printer troubleshooting

Printer Alignment Is Off

Print the DeviceOK alignment and margin references to distinguish registration problems from paper-size or scaling settings.

Start with evidence

fine lines, text, colors, or page placement appear offset or doubled

If the live test passes, the investigation can usually move away from total hardware failure and toward the affected app, permissions, routing or configuration.

Open test →
Quick checks

Try the simple causes first

  1. 1

    Print the DeviceOK alignment test page.

  2. 2

    Confirm the correct paper size and scale are selected.

  3. 3

    Check whether the offset repeats on a second print.

Diagnostic sequence

Work through the problem in order

  1. 1

    Use the DeviceOK alignment test to identify whether the issue is line registration, page placement, or clipping.

  2. 2

    Verify paper size, orientation, scale, and borderless settings.

  3. 3

    Run the printer manufacturer's official alignment/calibration procedure if the defect is in registration rather than page layout.

  4. 4

    Try a manufacturer-supported paper/media setting.

  5. 5

    If the same registration defect persists after the official alignment routine, follow model-specific service guidance.

If it works in DeviceOK

If the DeviceOK alignment pattern prints correctly, focus on the affected application's page setup or scaling.

If it also fails in DeviceOK

A repeatable offset on the DeviceOK reference and other test pages makes printer calibration, media path, or mechanical alignment more likely.

Made a change?Run the same test again instead of assuming the problem is fixed.
Retest Alignment print test