Printing Tips, Tricks & Troubleshooting Guides

Whether your printer is brand new or has been sitting in the corner for years, getting it to work exactly the way you need can involve more steps than expected. This category brings together practical guides covering everything from basic setup and troubleshooting to creative projects — featuring tips for Epson, Brother, HP, Canon, and more — so you can solve problems quickly, print smarter, and get the most out of every cartridge.

What These Guides Help You With

Printing questions come in all shapes and sizes, and this category is built to cover the full range. Whether you're dealing with a stubborn error or trying to unlock a hidden feature, you'll find straightforward answers here:

• Fix common printer errors, grinding noises, & error states
• Connect printers to computers using USB, parallel port adapters, & network sharing
• Print without certain ink colors when you're in a pinch
• Use your printer offline — no internet connection required
• Find default usernames & passwords for Brother & other brands
• Print certificates, double-sided documents, & custom decals
• Choose the right paper by measuring thickness & understanding paper types
• Score a free label printer through UPS programs, trade-ins, & online deals

Solvent vs. Inkjet, USB vs. Parallel — Understanding Your Options

Not all printers are created equal, and the differences matter depending on what you're printing. Epson solvent printers, for example, are built for durability and outdoor-grade output, while standard inkjet printers excel at everyday documents and photo printing. If you're working with an older machine that uses a parallel port, there are reliable USB adapters that can bring it back to life without replacing the whole unit.

Understanding your hardware — and knowing what it can and can't do — saves you time, money, and a lot of frustration. These guides break down the technical differences in plain language so you can make confident decisions about your setup.

Creative Projects & Hidden Printer Tricks

Your printer is capable of more than printing spreadsheets and boarding passes. With the right guidance, you can use an inkjet printer to make custom decals, print professional-looking certificates, and set up one printer to serve two computers over a single USB connection. Even connecting a soundbar to a TV while managing your home office setup is covered — because a smooth workspace goes beyond the printer itself.

Browse the guides below to find exactly what you need — your solution is just a click away.