Learning how to save ink when printing can cut your costs noticeably. These ten habits work on almost any printer.

Last updated: October 30, 2026.

10 ways to save ink

  1. Use draft or economy mode for everyday documents.
  2. Print in grayscale when color is not needed.
  3. Use print preview to avoid wasted pages.
  4. Print only the pages you need.
  5. Print on both sides to save paper as well.
  6. Remove unneeded images and ads from web pages before printing.
  7. Choose a compact font and reasonable margins.
  8. Avoid frequent head cleaning cycles, which use ink.
  9. Print a little regularly so ink does not dry and get wasted.
  10. Use high-yield cartridges or refillable tanks if you print a lot.

Choose a printer that costs less to run

If you print often, an ink tank printer lowers cost per page. See the best EcoTank printers, and learn how to calculate cost per page.

The Settings That Make the Biggest Difference

Most printers have a quality or print mode setting in the print dialog or Printer Properties. Choose Draft, Fast or Economy for everyday documents. Choose Grayscale or Black Only when you do not need color, so the printer does not mix color ink into black text.

Layout and Content Choices

Print fewer pages by using two pages per sheet, narrower margins and a reasonable font size. Remove ads, images and navigation from web pages before printing, or use a reader view. Preview the print so you do not waste a page on a layout mistake.

Printer Habits That Waste Ink

  • Running repeated cleaning cycles instead of one or two.
  • Letting an inkjet sit unused until the nozzles dry out.
  • Printing photos on the highest quality setting when a draft would do.

Supplies and Printer Choices

High-yield cartridges usually cost less per page than standard ones. If you print often, a refillable ink tank printer lowers the cost much further, and a monochrome laser does the same for text. Compare options with our EcoTank guide and laser printer guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does draft mode really save ink?

Yes. It uses less ink per page, with lighter output.

Does printing in black-and-white use color ink?

Some printers still use a little color ink in black mode. Choose grayscale or black only in settings.

Are refillable tanks cheaper?

For regular printing, usually yes.

Bottom Line

Use draft and grayscale, preview before printing, clean sparingly and consider an ink tank printer if you print often.

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