How to Print Cardstock on HP Printer – 2 Easy Ways to Follow

Perplexed by the question how to print cardstock on HP printer? Well, your quest for answers ends here, as this comprehensive guide unveils an in-depth and streamlined approach that will help you get the job done.

How to Print Cardstock on HP Printer

Whether you are a small business owner looking to create stunning marketing materials or a crafter with a passion for handmade cards and invitations, there is something undeniably satisfying about printing on thick, sturdy cardstock.

The weight and texture of cardstock lend a premium feel to your projects, instantly elevating them from ordinary to extraordinary. But let’s be honest – printing on cardstock can be a bit of a headache, especially when it comes to those finicky home printers.

You have likely experienced your fair share of paper jams, misaligned prints, and smudged ink disasters. It is enough to make you want to pull your hair out (or at least invest in a high-quality stress ball). In that case, fear not.

In this detailed guide, we will demystify the process of printing cardstock on your trusty HP printer. From preparing the perfect print settings to mastering the art of cardstock loading, we will cover every step in detail, ensuring that your cardstock projects turn out looking polished and professional every time.

So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage as we go over two methods that you can perform to override this problem and start printing flawless prints on cardstock. Without losing any more time, let’s jump into it straightaway.

Method 1: Using the Manual Feed Tray

The manual feed tray is often the recommended method for printing on cardstock, as it allows you to bypass the main paper tray and feed the cardstock directly into the printer.

The steps you need to follow are listed below.

Step 1: Prepare the Cardstock

Remove the cardstock from its packaging and fan the sheets to prevent them from sticking together. Ensure that the cardstock is free from dust or debris.

Step 2: Open the Manual Feed Tray

Locate the manual feed tray on your HP printer. It is typically a small tray located at the front or side of the printer. Open it by gently pulling it out or extending it as per the printer’s design.

Step 3: Load the Cardstock

Place the cardstock face-up in the manual feed tray. Ensure that the leading edge of the cardstock is aligned with the guides in the tray. Adjust the guides if needed to hold the cardstock securely in place.

Step 4: Configure Print Settings

Open the document or image you want to print and access the print settings or preferences. Most HP printers have a specific setting for cardstock or heavy paper.

Select the appropriate option and adjust any other settings as needed, such as print quality, orientation, or scaling.

Step 5: Print the Document

Once the settings are configured, click the “Print” button. The printer should prompt you to feed the cardstock when it is ready. Follow the on-screen instructions, if any, to proceed with the printing process.

Step 6: Monitor the Printing Process

Keep an eye on the printer as it prints your document. If prompted, feed additional sheets of cardstock as needed.

Step 7: Remove the Printed Cardstock

Once the printing is complete, carefully remove the printed cardstock from the output tray. Avoid touching the printed area until the ink or toner has fully dried to prevent smudging.

Related Guide: How to Change Paper Size on HP Printer Using iPhone

Method 2: Using the Main Paper Tray

While the manual feed tray is often recommended for printing on cardstock, some HP printers allow you to use the main paper tray as well. This method can be more convenient for larger print jobs or if your printer does not have a dedicated manual feed tray.

Follow the steps given below to get it done.

Step 1: Prepare the Cardstock

Follow the same instructions for the preparation as the first method. Just unpack the sheets carefully and make sure to keep them clean.

Step 2: Load the Cardstock into the Main Tray

Open the main paper tray of your HP printer and remove any plain paper that may be loaded. Place the cardstock in the tray with the print side facing up. Adjust the paper guides to fit the size of the cardstock snugly.

Step 3: Configure Print Settings

Open the document or image you want to print and access the print settings or preferences. Select the appropriate cardstock or heavy paper option and adjust any other settings as needed.

Note: In case you are using the 5×7 cardstock for your printing purposes then feel free to check out our comprehensive guide on how to print on 5×7 cardstock.

Step 4: Set the Paper Type and Size

In the print settings, make sure to select the correct paper type (e.g., cardstock, heavy paper) and size. This will ensure that the printer applies the appropriate settings for handling the thicker cardstock.

Step 5: Print the Document

Click the “Print” button to initiate the printing process. The printer should automatically pick up the cardstock from the main tray and begin printing.

Step 6: Monitor the Printing Process

Keep an eye on the printer as it prints your document. If prompted, adjust or reload the cardstock as needed.

Step 7: Remove the Printed Cardstock

Once the printing is complete, carefully remove the printed cardstock from the output tray. Allow the ink or toner to dry completely before handling the printed materials.

And congrats! You can start printing cardstock on your particular HP printer model. Now, you can print a variety of designs on cardstock without going to a third source.

Make sure to consult your HP printer’s user manual or specifications to ensure that it supports printing on the specific weight and type of cardstock you plan to use. This will help in avoiding any future printing issues.

Conclusion

This was all for our guide on how to print cardstock on HP printer. We walked you over two in-depth methods that you can follow to get this issue over the line.

We hope that this article was of great help to you and that you are not finding any difficulties whatsoever in printing on cardstock on your HP printer anymore.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How to change paper thickness on HP printer?

You can change the paper thickness on your HP printer by following a series of extremely simple steps. You can do this on both your printer and computer. In this case, we will discuss the steps for a printer.

First of all, access the Control Panel and go to Home> Tray> Select the Tray> Modify> Select Paper Size> Select Paper Type> OK.

2. How do I set my printer to print on cardstock?

Setting your printer to print on cardstock is an easy process and can be achieved in a few steps. This can be done on your computer.

So, go to the Control Panel> Devices and Printers. In this window, select your printer and right click on it. Choose Printing Preferences> Paper Type> Cardstock.

3. Can you print on cardstock with a regular printer?

Yes, you can print on cardstock on a regular printer without a shadow of a doubt but it does require some adjustments.

Go to the printer settings and select Cardstock as the paper type. Also ensure that the printer can handle the weight and thickness of the cardstock. If it is too heavy then you can face printing problems in the future.