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Visual chart of HP LaserJet print defects

This is a useful reference chart of images, showing a picture of each of the most common print defects found in laser printers.

Use this guide to identify your print defect, and read more about the print defect with potential causes and solutions.

Below is a chart of common print defects found in laser printers. It is not a complete list but should cover 90% or more of the most common image defects.

Click on the defect for more info on potential causes and solutions:

Background scatter	Black lines - parallel or perpendicular	Black page	Blank page - all or occasional page	Blank spots
Bubble print	Compressed print	Contamination on back	Creases	Curl
Distorted image	Dropouts	Faded print w. bubbles	Fading print	Faulty Registration
Gray background	Horizontal black lines	Horizontal smudges	Horizontal white lines	Image skew
Light print, dark print, or fade	Loose toner	Misshapen characters	Partial blank page	Repetitive defects
Skew	Tire tracks	Toner smear	Toner specks	Vertical black lines
Vertical dots	Vertical white lines	White spots on black	White stripes parallel to path