Print Head Alignment Test
This test prints four identical alignment targets — one near each corner of the printable area — instead of a single target in the middle. That matters because a print head can be well aligned at the center of the page but drift out of alignment toward the edges, which a single centered target would miss.
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 this page at 100% scale in color, since color-to-color misregistration is easier to see than black-only misalignment.
- Compare all four targets: the rings and crosshair in each one should look identical.
- If any target shows doubled lines or offset rings, run your printer manufacturer's built-in head alignment utility (usually in the printer's maintenance software or on-device menu).
- After running your printer's alignment utility, print this page again to confirm the fix worked across all four targets.
What should the printed page look like?
Sharp, single rings
Each concentric ring should appear as one crisp line of a single color, not two overlapping colors slightly offset from each other.
Straight crosshair
The horizontal and vertical crosshair lines should be perfectly straight and meet exactly at the center point.
Consistent vernier ticks
In the small tick ladder below each target, one pair of ticks should line up more precisely than the others — that position corresponds to the correct alignment adjustment.
Same result in all four corners
A healthy print head shows the same sharp result in the top-left, top-right, bottom-left and bottom-right targets.
Common printer problems
Rings or lines look doubled or blurry in every target
Likely cause: The print head alignment is off, which is common after replacing a cartridge or print head, or after moving the printer.
How to fix it: Run your printer's built-in alignment utility (often called "Print Head Alignment" or "Align Cartridges" in the maintenance menu), then reprint this test.
Center targets look fine but corner targets are doubled
Likely cause: Uneven paper feeding or a mechanical issue affecting the print head's travel toward the edges of the page.
How to fix it: Make sure paper is loaded straight and the paper guides are snug, then try alignment again. If corner misalignment persists, this may need a technician.
Alignment looks fine on screen but the physical print is clearly off
Likely cause: The alignment utility ran but wasn't saved, or a different alignment profile is active for this paper type.
How to fix it: Re-run the alignment utility and make sure you complete the final confirmation step (often scanning or visually selecting the best-aligned option) before it saves.
Frequently asked questions
How do I test printer alignment?
Print this page at 100% scale and check whether the rings and crosshair in each of the four targets are sharp and single-colored, or doubled and offset.
How do I fix a misaligned print head?
Run your printer manufacturer's built-in print head alignment utility, usually found in the printer's maintenance or utility software, then print this test again to confirm.
Why is my printer suddenly printing everything doubled or blurry?
This is the classic symptom of a misaligned print head, often triggered by a new ink cartridge, a print head replacement, or the printer being moved or bumped — realignment usually fixes it.