Saving printer ink may not be high on your list of cost-cutting techniques, but it can definitely save you some money in the long run. Here are some tips and tricks to make your printer ink or toner last longer!
1. Print in Black & White
If your prints do not absolutely have to be in color, print in black and white instead of in color. Since black ink and toner cartridges are cheaper than color ones, this will save your ink and make it last longer.
2. Use ink-saving fonts
Ink-saving software like Ecofont provides home, business and enterprise editions that can "reduce printing costs up to 50%." Tiny circles are placed within the characters so that less ink is used while maintaining a readable and clean looking print. The download is free and the site contains instructions on use.
You can also use standard fonts like Century Gothic that prints smaller and thinner. Inkfarm.com has created a nifty ink-usage calculator you can use to save ink and money!
Look at the print layout settings - you may be able to print several pages on a single sheet or print double-sided. You have many options here and can maximize the white space on the page.
3. Check and double check!
Make sure you double check and revise the content for mistake. By doing this you save time, paper and ink by not having to print multiple versions.
4. Print only what you need
Lastly, only print what you absolutely need to have in a physical form. Don't print out a full webpage if you're only interested in a few paragraphs. Don't print graphics if you want only the text.
Use websites like Print What You Like. This website allows you to optimize other website for printing, eliminating ads and white space.
5. Keep printing until it's absolutely empty
When your printer reports your ink or toner cartridges are empty, don't panic. Most of the time, you still have 10-30% lifetime left. Many cartridges have microchips that report problems after a certain number of prints, not how much ink is left. In the meantime, order new ink cartridges for when they do empty.
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