How do I select the 'Black Ink Only' or 'Grayscale' print mode?
Applies To
- Operating Systems: Windows, macOS
- Hardware: Epson inkjet printers, both cartridge and EcoTank models.
- Related Articles:
Description
To print in black/monochrome only, select Black/Grayscale (or Grayscale) as the Color setting in the printer driver. Close any applications you intend to print from first, so the new setting takes effect in them.
Note: To keep the print head clear and ready, the printer uses a small amount of ink from every cartridge or ink tank on each print — even with Black/Grayscale selected, some colour ink is still used. This setting isn't recommended for printing black-and-white photos.
Note: Changing this setting via the printer's own Properties/Printing Preferences (outside an application) sets it as the default for all future print jobs, until changed again. Changing it from within an application's own Print dialog only affects that print job or session.
Solution
Windows
- Select the print command in your application.
- Make sure the correct printer is selected.
- Click Printer Properties, Properties, or Preferences (if these aren't shown directly, click Setup, Printer, or Options first, then look for them on the next screen).
-
Click the Main tab.
- Select Black/Grayscale as the Color setting.
- Click OK.
Note: Exact screen appearance can vary slightly by printer model.
macOS
- Select the print command in your application.
- Make sure the correct printer is selected (click the arrow next to the Printer setting, or Show Details, to expand the print window if needed).
-
Select Print Settings from the printer options pop-up menu. tab.
-
Select Grayscale — depending on your macOS version and printer model, this is either a checkbox to tick, or a value to choose from the Color setting drop-down. tab.
- Click OK if shown, then Print.
Note: Available print settings and the exact appearance of the print window vary by macOS version and application.
To reuse this setting later, select Save As from the Presets list and give it a name (e.g. "Black/Grayscale"). Select this preset each time to print in black automatically.
