PIXMA TS6420: When I print a page the text is squished to fill 1/3 of the page vertically

[fdarmstadt]

Good evening.

I purchased a TS 6420 printer that does not print properly.  Whether I print from Word, Excel, or Yahoo email, the printed page only fills about one-third of the page as a vertical column and the other 2/3 of the page is white.  This is despite the fact that the print preview reads correctly on the screen.  Can you please advise what to do?  Is it a Settings glitch in the printer? Thank you.About 1/3 prints vertically and the rest is blank.

[DerrickL · Accepted solution]

1. Quick checks

• Paper size: In the app Print dialog and in printer settings, set Paper Size exactly (e.g., Letter or A4) and Scale = 100%.
• Orientation: Ensure Portrait (unless you need Landscape).
• "Pages per sheet" / N-up: Turn off.

2. Print from a different source

• Print a plain text file or simple web page and the printer's built-in test page (Menu → Setup → Printer Settings → Print Printer Settings / Nozzle Check). If the printer's own test prints normal, issue is on the computer/app/driver.

3. Reinstall/choose correct driver

• On Windows: remove the TS6420 printer (Devices & printers → Remove device), download and install Canon's full PIXMA TS6420 driver package for your OS from Canon's support site, then add the printer again.
• On macOS: delete the printer in System Settings → Printers & Scanners, then add it back using the Canon driver (not AirPrint) if available.

4. In-app/PDF settings

• For PDFs, set Scale = None / 100% or disable "Fit to Page". In Adobe Reader try "Print as image".
• In Word/Pages, check Page Setup matches the document paper size.

5. Spooler/print mode (Windows)

• Services: restart Print Spooler. Printer Properties → Advanced: try "Print directly to the printer" and/or change the driver’s print mode (e.g., switch between GDI and UFR II if options exist).

6. Connection test

• Try both USB and Wi‑Fi. If printing correctly via USB but not Wi‑Fi (or vice versa), narrow to connection/driver on PC.

7. Factory reset & firmware

• From printer menu: Setup → Device settings → Reset setting / Restore default settings. Check Canon support for latest firmware for TS6420 and update if available.

If none of these fix it, tell me:

• OS and version (Windows 10/11, macOS version),
• Whether the printer's internal test/nozzle check prints normally,
• A photo or precise description of the printed page (top third filled, tiny text, large margins).

[fdarmstadt]

Hi!  Choice 2 worked in that I removed the printer from my computer and reinstalled it.  But I wonder why I had to do this?  I have had many "updates" to MS, et al, over the last few weeks and could one of those have had a negative impact on the printer mechanisms?  I thank you for your kindness. 

[DerrickL]

A windows update can take any device, printer, scanner out of service and in many cases if the device is old it cannot be be reinstalled. I lost use of a V-100, a very good ten year old Epson scanner after a windows update. I bought a newer Epson scanner, same scanner program but new driver and it installed just fine. So yes an update most likely knocked your printer out of service. I am pleased you were able to restore it to good use.

[fdarmstadt]

My darn printer is only a month old (i.e., from date of purchase).