Color Printer Print Test
Run a color printer print test to check CMYK and RGB accuracy, color banding, and cartridge health with a full-page test — print it directly from your browser in seconds.
Before you print: open the print dialog (Ctrl/Cmd+P) and enable Background graphics under "More settings." Without it, browsers strip background colors by default and the bars below will print blank.
CMYK + RGB primaries
Color swatch grid
Skin-tone & pastel gradient
What to Look For
Even, solid bars
Each color bar (cyan, magenta, yellow, black, red, green, blue) should be flat and consistent with no white streaks running through it.
Correct hues
Compare the swatch grid on screen to the printed sheet. A strong color cast (everything looks too red, blue, or green) usually means one cartridge is low.
No banding
Faint horizontal lines across any bar point to clogged print head nozzles — run your printer's built-in cleaning cycle and reprint.
Smooth gradients
The skin-tone gradient should transition smoothly. Visible hard steps or banding indicate a color calibration issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I run a color printer print test?
To run a color printer print test, open this page, press Ctrl+P (Cmd+P on Mac), turn on "Background graphics" in the print dialog's more settings, choose your printer, and print — no download needed.
Why is my color printer only printing in black and white?
This usually means the color cartridge is empty, not installed correctly, or your print settings are set to "grayscale"/"black ink only." Check both the cartridge and the print dialog's color settings.
One color bar is missing entirely — what does that mean?
A completely missing color (not faded, just absent) almost always means that specific ink cartridge is empty, expired, or not making contact with the print head.