
OK/Yes
.
Photo Album
Paper Saver
or
.
Paper Saver
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Photo cropping
The printer automatically crops a photo to the photo size you selected. For example,
if you selected a 4 x 6 inch photo size, the printer will crop the photo to that size by
measuring from the center of the photo. This is called
print the entire photo, select
Full Image
.
To select the full image:
Standard Crop
. If you want to
1. On the printer front panel, press Tools
photo cropping option, then press
2. Press the
right side
3. Press OK/Yes
.
of the
Tools
until the LCD asks if you want to select a
OK/Yes
button to select
.
Full Image
.
An asterisk (*) will appear on the LCD beside the photo size to indicate that Full
Image
has been selected.
Standard Crop
for 4 x 6 inch
photo size
Full Image
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Page 27
Photo brightness
If you want your photos to print lighter or darker than the originals, adjust the photo
brightness.
To adjust the photo brightness:
1. On the printer front panel, press
2. Press the
the photo brightness, then press
the
right side
Tools
button to darken your photos.
of the
Tools
Tools
until the LCD asks if you want to adjust
OK/Yes
.
button to lighten your photos or the
left side
of
Adjusting printer settings
OK/Yes
button
3. Press OK/Yes
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.
Tools
button
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Photo color
In addition to color, you can set the printer to print photos in Black & White, Sepia, or
Antique. Photos printed in Sepia print in brown tones and look similar to photos
produced in the early 1900s. Photos printed in Antique print in the same brown tones as
Sepia but with some pale colors added to give the appearance that they are hand
colored.
1. On the printer front panel, press Tools
color options for the next print, then press
2. Press the
Sepia
right side
Antique
, or
3. Press OK/Yes
Note:
After you finish printing the photo, the photo color setting returns to the
default setting,
.
.
of the
Tools
Color
. If you want to continue printing in Black & White,
until the LCD asks if you want to adjust the
OK/Yes
button again to select
.
Color, Black & White
Sepia or Antique, you need to change the photo color setting before each
print job.
Infrared (IR) type
You can set the printer to accept the file being transferred via infrared as a document or
photo, or have the printer automatically detect the file type being transferred.
Note: Automatic
To select the IR type:
1. On the printer front panel, press
default IR type, then press
2. Press the right side
3. Press
OK/Yes
is the default setting.
OK/Yes
Tools
of the
.
Tools
until the LCD asks if you want to select the
.
button to select
Automatic, Photo
Document
, or
,
.
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Factory default settings
You can reset the printer to the original factory settings.
To use the factory settings:
Adjusting printer settings
1. On the printer front panel, press Tools
until the LCD asks if you want to reset all the
tools settings.
2. Press
OK/Yes
.
The factory settings are as follows:
• No default paper type or size (the printer automatically detects paper type and
size)
• Photo Album page layout.
• Middle photo brightness setting.
• Standard crop.
• Photos print in color.
• Autodetects infrared file type.
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Understanding memory cards
If your digital camera uses a memory card to store photos, you can insert the memory card
into the printer to print or save your photos. The printer steps you through the process.
For more information on how to print files from a memory card, see “Printing from a
memory card” on page 30. For more information on how to save files from a
memory card to your computer, see “Chapter 5 Saving photos” on page 61.
Types of memory cards
The printer can read
Microdrive,
and
vendors and are available in a variety of storage capacities. You can purchase memory
cards where you purchased your digital camera or at most computer supply stores.
Caution: Using another type of memory card may damage the memory card,
CompactFlash Association (CFA) certified Type I & II, IBM
SmartMedia
the printer, or both.
memory cards. These cards are manufactured by several
Inserting a memory card
Once you have taken photos with your digital camera, you can print them immediately
or save them directly to your computer using the printer. Before you insert a memory
card, be sure the printer is turned ON.
Note:
When the memory card is inserted correctly, the card slot indicator light illuminates. The
LCD screen displays
memory card, then displays
The printer can only access one memory card slot at a time.
Reading
for a moment, shows the number of photos found on the
ALL PHOTOS – 1 copy – Index.
CompactFlash Type I & II
IBM Microdrive
SmartMedia
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Caution: Do not pull out the memory card while the LCD screen says Reading
or while the light is blinking. This may damage the printer, the
memory card, or the information on the memory card.
To... Follow these steps...
Understanding memory cards
Insert a CompactFlash or
IBM Microdrive memory
card
• Insert the memory card into the
so the front of the card faces away from you and
the edge with pin-holes is placed into the printer
bottom
card slot
first.
If you do not insert the side with pin-holes
•
into the printer first, you can damage the
memory card, the printer, or both.
CompactFlash
or
IBM Microdrive
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
To... Follow these steps...
Insert a SmartMedia
memory card
top
• Insert the memory card into the
card slot so the
front of the card (the gold side) faces toward you and
the top of the card (the edge with the notch) is placed
into the printer first.
SmartMedia
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Understanding infrared
Understanding infrared
The printer includes an infrared (IR) port that can access and print information sent to it
by another infrared device. If you have a device with infrared capability, such as a
personal digital assistant (PDA), laptop computer, cell phone, or digital camera, you
can transfer files directly from your infrared device to the printer for fast wireless
printing. The printer communicates with devices that use
Refer to your infrared device documentation to see if it uses one of these methods.
For more information on how to print files from infrared, see “Printing files
using infrared (IR)” on page 36.
HP JetSend, OBEX
Supported devices
Some of the devices supported by infrared include:
• Laptop or notebook computers with infrared capability (including the HP
Omnibook). It is recommended that you install the PrintConnect software that
comes with the printer to configure your PC laptop or notebook computer to print
using infrared. Macintosh PowerBook users only need to install the included
printer software.
• Some Personal Digital Assistants (including the Palm product line). If
your PDA uses a Palm operating system, it is recommended that you
install the IrPrint software that comes with the printer so your
documents print with the proper formatting.
• Some Windows CE devices (including the HP Jornada).
• Digital cameras with infrared capability and HP JetSend (including
the HP PhotoSmart C500, 618, and 912).
• Some cellular phones with infrared capability.
or
IrLPT
.
Infrared
port
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Tips for using infrared
• When positioning the infrared device for sending a photo or document, be sure
there is a clear line of sight between the infrared device and the printer’s infrared
port. If something is blocking the way, the infrared device and printer will not be
able to communicate and the photo or document will not be transferred.
• It may help to place the infrared device on a table and then aim it toward the
printer so it is stationary during the entire transfer process. This helps to avoid any
interruptions in communication between the printer and infrared device.
• If the printer does not receive the photo or document, try adjusting the distance
between the infrared device and the printer. Sometimes moving closer or farther
away can help you successfully transfer the photo or document.
• Position the printer and the infrared device out of direct sunlight. Bright light can
interrupt communication between the two devices.
•
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Chapter 3 Printing directly from the printer
Your HP PhotoSmart 1215/1218 printer allows you to print directly from a memory
card or using infrared without being connected to a computer. You can choose photos
on a memory card from the front panel of the printer or send a file or photos from an
infrared (IR) device.
The printer gives you great printing results automatically by using an optical sensor to
detect paper type and size and select the ideal print mode for most popular papers and
films. Depending on where you live, you may need to set the default paper size to use a
particular large or small paper size, see “Page size” on page 17. If you want to print
photos on 4 x 6 in (102 x 152 mm) photo paper from the photo tray, check that the
photo tray is engaged. See “Loading paper” on page 11 if you need more information.
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Printing from a memory card
Printing directly from a memory card is as
easy as: inserting the memory card into the
printer, choosing the photos you want to print,
Print
and pressing
.
Deciding which photos to print
When you are deciding which photos to print,
you can use:
• A printed index page to see all the photos
stored on the memory card (recommended).
• Your digital camera to view photo
thumbnails.
Note:
The index numbers shown with the
thumbnails on your digital camera
may be different than the printer
reference numbers on the printed
index page. If you add or delete
photos from your memory card, reprint
an index page.
Choose Photos button
Print button
Camera LCD
Example of an index page
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Printing an index page
An index page, which may be several pages
long, shows thumbnail views of all the photos
stored on the memory card. The file name,
date and index number appear under each
thumbnail.
Printing from a memory card
Use the index number to select photos to
print. This number may be different from the
number associated with the photo on your
digital camera. If you add photos to, or
Index number
Date
File name
Example of an index page
delete photos from, your memory card, you
will need to reprint the index page to see the
new index numbers.
To... Follow these steps...
Print an index page 1. Insert the memory card into the printer. See “Inserting a memory card” on page 24 if you
need more information.
2. Check that the printer’s LCD indicates:
If this is not the setting shown on the LCD,
press
Cancel/No
3. Press Print
to get to this setting.
.
ALL PHOTOS
1 copy Index
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Choosing photos on the printer’s front panel
Once you have decided which photos to print, choose the corresponding index
numbers on the printer’s front panel. You can choose:
• All the photos on the memory card.
• Just selected photos.
• More than one copy of a selected photo.
• A continuous range of photos, such as photos 1–10.
• A Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) file.
Note:
DPOF files are files you create using your digital camera. They are
stored on the memory card and contain information such as which
photos are selected and how many of each photo is to be printed or
saved. The printer can read a DPOF file from a memory card so you don’t
have to re-select the photos to print or save. See your digital camera
documentation to see if it supports Digital Print Order Format (DPOF).
To... Follow these steps...
Choose all photos on the
memory card
1. Insert the memory card into the printer. See “Inserting a memory card” on page 24 if you
need more information.
2. Press
3. Press
Choose Photos
OK/Yes
.
until the printer’s LCD displays
Choose
Photos button
Cancel/No
button
ALL
OK/Yes
button
Print
button
.
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To... Follow these steps...
Printing from a memory card
Choose individual photos 1. Press
want to choose.
2. Press
The LCD displays a space where you
can choose another photo.
3. To choose additional photos, press
Choose Photos
to choose, then press
You can choose a maximum of 1000 photos.
4. When you have finished selecting photos, press
Choose more than one copy
of a selected photo
• Choose the same number more than once.
For example, if you choose
two copies of photo number 6
Select a continuous range of
photos
• Press and hold down
For example, if you want to choose photos 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,
1. Press Choose Photos
2. Press and hold down the
(–) appears on the LCD.
3. Press
appears on the LCD after the dash.
Choose Photos
OK/Yes
.
again until the LCD displays the index number of another photo you want
Choose Photos
until the printer’s LCD displays the index number of a photo you
Space for selecting
another photo
# 3, 6, _
OK/Yes
. Repeat this step to continue selecting additional photos.
3, 3, 6, 6, 9
OK/Yes
the printer will print two copies of photo number 3,
.
, and one copy of photo number 9.
OK/Yes
for about three seconds.
and 15:
until the LCD displays the photo number 10.
OK/Yes
button until a dash
# 10–15
until the photo number 15
4. Press
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OK/Yes
.
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
To... Follow these steps...
Select a DPOF file 1. Select the photos you want to use by creating a DPOF file on your digital camera. The
settings you can specify (such as number of copies) are specific to your camera. See your
digital camera documentation for details on how to create a DPOF file.
2. Insert the memory card into the printer.
The printer automatically recognizes the DPOF file on the memory card and asks if you
want to use the file.
3. Press
OK/Yes
.
Canceling a photo
If you are choosing photos to print using the printer’s front panel, you can cancel the last
selected photo from your list without canceling all of the photos you have selected.
To... Follow these steps...
Cancel the last selected
• Press
photo
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Cancel/No
.
Page 41
Printing from a memory card
Printing photos
Use the printer’s front panel to print photos from a memory card. Note that the
layout of your photos (how they are placed on the page) depends on several
factors:
• Photo size.
• Orientation (selected on your digital camera if it has this option).
• Order in which you choose the photos.
• Photo Album vs. Paper Saver setting. See “Page layout” on page 19 if you
need more information.
To... Follow these steps...
Print photos from a
memory card
Note:
If you want to print your photos on photo paper, check that the photo tray contains
paper and that the tray is engaged, or that the paper tray contains photo paper. See
“Loading paper” on page 11 if you need more information.
1. Choose the photos you want to print. See “Choosing photos on the printer’s front panel”
on page 32 if you need more information.
2. Select the photo size: press
3. Select the number of copies: press
want to print.
4. Press
Print
.
Photo Size
Copies
Copies
button
Photo Size
button
until the LCD displays the correct photo size.
until the LCD displays the number of copies you
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Printing files using infrared (IR)
If you have a device with infrared capability, such as a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA),
laptop computer, cell phone, or digital camera, you can transfer files directly to the
printer for fast wireless printing. If you need more information on what IR is, see
“Understanding infrared” on page 27.
There are three ways to print using IR:
•
•
•
Automatic
Document
Photo
detects the type of file you are sending. This is the default setting.
photo
document
file.
file.
receives and prints a
receives and prints a
Photos printed using infrared print at 4 x 6 in (102 x 152 mm) only. You can print
photos using photo paper loaded in the photo tray, or you can print them on standard
size paper. If you print them on standard size paper, photos print centered horizontally
at the top of the page.
To... Follow these steps...
Automatically detect file
type and print
1. Using your IR device, select the file you want to print. See your device’s documentation if
you need more information on selecting files.
2. Aim your device’s IR port toward the IR port on the printer and send the file.
3. The printer’s LCD displays
Connecting
Continue to keep the device aimed at the printer’s infrared port while the printer is
receiving the file (
Receiving
). When the file begins printing (
device away.
IR port – aim your
infrared device here
when it starts communicating with the device.
Printing
) you can move the
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Page 43
To... Follow these steps...
Printing files using infrared (IR)
Print a document 1. Set the printer to receive a document: press
the default IR type, then press
OK/Yes
.
OK/Yes
. Press
2. Using your IR device, select the file you want to print. See your device’s documentation if
you need more information on selecting files.
3. Aim your device’s IR port toward the IR port on the printer and send
the file.
4. The printer’s LCD displays
Connecting
when it starts communicating with the device.
Continue to keep the device aimed at the printer’s infrared port while the printer is
receiving the file (
Receiving
). When the file begins printing (
device away.
. Press
Tools
Tools
Print a photo 1. Set the printer to receive a photo: press
default IR type, then press OK/Yes
Yes
.
4 x 6 photo
paper
Note:
If you want to print the photo on 4 x 6 photo paper, engage the photo tray. If
you want to print the photo on standard-size paper, disengage the photo tray.
See “Loading paper” on page 11 if you need more information.
2. Using your IR device, select the file you want to print. See your device’s documentation if
Standard
letter or A4
sized paper
you need more information on selecting files.
3. Aim your device’s IR port toward the IR port on the printer and send
the file.
4. The printer’s LCD displays
Connecting
when it starts communicating with the device.
Continue to keep the device aimed at the printer’s infrared port while the printer is
receiving the file (
Receiving
). When the file begins printing (
device away.
Tools
until the LCD asks if you want to select
Tools
again to select
Document
Printing
, then press
) you can move the
until the LCD asks if you want to select the
again to select
Printing
Photo
, then press
) you can move the
OK/
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
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Chapter 4 Printing from a computer
Your HP PhotoSmart 1215/1218 printer allows you to print documents and projects
(such as photo album pages, greeting cards, iron-on transfers or newsletters) from a
Windows PC or Macintosh.
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Printing from your Windows PC
To print from your Windows PC:
File
1. From your software application’s
Your software application’s Print dialog box displays.
menu, select
Print
.
Note:
The Print dialog box is different for each software
application.
2. Select the print settings:
• Make sure the
HP PhotoSmart 1215 o r 1218 S e r i e s
printer is
the selected printer.
• Select the pages you want to print.
• Select the number of copies.
Note:
Where you find these selections depends on the software
application you are using. You may need to click a
Setup
button.
3. Click
Properties
.
The HP PhotoSmart printer Properties dialog box displays.
4. Select the Properties as appropriate for your project (see “Selecting the printer
Properties” on page 41).
5. Click
OK
to begin printing.
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Printing from your Windows PC
Selecting the printer Properties
Use the printer Properties to create customized high-quality prints.
Note:
Each tab in the printer Properties contains a
Factory Settings
button. Click this button to return all of the settings on the tab to
the factory defaults.
Setup
– Use the Setup tab to change page settings such as paper type,
paper size and print quality.
Features
– Use the Features tab to specify settings such as paper
orientation, automatic or manual two-sided printing, the printing sequence
and the number of copies to print.
Advanced
Services
– Use the Advanced tab to adjust settings such as color.
– Use the Services tab to open the printer’s Toolbox.
Using the HP PhotoSmart Taskbar icon
If you are using Windows, you can use the HP PhotoSmart Taskbar icon to
determine the status of the printer, such as print cartridge status, and to
adjust print settings, such as default print quality and automatic two-sided
printing. The HP PhotoSmart Taskbar icon appears at the end of the Windows taskbar.
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
To... Follow these steps...
Use the Warning Message
Indicator
Determine the number of
pending warning messages
The outline color of the HP PhotoSmart Taskbar icon indicates whether or not there are print
cartridge warning messages.
When the icon is:
Outlined in yellow and blinking
•
– The print cartridge warning messages need to be
checked.
Outlined in yellow and not blinking
•
– Previously checked print cartridge warning
messages are pending. Once the warning issues are resolved, the icon outline
disappears.
• Position the pointer over the HP PhotoSmart Taskbar icon.
A text box displays the name of your printer and indicates if any warning messages are
pending. To view the warning messages see “Display print cartridge warning messages”
on page 44.
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Page 49
To... Follow these steps...
Printing from your Windows PC
Open the default print
settings dialog box
1. Open the Default Print Settings dialog box.
• Click the HP PhotoSmart Taskbar icon.
OR
• Right-click the HP PhotoSmart Taskbar icon, then select
Settings
.
The Default Print Settings dialog box displays. You can use
this dialog to change the default print quality and to turn on
Automatic Two-Sided Printing. If you need more information
on automatic two-sided printing see “Two-sided printing” on
page 54.
2. Select from the available options.
3. When you have finished, click anywhere outside the dialog
box.
A message indicates this feature allows you to
change the print settings used every time you
print.
Note:
If you do not want to see this message
in the future, click
this message again
Don’t show me
. If you want to
display it in the future, open the
Toolbox, then from the Configuration
tab, select
Confirmation
Display Printer Settings
.
Change Default Print
4. Click OK
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
To... Follow these steps...
Display print cartridge
warning messages
Open the printer Properties
dialog box
1. Click the HP PhotoSmart Taskbar icon to open the Default Print Settings dialog box.
2. At the bottom of the dialog box, click the
Information
button.
Warning
The HP PhotoSmart Toolbox displays. The Warning
Information tab displays any warning messages for your
printer.
3. When you have finished viewing the messages, click the
Close
button in the top-right corner of the Toolbox.
1. Double-click the HP PhotoSmart Taskbar icon.
The printer Properties dialog box displays.
2. When finished with the dialog box, click
OK
.
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Page 51
To... Follow these steps...
Printing from your Windows PC
Access the printer settings
using the Taskbar icon
shortcuts
1. Right-click the HP PhotoSmart Taskbar icon.
The shortcut menu displays the names of most installed
printers. A check mark appears next to the selected
printer.
2. If you want to use a different printer, select the printer
from the menu.
3. Choose one of the following:
•
Change Default Print Settings
Open Toolbox
•
to display the HP PhotoSmart Toolbox. If you need more information
to display the Default Print Settings dialog box.
about the Toolbox, see “Using the HP PhotoSmart Toolbox (Windows PC)” on page
67.
Exit
•
to remove the HP PhotoSmart Taskbar icon from the Windows taskbar.
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Using the HP Photo Printing software
If you have the HP Photo Printing software (Windows PC only) you can use the following
information to get started. If you need more information, see the online help. To view the
online help: from the
one of the three tabs,
Help
menu, choose
Contents, Index
To... Follow these steps...
Contents and Index
Find
or
.
, then choose a topic from
Start the software 1. From the Windows
Programs, HP PhotoSmart, Photo Printing
HP Photo Printing
Start
menu select
. This displays the photo
,
printing software window. The following
options are available:
•
Open Files
– Select files from your
computer’s hard disk or the memory card
(in the printer’s card slot).
Acquire Images
•
– Use images from your
digital camera or scanner.
Prints
•
– Select templates to print
standard sized photos.
Album
•
– Select templates to create
album pages with different sized photos.
Print
•
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– Print images to your printer.
Page 53
To... Follow these steps...
Create an album page You can create and print album pages by selecting one or more
images and displaying them in different sizes and orientations.
1. Start the HP Photo Printing software.
2. Open files or acquire images to use in your album page. To open
files:
•Click
Open Files
, select a photo, and click
Open
.
The images you select appear in the gallery (left side of the
window). To select additional images, repeat these steps.
3. Create an album page:
Album
•Click
.
• Select the layout, paper size and orientation of
your page.
OK
•Click
.
4. Place the images on the album page:
• Click on an image in the gallery.
• Drag the image into position on the album page.
Printing from your Windows PC
5. Adjust the images as needed:
• Double-click the image in the album page.
• In the Image Adjustments window, adjust the Exposure, Color, Rotation, Scaling and
Sharpness. See “Adjusting your images” on page 49 for details.
Accept
•Click
6. Click Print
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.
to print the album page.
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
To... Follow these steps...
Make reprints of your
photos
You can make reprints of your photos in standard sizes, ranging from 8 x 10 inch to passport
size.
1. Start the HP Photo Printing software.
2. Open files or acquire images.
3. Create reprints:
Prints
•Click
.
• Select the layout and paper size of your
page.
OK
•Click
.
The template appears in the print preview
section of the window.
4. Place the images on the page by dragging them
from the gallery to the reprints page.
5. Adjust the images as needed.
6. Click
Print
to print the reprints page.
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Adjusting your images
Printing from your Windows PC
As you are working with your images, in either the gallery or a
template, you can adjust the quality of your images.
First, select the image in the gallery or in the album or reprints page.
• To adjust the image in the gallery, click on the tools at the corners
of the image.
• To adjust the image in the album or reprints page, double-click the
image.
To... Follow these steps...
Adjust the exposure 1. Click
Exposure
.
2. Drag the buttons on the Highlights, Midtones, and Shadows controls to adjust the lightness
and darkness of the image.
Adjust the color 1. Click
Color
.
2. Click on the Color control to adjust the mix of colors in the image.
3. Drag the button on the Saturation control to adjust the amount of color in the image.
Rotate your image 1. Click
Rotation
.
2. Click on the Counterclockwise, Flip, and Clockwise controls to adjust the orientation of the
image.
Adjust image
Rotate right
Delete
Rotate left
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
To... Follow these steps...
Scale your image 1. Click
Scaling
.
2. Click on the arrow to select the scaling percentage.
OR
Type in the width and height in pixels to customize the scaling.
Adjust the sharpness 1. Click
Sharpness
.
2. Drag the button on the Sharpness control to sharpen or soften the image.
• Close each dialog when you have finished adjusting the image.
Accept
•Click
to save the changes.
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Page 57
Printing from your Macintosh
You can print documents from a software application or directly from the desktop.
To... Follow these steps...
Printing from your Macintosh
Print from a software
application
1. From your software’s
Attributes
.
File
2. From your software’s File
menu, select
menu, select
Page Setup
Print
.
, then select the appropriate
The Print dialog box displays.
3. Select the General
print settings:
• Select the pages you want to print.
• Select the number of copies.
4. Select the print settings appropriate for your project:
• Click the drop-down menu to select the settings you want to change.
Print
5. When you have finished selecting the settings, click
.
Page
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To... Follow these steps...
Print from the desktop 1. Select the document or documents you want to print.
2. Drag the document icons to the HP PhotoSmart printer icon on the desktop.
The Print dialog displays.
3. Select the
General
print settings:
• Select the pages you want to print.
• Select the number of copies.
4. Select the specific print settings appropriate for your project:
• Click the drop-down menu to select the settings you want to change.
Print
5. When you have finished selecting the settings, click
.
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Using the Print dialog box
Use the Print dialog box to create customized high-quality prints.
General
copies to print and the printing sequence.
– Use the General panel to specify settings such as the number of
Printing from your Macintosh
Paper Type/Quality
– Use the Paper Type/Quality panel to change page
settings such as paper type, paper size, and print quality. You can also
adjust the ink density and dry time.
Layout
– Use the Layout panel to specify the number of pages printed on
each piece of paper, or to specify the number of pieces of paper used to
print a poster. You also use this panel to set up the HP PhotoSmart
software for two-sided printing.
Color
– Use the Color panel to specify the Image settings (HP Color
Matching, ColorSync, Grayscale, or Black & White). You can also adjust
the Saturation, Brightness and Color Tone settings or optimize printing for
photocopying or faxing.
Background Printing
– Use the Background Printing panel to specify if
you want to continue working while printing.
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Two-sided printing
When you are printing from your computer and you want to print on both sides of a
sheet of paper, use two-sided printing. If you are using the Two-Sided Printing Module,
you can set up your computer to automatically print on the second side of a piece of
paper. For a list of supported paper types, visit the Web at
If you are not using the Two-Sided Printing Module, you can print on the second side of
a piece paper manually. See “Manually reloading paper to print the second side” on
page 60” for details.
Note:
For information on how to print two-sided documents from a Windows PC, see “Twosided printing from your Windows PC” on page 55.
For information on how to print two-sided documents from a Macintosh, see “Two-sided
printing from your Macintosh” on page 58.
The Two-Sided Printing Module is an optional accessory for model 1215. It is
included with model 1218. For ordering information, visit the Web at
www.hpshopping.com
.
www.hp.com/photosmart
Using the Two-Sided Printing Module (optional)
The Two-Sided Printing Module enables the printer to automatically print
on the second side of a piece of paper when you are printing from your
computer. Automatic two-sided printing requires three steps:
1. Install the Two-Sided Printing Module. If you need more information,
see “Installing the Two-Sided Printing Module (optional)” on page 8.
.
2. Set up the HP PhotoSmart printer software. See below for details.
3. When you print, select
settings.
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Automatic Two-Sided Printing
in the print
Page 61
Two-sided printing from your Windows PC
Setting up the HP PhotoSmart printer software for two-sided printing
Before you use the Two-Sided Printing Module for the first time, you need to set up the
printer software for automatic two-sided printing.
Two-sided printing
Note:
You only need to set up the printer software once.
To set up the HP PhotoSmart printer software:
Start
1. Open the HP PhotoSmart printer Toolbox: from the Windows
Programs, HP PhotoSmart, 1215/1218
Toolbox
2. Select the
.
Configuration
tab.
3. Make sure Automatic Two-Sided Printing Module
4. Close the Toolbox window: click the X
in the upper right corner of the window.
HP P h o t o S m a r t 1215/1218 Series
, then
is selected, then click
menu, choose
Automatic two-sided printing
1. Load paper in the paper tray. See “Loading paper” on page 11 for details.
2. From your software application’s File
menu, choose
Your software application’s Print dialog box displays.
Note:
The Print dialog box is different for each software application.
3. Select the print settings:
• Make sure the HP PhotoSmart 1215/1218 Series is the selected printer.
• Select the pages you want to print.
• Select the number of copies you want to print.
Print
.
Apply
.
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Where you find these settings depends on the software application you are using.
Setup
You may need to click a
4. Click the
Properties
button.
button.
The printer Properties dialog box displays.
5. Select the
6. Select the
choose
Setup
tab and select the print quality, paper type and paper size.
Features
Two-Sided Printing
tab, choose the paper orientation (
Portrait
Landscape
or
), then
.
The HP PhotoSmart 1215/1218 printer software may have to increase the margin
at the top of the page when automatically printing on both sides of a sheet of
paper. This results in adding more pages to your document or reducing the size of
content to fit. If you print the second side by manually feeding the paper back into
the printer, rather than using the Automatic Two-Sided Printing Module, the top
margin will remain as you orignally set it in the document.
7. When the printer software asks you how to set the margins for the paper, select one
of the following, then click
• Reduce content size to fit smaller area
OK
.
if do not want additional pages
added to your document.
OR
Do not reduce content size
•
if you do not mind additional pages added to
your document.
8. Select a binding option:
Book
•
– if you want to bind your document on the left (like a book).
OR
• Tablet
9. S el ec t Automatic
– if you want to bind your document along the top (like a calendar).
to turn on automatic two-sided printing.
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Page 63
10. If your document contains a lot of color, you may want to increase the dry time for
the first side of the page.
• Select the
Advanced
tab.
Two-sided printing
•In the Extra Dry Time
area, click and drag the slider to the right to increase
the dry time. Click and drag the slider to the left to decrease the dry time.
OK
11. Click
to close the Properties dialog box, then click OK again to begin printing
your document.
After printing the first side of the page, the printer holds the paper in the output tray
while the ink dries. When the ink is dry, the Two-Sided Printing Module pulls the
paper back into the printer, and begins printing the second side of the page. When
the printer finishes printing both sides of the page, it releases the page in the output
tray.
Note:
You can click OK to close the Dry Time Pause dialog box or it will
automatically close for you.
Manually reloading paper to print the second side
1. Follow steps 1–9 of “Automatic two-sided printing” above.
2. Make sure Automatic
3. Click OK
to close the Properties dialog box, then click OK again to begin printing
your document.
4. When the first side of your document finishes printing, remove the paper from the
output tray.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen to determine how to place the paper back into
the paper tray.
6. On your computer screen, click Continue
is deselected.
.
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Two-sided printing from your Macintosh
Setting up the HP PhotoSmart printer software for two-sided printing
Before you use the Two-Sided Printing Module for the first time, you need to set up the
printer software for automatic two-sided printing.
Note:
You only need to set up the printer software once.
To set up the HP PhotoSmart printer software:
Apple
1. From the
menu, select
2. In the left side of the Chooser window, select the HP PhotoSmart
3. In the right side of the Chooser
4. In the
5. Click OK
Duplex Unit
, then close the
field, select
Chooser
window, click
Chooser
.
Installed
.
icon.
Setup
.
.
Automatic two-sided printing
1. Load paper in the paper tray. See “Loading paper” on page 11 for details.
2. From your software’s
File
menu, choose
The Print dialog box displays.
3. Select the
General
print settings:
• Select the number of copies you want to print.
• Select the pages you want to print.
• Select the print order.
4. Click the drop down menu to select the
Print
.
Layout
settings you want.
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Page 65
Two-sided printing
5. Select
Print Both Sides
.
The HP PhotoSmart 1215/1218 printer software may have to increase the margin
at the top of the page when automatically printing on both sides of a sheet of
paper. This results in adding more pages to your document or reducing the size of
content to fit.
To print the page with the top margin the same on each side, you can:
• Print the second side by manually feeding the paper back into the printer,
rather than using the Automatic Two-Sided Printing Module.
OR
• Select Two-sided safe margin in the Page Setup dialog.
6. Select a binding option:
•
Book
– if you want to bind your document on the left (like a book).
OR
•
Tablet
– if you want to bind your document along the top (like a calendar).
7. S e l e c t
8. Click OK
Automatic
.
to turn on the automatic two-sided printing.
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Manually reloading paper to print the second side
1. Click the drop down menu to select
2. Select Print Both Sides
.
Layout
.
3. Select a binding option:
• Book
– if you want to bind your document on the left (like a book).
OR
•
Tablet
– if you want to bind your document along the top (like a calendar).
4. Select
5. Click OK
Manual
.
.
6. When the first side of your document finishes printing, remove the paper from the
output tray.
7. Follow the instructions on the screen to determine how to place the paper into the
paper tray.
8. On your computer screen, click
Continue
.
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Chapter 5 Saving photos
Your printer allows you to save directly from a memory card to your computer.
Saving from a memory card
Saving directly from a memory card is as easy as: inserting
the memory card into the printer, choosing the photos you
want to save, and pressing
For more information on inserting the memory card, see
“Inserting a memory card” on page 24.
For more information on:
• Deciding which photos to save, see “Deciding which
photos to print” on page 30.
• Choosing the photos on the printer’s front panel,
see“Choosing photos on the printer’s front panel” on
page 32.
Save
.
Choose Photos button
Save button
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Saving photos from a memory card to your Windows PC
You can save photos directly from your memory card to your Windows PC. You can
use the
Computer
HP PhotoSmart Save Utility
or you can use
to drag and drop files from the memory card to a location on your
computer’s hard drive.
To save photos from a memory card:
1. Choose the photos you want to save. If you need more information, see
“Choosing photos on the printer’s front panel” on page 32.
Note:
If you selected to save
ALL PHOTOS
all files on the memory card, including non-photo files (such as audio
files).
2. On the printer front panel, press Save
.
A new sub-folder is automatically created using the current date and time for its
name. This sub-folder is located in
Note:
If you are using Windows 2000 the sub-folder is located in
C:\Documents and Settings\<your username>\My Documents\My
Pictures
.
C:\My Documents\My Pictures
Windows Explorer
or
My
, the printer will automatically save
.
Save button
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Page 69
3. If you want to save your photos in a different location:
• Click and select the location.
Saving photos from a memory card to your Windows PC
•De-select
In new sub-folder
if you do not want to create a sub-folder.
If you leave this option selected, a new folder will be created within
the folder you chose in the
4. Click Start
Note:
.
If you do not make any selections within one minute, the Save
Save my photos to
field.
dialog box automatically closes and the photos are saved to the
specified location.
To save non-photo files:
• If you want to save all files, including non-photo files (such as audio files),
from a memory card using the front panel, choose
ALL PHOTOS
when you
are selecting the photos you want to save. The non-photo files are
automatically saved along with the photo files. If you need more
information on how to select photos using the front panel, see “Choosing
photos on the printer’s front panel” on page 32.
• If you only want to save specific files (such as one photo and one nonphoto file), access the memory card directly using
My Computer
.
Windows Explorer
or
Click here to
save your photos
in a different
folder on your
computer’s hard
drive
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Saving photos from a memory card to your Macintosh
You can save photos directly from a memory card to your Macintosh. You can use the
HP PhotoSmart Photo Saver
or you can use
memory card to a location on your computer’s hard drive.
To save photos from a memory card:
1. Choose the photos you want to save. If you need more information, see
“Choosing photos on the printer’s front panel” on page 32.
Note:
If you selected to save
ALL PHOTOS
photo files on the memory card. Supported photo formats include the
following extensions—jpg, jpe, tif, mpg, and avi. If you want to save all
the files saved on the memory card, access the memory card directly
from the desktop.
2. On the printer front panel, press Save
A new sub-folder is automatically created using the current date and time
for its name. This sub-folder is located on the hard disk in
Documents\Photos
.
3. If you want to save your photos in a different location:
• Enter a new name for the sub-folder.
•De-select
Create new sub-folder
folder.
Start
4. Click
.
Finder
to drag and drop files from the
, you will automatically save all
.
if you do not want to create a sub-
Save button
Note:
If you do not make any selections within one minute, the Save
dialog box automatically closes and the photos are saved to the
specified location.
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To save non-photo files:
• If you want to save all files, including non-photo files (such as audio files), from a
memory card using the front panel, choose
ALL PHOTOS
when you are selecting
the photos you want to save. The non-photo files are automatically saved along with
the photo files. If you need more information on how to select photos using the front
panel, see “Choosing photos on the printer’s front panel” on page 32.
• If you only want to save specific files (such as one photo and one non-photo file),
access the memory card directly from the desktop.
Saving photos from a memory card to your Macintosh
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Page 73
Chapter 6 Care and maintenance
The printer requires very little maintenance. You can use the HP PhotoSmart
1215/1218 Toolbox to help take care of your printer. Be sure to keep the print
cartridges fresh (don’t let them sit unused for long periods of time) and keep the
printer clean and in good condition.
Using the HP PhotoSmart Toolbox (Windows PC)
Use the HP PhotoSmart Toolbox to calibrate and clean your printer, and to print a
test page. How you open the Toolbox depends on the type of computer system
you are using.
Use the Toolbox to:
•
Open the User’s Guide
this guide.
Calibrate the printer
•
• Clean the print cartridges
printout.
Print a test page
•
printer can receive data and print from the computer correctly.
Print a diagnostic page
•
to see a portable document format (PDF) version of
to align the print cartridges.
when lines and dots are missing from your
to check for clarity after cleaning or to verify that the
to show how the print cartridge nozzles are working.
Note:
Calibrate the photo tray
•
• View estimated print cartridge ink levels
Adjust the printer’s configuration
•
www.hp.com/photosmart 67
It is only necessary to print a diagnostic page if HP Customer Care asks
you to.
to correctly position your photos.
.
.
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
To... Follow these steps...
Open the Toolbox using a
Windows PC
•From the Windows
PhotoSmart 1215/1218 Series Toolbox
Start
menu, select
OR
• From the printer
Toolbox
.
Properties
, select the
Programs, HP PhotoSmart 1215/1218 Series, HP
.
Services
tab, then click
Open the HP PhotoSmart
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Page 75
Using the HP PhotoSmart Utility (Macintosh)
Use the HP PhotoSmart Utility to calibrate and clean your printer, and to
print a test page. Open the Utility from the Utilities folder on your hard
drive.
Use the Utility to:
•
Select the printer
• Print a WOW!
Check the ink level
•
• Print a test page
printer can receive data and print from the computer correctly.
Clean the print cartridges
•
print out.
Calibrate the printer
•
• Find technical support
To... Follow these steps...
.
sample page to see the printer’s photo print quality.
of the print cartridges.
to check for clarity after cleaning or to verify that the
when lines and dots are missing from your
to align the print cartridges.
via links to HP Customer Care.
Using the HP PhotoSmart Utility (Macintosh)
Open the Utility using a
Macintosh
www.hp.com/photosmart 69
• From the computer’s hard drive, open the
Utility
.
Utilities
folder, then select
HP PhotoSmart
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Cleaning the printer
Materials you will need
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
• Cotton swabs or any soft material that will not leave fibers.
• Distilled, filtered, or bottled water.
• Paper to set the print cartridges on while you are cleaning.
Cleaning the print cartridges
If you notice white lines or single-color streaks on your prints, the print cartridges may
need to be cleaned.
Note:
To clean the print cartridges using the front panel:
1. Make sure plain paper is loaded in the paper tray. If you need more information,
2. On the printer front panel, press
3. When the LCD asks you to load plain paper, press OK/Yes
70 www.hp.com/photosmart
You can also clean the print cartridges using the HP PhotoSmart Toolbox
(Windows PC) or the HP PhotoSmart Utility (Macintosh). If you need more
information, see “Using the HP PhotoSmart Toolbox (Windows PC)” on page
67 or “Using the HP PhotoSmart Utility (Macintosh)” on page 69.
see “Loading paper” on page 11.
Tools
until the LCD asks if you want to clean the
print cartridges, then press OK/Yes
The printer begins cleaning the print cartridges and the Power light begins blinking.
When the printer has finished cleaning the print cartridges, it stops making noises
AND the Power light stops blinking. The printer then begins printing a test page. If
the test page has white streaks or missing colors, we suggest cleaning the print
cartridges manually.
.
.
Page 77
To clean the print cartridges manually:
1. Remove the print cartridges. If you need more information, see
“Replacing or installing print cartridges” on page 9.
Cleaning the printer
Note:
To keep the ink from drying out, make sure you replace the
print cartridges in the printer within thirty minutes.
2. Grasp one of the print cartridges by the top.
Note:
Be careful not to get ink on your hands or clothing.
3. Dip a clean cotton swab into distilled water and squeeze any excess
water from the swab.
4. Clean the face and edges of the print cartridge.
DO NOT
wipe the
nozzle plate (this could damage the cartridge).
5. Replace the print cartridge in the print cartridge holder. If you need
more information, see “Replacing or installing print cartridges” on
page 9.
6. Repeat these steps to clean the other print cartridge.
Note:
If you need more information about the print cartridges, see the
documentation that comes with the cartridges.
Don’t touch here.
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Cleaning the print cartridge cradle
If you notice vertical streaks or lines on your prints, the print cartridge cradles may need
to be cleaned.
Note:
To clean the print cartridge cradles:
1. Remove the print cartridges. If you need more information, see “Replacing or
2. Place the print cartridges (wide-side down) on a piece of paper to prevent staining
3. On the printer’s front panel, press
4. Unplug
5. Position yourself so you can see the underside of the print cartridge holder.
6. Using clean, lightly moistened cotton swabs, gently wipe the underside of the print
7. Replace the print cartridges in the print cartridge cradle. If you need more
Be careful not to get ink on your hands or clothing.
installing print cartridges” on page 9.
Note:
any surfaces. Be careful not to touch or cover the print cartridge nozzles (on the
bottom of the cartridge).
cartridge cradle where paper fibers, dust, and ink may collect and come in contact
with the paper. Repeat this process until you no longer see any ink residue on a
clean cotton swab.
information, see “Replacing or installing print cartridges” on page 9.
To keep the ink from drying out, make sure you replace the print
cartridges in the printer within thirty minutes.
Power
to turn the printer power OFF.
the power cord from the back of the printer.
Cleaning the outside of the printer
• To clean the outside of the printer, use a cloth that has been lightly moistened with
water. Do not use any other type of cleaner, as cleansers may damage the printer’s
finish.
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Page 79
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting
The printer is designed to be reliable and easy to use. The following pages offer tips and
advice for addressing frequently asked questions. Before you begin, make sure:
• All the cable connections between your printer and computer are secure.
• You are using the correct cable for your operating system—a parallel or a USB
cable. If you need more information about using the correct cable, see the
Appendix.
Find answers to your questions quickly on the following pages:
• The printer software will not install.
• The printer is very slow.
See “Hardware solutions” on page 77
• My photos are not printing correctly.
• Automatic two-sided printing is not available.
solutions” on page 94
.
See “Software solutions” on page 74
.
See “Printing solutions” on page 83
See “Automatic two-sided printing
• The printer cannot establish communication with the other infrared device.
“Infrared (IR) solutions” on page 97
• There is an error message on the printer’s LCD.
99
.
.
See “Error messages” on page
.
.
See
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Software solutions
Problem Possible cause Solution
I inserted the printer
software CD, but the
computer could not read it.
The software did not install
correctly.
OR
You need to uninstall the
printer software for any
reason.
(continued next page)
The CD was not properly
installed.
The CD player may be
damaged.
The CD may be damaged.
There may be a conflict
with your virus protection
program.
There may be a conflict
with another software
program.
There may be a conflict
with a peripheral device
connected to the printer.
1. Reinsert the CD and try again.
2. Try inserting a CD that you know works. If that CD does not
work, you may need to service your CD player.
3. If other CDs work but the printer software CD does not, you may
have a damaged CD. You can download the printer software
from the HP Web site or call the software distribution center. See
the inside back cover of this guide for contact information.
Windows PC
Remove the printer software and then reinstall it.
• Insert the printer software CD into the computer.
•Click
Remove HP PhotoSmart 1215/1218 Series software
.
• Follow the instructions on your computer screen to uninstall the
software.
OFF
• When the uninstall is completed, turn the computer
ON
again.
and then
• Reinstall the software. See the separate software installation
instructions.
If you are still having problems with the software installation, see the
inside back cover of this guide for HP Customer Care contact
information.
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Page 81
Problem Possible cause Solution
Troubleshooting
The software did not install
correctly.
OR
You need to uninstall the
printer software for any
reason.
There may be a conflict
with your virus protection
program.
There may be a conflict
with another software
program.
There may be a conflict
with a peripheral device
connected to the printer.
Macintosh
1. Uninstall your printer software. Insert the printer software CD into
your computer, select
Uninstall
from the Installer, then follow the
instructions on your computer screen.
2. Close any active virus protection programs.
3. Exit all software programs.
4. Reinstall the printer software.
If you are still having problems with the software installation, see the
inside back cover of this guide for HP Customer Care contact
information.
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Problem Possible cause Solution
The binding margin
appears in the wrong
place.
Automatic
is set as the
paper type, but the printer
does not use the optimal
print mode.
You may not have chosen
the correct paper
orientation.
The paper may be marked,
scratched, or wrinkled.
The paper may be
letterhead or stationery with
a preprinted pattern at the
top edge.
The paper may be dark in
color or contain metallic
fibers.
Windows PC
• Make sure you have chosen the correct paper orientation for
Two-Sided Printing, either
Book
or
Tablet
, on the
Features
tab
of Printer Properties.
Macintosh
• Make sure you have chosen the correct Binding
Layout
panel in the Print dialog.
option on the
The printer may detect this type of media as Plain Paper.
PC
• Select the appropriate paper type on the
Properties
.
Setup
tab of
Printer
Macintosh
• Select the appropriate paper type on the
Print
panel of the
dialog.
Paper Type/Quality
If the paper is damaged in any way, the sensor may not detect paper
type and size accurately. Make sure the paper is clear and free of
scratches or wrinkles.
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Page 83
Hardware solutions
Problem Possible cause Solution
Troubleshooting
My printer is connected
with a USB cable through
another USB device or a
hub and when I try to print I
get a message saying
“There was an error writing
to <name of USB port>.”
I've connected my printer
using a USB cable, and
when I try to print I get a
message saying “There was
an error writing to Dot4.”
(Windows PC only)
Your printer may not be
getting good data from the
other device or hub.
Two-way communication
between the printer and the
computer was interrupted
by another device attached
to the hub.
You may not have plugged
your USB cable in before
installing the software.
• Connect the printer directly to the USB port on the computer.
• Try disconnecting other USB devices from the hub and print
your document again.
1. Disconnect the USB cable from your printer and your computer.
2. Remove the printer software and then reinstall it.
• Insert the printer software CD into the computer.
•Click
Remove HP PhotoSmart 1215/1218 Series
software
.
• Follow the instructions on your computer screen to uninstall
the software.
3. Reconnect the USB cable to your printer and your computer. The
USB installation dialog should appear on your computer screen.
4. Reinstall the printer software. See the separate software
installation instructions.
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Problem Possible cause Solution
When I connect a USB
cable between the printer
and my computer, the
“New Hardware Wizard”
message does not appear.
(Windows PC only)
You may not be using
Windows 98, 2000, or
Me.
Your USB cable may not be
working or may not be
connected properly.
You may not have USB
enabled.
Make sure your computer’s operating system is Windows 98, 2000,
or Me and that your computer is connected using a USB cable. If you
do not have Windows 98, 2000, or Me, you need to use a parallel
cable.
1. Disconnect and then reconnect the USB cable from your printer.
2. Make sure the cable is securely attached both to the computer
and to the printer.
3. If you are still having problems, try using another USB cable.
1. In Windows 98, 2000, or Me, click
Panel
.
System
2. Double-click the
3. Click the Device Manager
4. Click the (+
) icon next to the Universal Serial Bus Controller
icon.
tab.
Start, Settings, Control
option. If you see a USB host controller and a USB root hub
listed, USB is probably enabled. If you do not see these devices
listed, refer to your computer’s documentation or contact the
manufacturer for more information on enabling and setting up
USB.
If you cannot enable USB, you can always use a parallel cable to
connect your printer to your computer.
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Page 85
Problem Possible cause Solution
Troubleshooting
When I connected a USB
cable between the printer
and my computer, the
“New Hardware Wizard”
message appeared once,
but the printer did not
install. Now the “New
Hardware Wizard” will not
appear again.
(Windows PC only)
When I connect a USB
cable between the printer
and my computer, an
“Unknown device”
message appears.
(Windows PC only)
Installation was not
completed, it was canceled,
or there was an error.
Static electricity has built up
in the cable between your
computer and printer.
You may have a defective
USB cable.
The software could not
identify the new printer; the
printer-USB connection may
be defective.
1. Disconnect the printer from your computer and then reconnect it.
• Unplug the USB cable, then plug it back in.
2. Remove the printer software and then reinstall it.
• Insert the printer software CD into the computer.
•Click
Remove HP PhotoSmart 1215/1218 Series
software
.
• Follow the instructions on your computer screen to uninstall
the software.
OFF
• When the uninstall is completed, turn the computer
ON
then
again.
and
• Reinstall the software. See the separate software installation
instructions.
1. Disconnect the USB cable from your printer.
2. Disconnect the power cable from the printer.
3. Wait approximately 30 seconds.
4. Plug the power cable back into the printer.
5. Plug the USB cable back into the printer.
6. If “Unknown device” continues to appear in the “New hardware
found” dialog, check the Web for updates or contact HP
Customer Care. See the back cover for contact information.
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Problem Possible cause Solution
The printing is very slow.
(continued next page)
Your computer may have
less than the recommended
system requirements.
Too many software
programs may be running
at the same time.
You may be using outdated
printer software.
You may be printing a
complex document
containing graphics or
photographs.
Check the amount of RAM (memory) and Processor speed in your
computer. See the Appendix for system requirements.
Close all unnecessary software programs.
Check the printer driver you are using. Check HP’s Web site for the
most recent software updates. See the inside back cover of this guide
for a list of Web site addresses.
• Free up some space on your hard drive. Having less than
100MB of free space of your computer’s hard drive can mean
longer processing time.
• Be patient. Large, complex documents containing graphics or
photographs print slower than text documents.
80 www.hp.com/photosmart
Page 87
Problem Possible cause Solution
Troubleshooting
The printing is very slow. You may have chosen
2400 x 1200
dpi.
You may be trying to print a
photo.
You may be using a USB
cable and other USB
devices are in use.
The
Paper Type
may be set to
option
Automatic
Windows PC
• In Printer Properties, in
instead of
2400 x 1200
Photo Paper Printing
, select
dpi, then print your document again.
Macintosh
1. On the Paper Type/Quality
High Resolution Photo
of
.
panel, select
Best
2. Try printing again.
• Attach the printer’s USB cable directly to the computer rather
than to a hub (if one is being used).
• Avoid using other devices attached to the hub while printing.
When the paper type is set to Automatic
.
to determine the appropriate paper type. This may take a few
, the printer scans the paper
seconds. To avoid this, select a paper type.
PC
• Select the appropriate paper type on the
Properties
.
Setup
Macintosh
• Select the appropriate paper type on the
panel of the Print
dialog.
Paper Type/Quality
PhotoREt
quality instead
Printer
tab of
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Problem Possible cause Solution
The printer will not turn on. The printer may have
drawn too much power.
The power light is blinking. The printer may be
processing information.
The attention light is
The printer needs attention. Read the printer LCD for instructions.
blinking.
Paper falls to the floor after
printing.
The connection icon
appears in the
taskbar.
(Windows PC only)
The output tray extension
may not be pulled out.
There is a connection or
communication problem
between the printer and the
computer.
Disconnect the printer from the power cord for approximately 10
Power
seconds. Reconnect the power cord and press the
button to
turn on the printer.
Be patient. The printer needs some time to finish processing the
information.
Gently pull out the output tray extension. When your print job
finishes, push the output tray extension back into its storage slot.
Click the connection icon, then click
Connect
in the dialog. If there is
still a connection problem, check that the connection cable is securely
attached both to the computer and to the printer.
82 www.hp.com/photosmart
Page 89
Printing solutions
Problem Possible cause Solution
Troubleshooting
No page came out of the
printer.
(continued on next page)
The printer needs attention. Read the printer LCD for instructions.
Power may be off or there
may be a loose connection.
You may not have any
paper in the paper tray.
The printer’s top cover may
be open.
A problem may exist with
one of the print cartridges.
The printer may still be
processing information.
1. Make sure the power is on.
2. Make sure that all cable connections are secure.
Check that paper is placed in the paper tray correctly.
Close the printer’s top cover.
Replace the print cartridge.
See “The printing is very slow.” on page 80.
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Problem Possible cause Solution
No page came out of the
printer.
(continued on next page)
There may be a paper jam. 1. Check the printer’s LCD for any instructions.
2. Pull the paper out of either the paper tray or the output tray.
• If you were printing labels, make sure a label did not
become unglued from the label sheet while going through
the printer.
3. If the paper jam has cleared, print your document again.
If the paper jam has not cleared, try removing the rear access door.
1. Unplug the printer, open the rear access door by turning the
knob counter-clockwise, and remove the door.
2. Gently pull the jammed paper out of the printer, then replace the
rear access door.
3. Plug the printer back in and turn it on.
When you have cleared the paper jam, print your document again.
84 www.hp.com/photosmart
Page 91
Problem Possible cause Solution
Troubleshooting
No page came out of the
printer.
There may be a paper jam
in the Automatic Two-Sided
Printing Module.
There is a paper jam in the
back of the printer and the
Automatic Two-Sided
Printing Module is attached.
The rear access door or the
Automatic Two-Sided
Printing Module may be
missing.
1. Turn your printer off.
2. Press the button on top of the Automatic Two-Sided Printing
Module and lower the access door.
3. Gently pull the jammed paper out of the Module, then close the
access door.
4. Turn your printer back on.
5. Print your document again.
Note:
If you are still having problems, try removing the
Automatic Two-Sided Printing Module and reinstalling
the rear access door.
1. Turn your printer off.
2. Simultaneously press the release buttons, located on each side of
the Automatic Two-Sided Printing Module, to remove the
Module.
3. Gently pull the jammed paper out of the printer, then replace the
Module.
4. Turn your printer back on.
5. Print your document again.
1. Attach either the rear access door or the Automatic Two-Sided
Printing Module to the back of the printer.
2. Print your document again.
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Problem Possible cause Solution
A blank page came out of
the printer.
The document printed at an
angle or is off-center.
The document did not print
using the selected default
print settings.
You may be out of ink. Replace the print cartridge.
You may have forgotten to
remove the vinyl tape from
Make sure you have removed the protective piece of vinyl tape on
each of the print cartridges.
the print cartridge.
You may be trying to print a
fax.
You may have previously
begun a print job and then
cancelled it.
1. Save the fax in a graphic format, such as tiff.
2. Place it in a word processing document and print it from there.
If you cancel a print job before the file has printed, the printer may
have already loaded paper in preparation for printing. When you
start the next print job, the printer ejects the blank page before
continuing with the current job.
Paper may not be loaded
correctly.
The printer’s default print
1. Make sure the paper is correctly oriented in the paper tray.
2. Make sure the paper guides fit snugly against the paper.
Select the appropriate print settings within the application.
settings may be different
from the application’s print
settings. In this situation, the
application’s print settings
will be used.
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Page 93
Problem Possible cause Solution
Troubleshooting
Parts of the document are
missing or are in the wrong
place.
(continued on next page)
You may have selected the
wrong paper orientation.
You may have selected the
wrong paper size.
You may have selected the
wrong margins.
You may have accidentally
left
Poster Printing
on.
Windows PC
• Make sure you have selected the correct orientation (portrait or
landscape) on the
Features
tab of Printer Properties.
Macintosh
• Make sure you have selected the correct orientation (portrait or
landscape) on the Page Setup dialog.
Windows PC
• Make sure you have selected the correct paper size on the
Setup
tab of Printer Properties.
Macintosh
• Make sure you have selected the correct paper size in the Page
Setup dialog.
Make sure the margins are within the printable areas.
Windows PC
• Uncheck
Poster Printing
on the
Features
tab of Printer
Properties.
Macintosh
• Uncheck
Poster Printing
on the
Layout
panel in the Print
dialog.
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Problem Possible cause Solution
Parts of the document are
missing or are in the wrong
place.
Print quality is poor.
(continued on next page)
You may have incorrectly
scaled text or graphics.
You may be running out of
ink.
You may not be using the
best paper type.
You may be printing on the
wrong side of the paper.
Windows PC
• Make sure text or graphics are scaled correctly using
Fit
on the
Setup
tab.
Scale to
Macintosh
• Make sure text and graphics are scaled correctly in your
document.
Windows PC
• Check the print cartridge status in the
HP PhotoSmart Toolbox
Macintosh
• Check the print cartridge status in the
HP PhotoSmart Utility
If you are running out of ink, replace the print cartridge.
• Make sure you are using a paper type intended for the printer.
• Choose paper that is specifically designed for the output
(photographs, for example) rather than plain paper.
Make sure the paper is loaded
print side down
.
.
.
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Page 95
Problem Possible cause Solution
Troubleshooting
Print quality is poor.
(continued on next page)
You may not have selected
the correct paper type in
the printer software.
You may need to clean the
print cartridges.
Your print cartridges may
be out of alignment.
You may be printing in
Draft
mode.
Windows PC
• Make sure you have selected the correct paper type on the
Setup
tab of Printer Properties.
Macintosh
• Make sure you have selected the correct paper type on the
Paper Type/Quality
panel.
See “Cleaning the print cartridges” on page 70.
Windows PC
• If the color and black ink are not lining up on the printed page,
go to the
Printer Services
and click Calibrate the Printer
tab of the
.
HP PhotoSmart Toolbox
Macintosh
• If the color and black ink are not lining up on the printed page,
go to the
Align
.
Calibrate
tab of the
HP PhotoSmart Utility
and click
Windows PC
•Click
Normal
or
Best
instead of
Draft
on the
Setup
tab.
Macintosh
• If printing appears faded or dull, click
of
Draft
Paper Type/Quality
on the
Normal
panel.
or
Best
instead
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Problem Possible cause Solution
Print quality is poor. If you have smearing, you
may be using too much ink.
Windows PC
1. Click
Normal
2. Reduce the amount of ink by going to the Advanced
using the
3. Increase the dry time by going to the Advanced
Dry Time
the
Draft
or
Ink Volume
slider.
instead of
slider.
Best
on the
Setup
tab.
tab and
tab and using
Macintosh
1. Click Normal
Quality
panel.
or
Draft
instead of
Best
on the
Paper Type/
2. Reduce the amount of ink. On the Paper Type/Quality
Ink
select the
3. Increase the dry time. On the Paper Type/Quality
Ink
the
tab. Use the sliders to adjust ink density.
panel, select
tab. Use the sliders to adjust dry time.
panel,
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Page 97
Problem Possible cause Solution
Troubleshooting
Photos are not printing
correctly.
(continued on next page)
You may not have inserted
the photo paper correctly.
The photo paper may not
be fully engaged.
You may not have selected
the appropriate paper type
or paper size.
Insert the photo paper
print side down
.
1. Insert the photo paper as far as it will go into the paper tray.
2. Make sure that the paper guides rest snugly against the photo
paper. See “Loading paper” on page 11 for more information.
Windows PC
1. Go to the
2. Select the appropriate HP Photo Paper as the
Setup
tab in the printer software.
Paper Type
. See
the paper’s packaging.
3. Select the photo paper’s size as the
Paper Size
.
Macintosh
1. From the Page Setup dialog, select Photo 4x6 in
mm (with tear-off tab)
as the paper size.
2. In the Print dialog, on the Paper Type/Quality
Premium Plus Photo Paper
3. Click Save Settings
.
Glossy
,
as the
102 x152
,
panel, select
Paper Type
.
4. Print your document.
HP
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Problem Possible cause Solution
Photos are not printing
correctly.
Banners are not printing
correctly.
(continued on next page)
You may not have selected
Best
print quality.
You may have forgotten to
raise the output tray.
You may have forgotten to
select
Banner
in the printer
software.
Windows PC
1. In the Printer Properties, select the Setup
2. Select Best
print quality.
Macintosh
1. In the Print dialog, select the
Best
2. Select
print quality.
Paper Type/Quality
Make sure that the output tray is up.
Windows PC
• Make sure that you have selected
Macintosh
• Make sure you selected the paper size
Banner
in the Page Setup dialog.
tab.
Banner
on the
U.S. Letter Banner
panel.
Setup
tab.
or
A4
92 www.hp.com/photosmart
Page 99
Problem Possible cause Solution
Troubleshooting
Banners are not printing
correctly.
The print quality is different
if the paper type is set to
Automatic
rather than the
specific paper type.
Automatic
is set as the
paper type, but when
preparing to print, the
printer ejects the paper.
You may have problems
with the banner paper.
When the paper type is set
Automatic
to
, the print
quality is automatically set
Normal
to
. When the
paper type is set to a
specific paper type, the
default print quality may be
different.
The printer may be placed
in direct sunlight,
overwhelming the
Automatic Paper-Type
Sensor.
• If several sheets feed into the printer together, unfold and refold
the paper.
• If the paper does not feed into the printer correctly, be sure that
the unattached edge of the banner paper stack is toward the
printer.
• If the paper creases going through the printer, the paper might
be unsuitable for banner printing.
PC
• Select the appropriate paper type on the
Properties
, then choose the desired print quality.
Setup
tab of
Printer
Macintosh
• Select the appropriate paper type on the
Print
panel of the
dialog, then choose the desired print quality.
Paper Type/Quality
Move the printer out of direct sunlight.
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hp photosmart 1215/1218 color printer user’s guide
Automatic two-sided printing solutions
Problem Possible cause Solution
Windows PC
In the Two-Sided Printing
section of the
Automatic
the
Features
option is
tab,
missing.
Macintosh
In the Layout panel, the
Automatic
option is
missing.
Windows PC
In the Two-Sided Printing
section of the
Features
tab,
you cannot select the
Automatic
option.
The Automatic Two-Sided
Printing Module is not
enabled in the Toolbox.
The Automatic Two-Sided
Printing Module is not
enabled in Chooser.
You may have selected an
unsupported paper type or
Setup
size on the
tab of
Printer Properties.
1. Go to the
2. Check Automatic Two-Sided Printing Module
Apply
3. Go to the Features
4. Select
5. Choose a content size option and click OK
6. Make sure Automatic
1. From the
2. Select the
side of the Chooser
3. In the
4. Click OK
On the
Configuration
tab of the HP PhotoSmart Toolbox.
and click
.
tab of the Printer Properties dialog.
Two-Sided Printing
.
.
is selected.
Apple
menu, select
HP PhotoSmart
Chooser
.
icon, and then click
Setup
window.
Duplex Unit
field, select
, then close the
Setup
tab in Printer Properties, make sure you have selected
Installed
Chooser
.
.
in the right
a paper type and size supported by the Automatic Two-Sided Printing
Module. See HP’s Web site for a list of supported paper types.
94 www.hp.com/photosmart
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