Exclusive Guide: How to Make Brother Printer Print with Only Black Ink

Are you tired of your Brother printer demanding all the colors when you just need a simple black and white print? Running low on color ink but need to print an important document right now? We’ve all been there. This guide will walk you through how to make your Brother printer print with only black ink, saving you money and frustration.

Understanding Brother Printer Ink Systems

Before diving into the solutions, let’s understand how Brother printers work. Most Brother inkjet printers use a multi-cartridge system, meaning each color (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) has its own separate cartridge. This design ensures vibrant colors, but it can be a hassle when you only need black ink.

Method 1: The Simple “Black Only” Setting (If Available)

Many newer Brother printer models offer a dedicated “Black Only” or “Draft” print setting. This setting instructs the printer to use only black ink, effectively bypassing the color cartridges.
Here’s how to find and use this setting:
1. Open your printer’s software: This is usually found in your computer’s Start menu or Applications folder.
2. Locate the “Print Settings” or “Properties” menu: This may vary slightly depending on your printer model.
3. Look for “Black Only,” “Draft,” or “Monochrome” options: The exact wording may differ, but the goal is to select a setting that uses only black ink.
4. Apply the setting and print: Your document should now print in black and white.

Method 2: Manually Selecting a Black and White Print

If your printer doesn‘t have a dedicated “Black Only” setting, you can still force it to print in black and white by using your computer’s print settings.
Follow these steps:
1. Open the document you want to print: This can be a Word document, PDF, image, or any other file type.
2. Go to “File” and select “Print”: This will open the print dialogue box.
3. Look for the “Print Settings” or “Properties” button: This is usually located near the bottom of the dialogue box.
4. Select “Black and White” or “Grayscale” in the print settings: The exact wording may vary depending on your operating system and printer driver.
5. Apply the setting and print: Your document will now print in black and white.

Method 3: The “Gray Scale” Trick

This method involves converting your document to grayscale before printing. This effectively removes the need for color inks, forcing the printer to use only black.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Open your document in a suitable program: This could be Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, or any image editor.
2. Convert the document to grayscale: The specific method will depend on the program you’re using. Look for an option in the “File,” “Image,” or “Edit” menu.
3. Save the document in grayscale: Be sure to save the document in its new grayscale format.
4. Print the grayscale document: Your printer will now use only black ink to print.

Method 4: Using a Third-Party Printing Tool

If none of the above methods work, you can try using a third-party printing tool. These tools often offer more advanced print settings and can force your printer to use only black ink even if it doesn’t have a dedicated setting.
Popular printing tools include:

• Adobe Acrobat Reader: This free program offers a “Print as Grayscale” option.
• CutePDF: This free program allows you to convert documents to PDF and then print them in black and white.
• Print Conductor: This paid program offers a wide range of features, including the ability to print documents in black and white.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While these methods generally work well, you might encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Printer still using color ink: This could be due to a faulty printer driver or a setting in your printer’s software. Try updating your printer driver or checking your printer settings for any options related to color ink usage.
• Print quality is poor: If your prints look faded or blurry, try increasing the print resolution or using a higher quality paper.
• Printouts are too dark: If your prints are too dark, try decreasing the print density or using a lighter paper.

When to Replace Color Ink Cartridges

While printing in black only can save you money, you’ll eventually need to replace your color ink cartridges. Here are some signs it’s time for a change:

• The printer is displaying an error message: This is usually a clear indication that a cartridge is empty or low.
• Printouts are missing colors: If you’re noticing faded colors or missing sections, it’s likely a color cartridge is running out.
• The printer is printing slowly: Empty or low color cartridges can slow down the printing process.

Time for a New Printer?

If you frequently print in black and white and find yourself constantly replacing color ink cartridges, you might consider a dedicated black and white printer. These printers are designed for high-volume black and white printing and can save you money in the long run.

Beyond Black and White: Printing in Color on a Budget

Even if you mostly print in black and white, you might occasionally need to print in color. Here are some tips for saving money on color ink:

• Buy generic or refillable cartridges: These cartridges can be significantly cheaper than the original brand cartridges.
• Print in draft mode: This setting uses less ink and can be suitable for everyday documents.
• Print double-sided: This can save you paper and ink.
• Use online printing services: For occasional color prints, consider using online services like Shutterfly or Snapfish.

Saving Money and Staying Efficient

Knowing how to make your Brother printer print with only black ink is a valuable skill for any budget-conscious user. By following these methods, you can save money on ink and ensure you can print important documents even when you’re low on color ink. Remember to check your printer’s manual for specific instructions and troubleshooting tips.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Can I use a black ink cartridge in all the color slots?
A: No, it is not recommended to use a black ink cartridge in the color slots. This can damage your printer and lead to poor print quality. Each color cartridge is designed for a specific purpose and using the wrong cartridge can lead to clogged print heads or other issues.
Q: Will using only black ink damage my printer?
A: Using only black ink will not damage your printer. However, it’s important to note that the color cartridges still need to be replaced eventually, even if you don’t use them frequently. This is because the cartridges can dry out over time.
Q: Is there a way to reset the ink levels on my Brother printer?
A: While some third-party software claims to reset ink levels, this is often not recommended. Resetting the ink levels can lead to inaccurate readings and potentially damage your printer. It’s best to replace the cartridges when they are actually empty.
Q: Can I use a different brand of ink cartridges in my Brother printer?
A: While using generic or refillable cartridges can save money, it’s important to choose a reputable brand. Using low-quality cartridges can lead to poor print quality, clogged print heads, or even damage to your printer.
Q: Can I use a laser printer instead of an inkjet printer to save on ink?
A: Laser printers use toner cartridges instead of ink cartridges, and toner cartridges generally last longer. If you primarily print in black and white, a laser printer can be a good option for saving money on ink. However, laser printers are typically more expensive upfront than inkjet printers.