Lexmark 280 - Manual (Page 190)

Uneven print density
Example Cause Solution
Toner cartridge is worn or
defective.
Replace the toner cartridge.
Photoconductor is worn or
defective.
Replace the photoconductor.
Solving color quality problems
This section helps answer some basic color-related questions and describes how some of the features provided in
the Quality Menu can be used to solve typical color problems.
FAQ about color printing
What is RGB color?
Red, green, and blue light can be added together in various amounts to produce a large range of colors observed
in nature. For example, red and green can be combined to create yellow. Televisions and computer monitors create
colors in this manner. RGB color is a method of describing colors by indicating the amount of red, green, or blue
needed to produce a certain color.
What is CMYK color?
Cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (known as CMYK color) inks or toners can be printed in various amounts to produce
a large range of colors observed in nature. For example, cyan and yellow can be combined to create green. Printing
presses, inkjet printers, and color laser printers create colors in this manner. CMYK color is a method of describing
colors by indicating the amount of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black needed to reproduce a particular color.
How is color specified in a document to be printed?
Software applications typically specify document color using RGB or CMYK color combinations. Additionally, they
commonly let you modify the color of each object in a document. For more information, see the software
application Help section.
How does the printer know what color to print?
When you print a document, information describing the type and color of each object is sent to the printer. The
color information is passed through color conversion tables that translate the color into the appropriate amounts
of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black toner needed to produce the desired color. The object type information lets
different color conversion tables be used for different types of objects. For example, it is possible to apply one type
of color conversion table to text while applying a different color conversion table to photographic images.
Should I use PostScript or PCL emulation printer software? What settings should I use for the best color?
The PostScript driver is strongly recommended for best color quality. The default settings in the PostScript driver
provide preferred color quality for the majority of printouts.
Troubleshooting
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