Best Printer Settings to Save Ink & Costs and Cut Expenses Fast
Tired of wasting PRINTER INK? Learn how to SAVE MONEY on PRINTER use with simple settings that slash PRINTING COSTS and extend CARTRIDGE life.
Printer ink is expensive, and cartridges often run out faster than expected. Fortunately, small tweaks in your printer settings can make a big difference. Whether you’re using an Epson, Canon, or any compatible printer model, adjusting the defaults can help reduce ink use, extend cartridge life, and save money on printing.
How can I reduce printer ink usage?
Use draft mode, grayscale printing, and lower DPI settings to reduce ink consumption. Enable duplex printing to save paper. Choose ink-efficient fonts like Century Gothic. Use compatible or high-yield cartridges, and clean print heads regularly. These simple changes can extend cartridge life and lower printing costs effectively.
Quick Tips to Reduce Ink Usage
- Switch to draft mode for everyday prints and save ink fast.
- Use grayscale printing instead of colour for non-essential documents.
- Lower the DPI setting to reduce how much ink is used per page.
- Always choose the correct paper type in your printer settings.
- Enable duplex printing to save on both paper and cartridge wear.
- Select ink-efficient fonts like Ecofont or Century Gothic.
- Get to know your printer model’s settings to unlock hidden savings.
Best Printer Settings to Save Ink
The right printer settings can be your first line of defence against burning through ink. Switch your printer to ‘draft mode’ for everyday prints—it uses less ink and still gets the job done. You can also print in grayscale when colour isn’t essential. These simple tweaks make your ink cartridge last longer.
Adjusting the DPI (dots per inch) can also help. A lower DPI means less ink on the page, which is ideal for internal documents or schoolwork. Just be sure not to go too low for anything important. Another smart move? Enable duplex printing to save paper while you’re at it.
Don’t forget to select the right paper type in your settings. Matte paper and glossy settings use different amounts of ink. The wrong setting could lead to smudging or over-inking. Most modern printers—from Epson to Canon—allow for these adjustments. Get to know your printer model; it could save you money long-term.
Brother Professional MFC-J5740DW Colour Inkjet All-in-One Printer Wireless Printing A3 White
Brother HL-L2400DW Mono Laser Printer A4 Dark Grey
Brother MFC-J5340DW All-in-One Printer
HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e Colour Inkjet All-in-One Printer
HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e Colour Inkjet, Thermal All-in-One Printer
Choose the Right Printer Model
Not all printers are created equal—some are born to guzzle ink, others sip it politely. If you’re looking to buy a printer, tank printers or models with refillable ink tanks are a great way to save money over time. They tend to have lower running costs, especially if you print frequently.
Look for printers that support high-yield or compatible ink cartridges. These allow for more prints before needing replacement and cost less per page. Brands like Epson and Canon offer models with refillable systems. Even HP has entered the game with its Instant Ink subscription plans, which work well for consistent print volumes.
Also think about compatible ink options and third-party cartridges. They’re usually cheaper and can work just as well—though check your printer’s warranty and preferences first. Whether you’re printing invoices or unicorn birthday cards, choosing a printer that matches your real-life printing needs is one big way to save money on printer ink.
Forgotten Ink-Saving Tip: Font Choice
Fonts aren’t just a matter of style—they actually impact how much ink your printer uses. Fonts like Century Gothic and Ecofont are designed to use less ink without making your documents look like ghost stories. Small change, big difference, especially over thousands of prints.
Some fonts are bold and heavy, soaking up printer ink like a sponge. Others are light and airy, helping you stretch that cartridge just a bit further. If you’re printing in bulk, switching to an ink-efficient font could be a surprisingly easy way to save money on printing.
This is often overlooked in typical printer advice guides, which is a shame—because it’s one of the cheapest ways to reduce ink cost. Fonts are just text settings, but they influence every drop that comes out of that tiny nozzle. Want to extend the life of your printer cartridge? Start with the letters.
Printer Settings Comparison Table
| Setting | Description | Ink Saving Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Draft Mode | Prints with less ink and faster speed | High |
| Grayscale | Uses only black ink, avoids colour cartridges | Medium |
| Lower DPI | Reduces print resolution to use less ink | High |
| Duplex Printing | Prints on both sides to save paper | Low (indirect saving) |
| Correct Paper Type | Ensures optimal ink usage per surface | Medium |
Conclusion
At Viking, we understand the importance of cost-effective and sustainable workplace solutions. By adjusting your printer settings, using compatible cartridges, and choosing the right model, you can reduce waste, extend cartridge life, and cut down on printer ink expenses significantly.
Whether you’re managing a busy office or printing from home, small changes like switching fonts or enabling duplex printing can make a real difference. Our experience in workplace efficiency means we’re here to help you create smarter, greener, and more affordable printing habits—without compromising on quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best printer settings to save ink?
The most effective printer settings include using draft or economy mode, enabling grayscale printing, and lowering the DPI. These reduce how much ink is used per page. Most Epson, Canon, and HP printers offer these options. Adjusting these settings can extend ink cartridge life and save you money on printer ink costs.
Does duplex printing help reduce printing costs?
Yes, duplex printing cuts paper use in half by printing on both sides, which helps reduce overall printing costs. It doesn’t directly save ink, but when combined with other ink-saving settings, it’s a reliable way to save money on printer use, especially for high-volume printing needs in home or office settings.
Can compatible cartridges affect printer performance?
Compatible cartridges from reputable suppliers can perform just as well as original ones and cost less. They are a popular way to save money on printer ink. However, using poor-quality compatible ink can cause nozzle clogs or printing issues. Always choose cartridges suitable for your specific printer model to avoid problems.
Do fonts really impact ink cartridge usage?
Yes, font choice affects how much printer ink is used. Lighter fonts like Century Gothic or Ecofont consume less ink compared to heavier ones like Arial Black. This small adjustment in your document settings can help reduce ink cost over time, making it an often-overlooked but effective way to save money.