Paper Feed & Skew Test
A printer that feeds paper slightly crooked doesn't usually announce itself — you just notice, eventually, that text near the bottom of the page drifts up or down on one side. This test makes that measurable instead of a guess: eight straight lines run edge to edge, with a millimeter ruler on the left and right so you can read the exact height of each line on both sides and compare.
If the button doesn't work, press Ctrl+P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+P (Mac) to open your browser's print dialog.
This is an on-screen preview. Your printer, paper, ink or toner level, and print driver settings all affect the final physical result.
How to use this printer test
- Print at 100% scale on plain paper — this test doesn't need photo paper or color ink.
- Choose your paper size above; the preview updates instantly.
- Use a ruler or just your eyes to compare the numbers printed at the left and right end of each line.
- If you suspect a specific paper source (a particular tray, or manual feed), run the test from that source specifically rather than the default tray.
What should the printed page look like?
Matching numbers on both ends of each line
Every line has the same number printed at its left and right end. If your printer feeds straight, both numbers should read identically for every line. A one-line difference (a rounding-scale nudge) is normal; several millimeters of difference is not.
The same offset across every line
If every line is off by roughly the same amount in the same direction, the whole page is feeding at a slight but consistent angle — a true skew. If only some lines are off, or the offset changes direction partway down the page, that points to an inconsistent or slipping feed rather than a fixed mechanical skew.
Straight lines, not wavy ones
Each line itself should be perfectly straight from end to end. A line that bows or wobbles mid-way (rather than just tilting as a whole) suggests a mechanical issue with the print head or carriage rather than paper feed.
Common printer problems
Every printed page comes out at a consistent slight angle
Likely cause: The paper stack isn't loaded flush against the tray's paper guides, so it feeds in at a fixed angle every time.
How to fix it: Remove the paper, tap the stack square on a flat surface, and reload it so it sits flush against both the back and side guides of the tray — snug enough that it can't shift, but not so tight it buckles.
Skew is inconsistent — sometimes fine, sometimes noticeably off
Likely cause: The paper tray's guides are worn, loose, or set too wide for the paper size, letting the stack shift slightly on each feed.
How to fix it: Check that the width guide is snug against the paper edge rather than left at a wider default setting, and consider a smaller stack if you're loading paper close to the tray's maximum capacity.
Skew appears only on paper from the manual feed or bypass tray
Likely cause: Manual/bypass feeding relies on the paper being fed in straight by hand, which is inherently less consistent than a guided tray.
How to fix it: Take an extra moment to align the sheet against the feed guides before it's pulled in, or switch to the main tray for anything where straight feeding matters.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if my printer feeds paper crooked?
Print this test and compare the numbers on the left and right end of each line — they should match. If every line is off by a similar amount in the same direction, your paper is feeding at a consistent angle (skew), usually caused by the paper not sitting flush against the tray guides.
Why is my printed text slightly tilted on the page?
This is almost always a paper feed issue, not a print-head issue — the paper itself is entering the printer at a slight angle. Reloading the paper stack squarely against the tray guides fixes most cases.
Is a tiny bit of skew normal?
A sub-millimeter difference between the left and right reading on a single line is within normal mechanical tolerance. Several millimeters of consistent difference across the page is worth fixing.