Color Printer Test
Print a color test page to check color output, gradients, grayscale, saturation, fine detail and registration.
Preview
Color test sheet
What you see below is exactly what prints: nine labeled sections on a single page.
1 Primary colors
2 Secondary colors
3 Color spectrum
4 Color gradients
5 Tint steps
6 Neutral gray steps
Steps of 10%. Look for smooth transitions and unwanted red, green or blue tint.
7 Saturation blocks
9 Registration
Overlapping crosshairs and line pairs in all four channels.
Look for colored edges or visibly separated lines around the black registration marks.
8 Fine detail
Sharp detail Ag 0123456789Sharp detail Ag 0123456789Sharp detail Ag 0123456789Sharp detail Ag 0123456789
Recommended next test
Confirm overall quality with a full-page check.
Low color density is worth checking against tonal output.
Dark or off gray is worth checking against print settings.
Check cyan, magenta, yellow and black individually.
A color cast is worth checking for channel imbalance.
Check gradients, fine lines and output consistency.
Uneven density across a patch is worth checking for output consistency.
Check color registration and print-head alignment.
Gaps, broken patches and streaks point to nozzle or output problems.
Broken detail is worth checking for sharpness and output quality.
Coverage
What this test checks
| Pattern | Check for |
|---|---|
| Primary colors | Missing or weak color |
| Secondary colors | Color mixing/output |
| Gradients | Banding or abrupt transitions |
| Tint steps | Uneven tonal output |
| Neutral gray steps | Obvious color cast |
| Saturation blocks | Weak or uneven color |
| Fine detail | Streaks and missing detail |
| Registration | Visible color-layer offset |
Important:
Printed colors will not necessarily match the colors on your screen exactly. Your browser, operating system, printer driver, color profile, printer and paper can affect the result. This page is a visual print-quality test, not an ICC printer profile or laboratory color-calibration target.
Process
How to use
Load clean white paper
Use plain paper without creases or previous prints.
Select the matching paper size
Pick the size loaded in your printer above.
Print in color at 100%
Use Actual Size with color printing enabled.
Inspect the printed patterns
Look for weak color, banding, casts and offsets.
Select the symptom you see
Tick what you see to continue testing.
What is a color printer test?
A color printer test page prints solid colors, gradients, tint steps, gray levels and detail patterns on a single sheet. Comparing the printed patterns helps you spot weak colors, banding, color casts, streaks and registration issues.
FAQ
Color test questions
How do I test my printer's color?
Print this page at 100% with color printing enabled, then check each patch, gradient and line set for even output.
What should a color printer test page contain?
Solid primaries and secondaries, a spectrum, smooth gradients, tint steps, neutral gray, fine detail and a registration pattern.
Why are my printed colors different from my screen?
Screens glow while paper reflects light. The driver, color profile, paper and ink all shift the result, so an exact match is not expected.
Why is one printer color missing?
A missing color can have several causes, including an empty cartridge, clogged or misfiring inkjet nozzles, or printer/driver settings. On an inkjet printer, run the printer's nozzle check to investigate further.
Why do my color gradients have lines?
Visible lines in gradients can indicate banding caused by uneven output, print settings or other print-quality issues. Try the Print Quality Test next.
How do I test CMYK colors?
Print the CMYK Printer Test page to inspect cyan, magenta, yellow and black channels separately.
Can this test calibrate my printer?
No. This is a visual check, not an ICC profile or calibration target.
Does this work with inkjet and laser printers?
Yes. Anything that prints normal color browser pages works, including inkjet and laser printers.
Full size · A4