How to use less printer ink?
Ink cartridges are getting more and more expensive and unfortunately we still need them! Are you looking for tips to extend the life of ink cartridges?
Here are some handy tips and tricks I’ve found that will save printer ink at home.
1. Print only the necessary text and images
A first trick to save printer ink is to select and print only the texts and images that are really necessary.
Take the example of a web page or an email, there are advertising, images and graphics related to navigation and many other texts, images and useless characters to print.
Copy and paste the text to be printed in a document!
Instead, get into the habit of copying and pasting the content you really want to print into a document, into Word or better into Google Docs. It’s a quick and easy trick to save printer ink.
2. Print in draft quality to save ink
Although I use my printer much less frequently, I still use the draft quality print quality. Although it is less sharp and dark, the draft quality is quite legible and adequate for printing your documents and texts at home.
Depending on the printer you have at home, check if you have any of its functions:
- Draft quality
- Shades of grey
- Quick print
- Economy mode
The « draft » function is certainly one of the best tips for extending the life of an ink cartridge.
Tutorial that shows how to change the print quality via the control panel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y2-lPPftOs
3. Check if the ink cartridge is empty
Of course, before spending money on buying a new ink cartridge for your printer, make sure it is empty.
Indeed, did you know that when the light comes on to indicate that it is time to change its cartridge, there is still a lot of ink left inside!? According to the manufacturers, when the light comes on, there is still between 15 and 25% of ink left in the cartridge… That’s huge!
So before throwing away the cartridge, remove it from the printer, shake it, and put it back in its place. You will quickly realize that there is still ink in the cartridge.
Warm up dry ink:
If there is dry ink use a hair dryer and blow some hot air to liquefy and reactivate the cartridge ink. Put it back in the printer and print again.
4. Which font to save printer ink?
Did you know that certain typefaces can save you printer ink?
The 2 popular fonts are Times New Roman and Arial, but did you know that there is also a typeface specially designed to save printer ink?
Ecofont, a font to use less ink!
The font in your document changes to an openwork font visible on screen, but once printed on paper, it is not possible to see the difference with another font.
It’s really ingenious and what’s great is that you can save more than 25% of printer ink with this simple font.
5. Refill your ink cartridges to save
Finally, one of the best solutions to save printer ink and especially to save money is to opt for refills!
Have your printer cartridges refilled!
In fact, you can now have your black and color ink cartridges refilled and refilled in several stores. Depending on the type of cartridge, you will save between 20 and 45% of the price of a new ink cartridge.
But it is above all beneficial for the planet since you extend the life of your cartridge of ink.