How to Save on Ink

Here are a couple of great ways to save on ink

1) Use the Right Resolution
The image file itself not only determines the overall quality of the print, but the amount of ink it uses as well.

To get the best quality for pictures I recommend the maximum resolution your printer and paper are capable of; generally that is no less than 220 pixels per inch, and no more than 300 ppi. Use this resolution to print size chart res-chart to determine the best setting.

2) Use Less Resolution
An easy way to make ink jet cartridges last longer is to use the button on the front of your printer that sets your printer to draft mode. This lays down less ink on a page, saving as much as half the printing cost. Your pages will look light, but will be fine for checking layouts or a web page.

If your printer does not have convenient draft mode button, here is a way you can do it yourself by changing your printer properties. Just use the setup or preferences button from one of your applications print menus. Then choose the 'Device Options' tab and click 'Print Quality', select the lowest quality, and exit the menus.

Save it as a Profile. It's best to name it something related to less resolution (like lowrez or 100dpi) so you'll remember. Then the next time you need to print a photo in low resolution you simply select the copy of your printer driver with the "lowrez" name.

TIP: Another way to change your printer properties is to use the Start menu, click on Settings, Control Panel, Printers, select your printer, then right-click Properties.

NOTE: To Return to High Resolution
When you want to set the print quality to the highest resolution, you'll need to select the best quality of paper.

Select Custom in the Print Quality area and Push the Set Button

Move the slider to 1 or the highest resolution setting you can, then hit OK

NOTE: Be sure to save it as a new profile, like hirez.