Printer Nozzle Check.
Print this nozzle-check pattern, then look for gaps in the fine C, M, Y and K ladders — every break is a clogged nozzle.
How to read the results
| What you see | What it means |
|---|---|
| Gaps or missing lines in one colour | That channel has a clogged nozzle. Run one head-cleaning cycle, then print the pattern again. |
| Gaps remain after two cleanings | Do a deep clean or soak the printhead, then let the printer rest overnight before retrying. |
| A whole colour prints blank | The cartridge is empty or air-locked. Reseat or replace it, remove any tape, and clean again. |
| Pattern is perfect but prints look bad | The nozzles are fine — check printhead alignment and your quality and paper settings instead. |
Frequently asked questions
What is a printer nozzle check?
A nozzle check prints a pattern of fine lines from every printhead nozzle — one short line per nozzle. If a nozzle is clogged its line is missing, so a gap points straight to the blocked nozzle. It is the fastest way to see whether your printhead is healthy.
How do I read the nozzle check pattern?
Check each colour block and confirm every fine line is present and unbroken. A complete, gap-free ladder means all nozzles are firing; any missing line, faint streak or gap means that nozzle is partly or fully clogged. Yellow is normally the faintest, so view it in good light.
How do I fix a clogged nozzle?
Run your printer’s head-cleaning cycle from its menu or driver, then print the pattern again. One or two cleanings clear most clogs; if gaps remain, leave the printer off overnight or soak-clean the printhead. Persistent gaps on one colour usually mean dried ink in that channel.
Why is a whole colour missing?
A completely blank colour usually means an empty cartridge, an airlock, or a printhead that has dried out. Reseat or replace that cartridge, make sure the protective tape is removed, and run a cleaning cycle. On ink-tank printers, check the tank isn’t empty and the valve is open.
Do I need special paper?
No. Plain white paper is ideal because gaps stand out clearly against it. Use the plain-paper setting at normal quality — draft mode thins the lines and can make a healthy head look clogged.
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