Poor Copy Quality — Streaks, Lines, and Faded Copies on Multifunction Printer

Fix poor photocopy quality including streaks, lines, faded output, or dirty spots when using the copy function on a multifunction printer. This guide covers everything you need to know about this topic, including common causes, step-by-step solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Here are the key things to understand: Copy quality depends on both the scanner glass condition and the print output quality. Streaks usually indicate dirt on the scanner glass or ADF (automatic document feeder) rollers. Faded copies may indicate low toner/ink or incorrect copy density settings. The copy function scans the original and immediately prints — issues can come from either stage. ADF copies often have more quality issues than flatbed copies due to moving document contact. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.

The most common reasons this occurs include: Dirty scanner glass or ADF glass strip causing streaks on every copy. Low ink or toner levels producing faded or uneven output. Copy density/darkness setting too light for the original document. ADF rollers dirty or worn, causing skewed or streaked scans. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.

To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Clean the scanner glass with a lint-free cloth and glass cleaner — check both the flatbed and ADF glass strip. Make a test copy using the flatbed (not ADF) to isolate whether the issue is ADF-related. Adjust copy density/darkness: increase the setting from the copy menu on the printer panel. Check ink/toner levels and replace cartridges if low. Clean ADF rollers with a damp lint-free cloth to remove dust and paper residue. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting additional resources or a qualified professional.

This article is part of our Printer Error Codes collection on Error Codes Wiki. We provide comprehensive, up-to-date information to help you find solutions quickly.