Fixing Wavy or Double Printed Text on Canon Printers: Common Causes and Solutions

Question:
My Canon printer prints wavy, zigzag text and shows double-line images. I’ve already tried the recommended fix, but it didn’t work. Do you have any other suggestions?

Answer:
1. Check and Reseat the Ink Cartridges

Misaligned or loosely seated cartridges can cause printhead misalignment, which leads to distorted or doubled output. Power off the printer and carefully remove each cartridge. Then, firmly reseat them into their proper slots. Make sure there’s a solid click indicating they’re properly installed.

Note: If you're using refilled or third-party cartridges, verify that they are correctly shaped and fully compatible with your printer model. Improper form factors can cause misalignment.

2. Run Manual Printhead Alignment

If reseating doesn’t work, try a manual printhead alignment via your printer’s software utility (found in your printer’s settings or maintenance menu). Canon's automatic alignment sometimes isn’t enough when the printhead is severely off. During manual alignment:

• Select "Print Head Alignment" and follow on-screen instructions.

• The printer will produce a pattern; you must select the most accurate alignment samples.

However, as you correctly suspected, no software correction will fix the issue if the mechanical alignment is significantly out of place (e.g., the frame itself is misaligned or damaged).

3. Inspect the Printhead Carriage and Frame

Sometimes the problem isn’t with the ink cartridges or software, but the printhead carriage itself. If it’s physically misaligned—due to a bump, rough handling, or internal wear—the printhead may be printing slightly off-track as it moves. Check for:

• Loose screws around the carriage rail or housing

• Grinding noises or resistance when the carriage moves

• Signs of wobbling during printing

If you notice any of these, the carriage or printhead rail may require realignment or replacement.

4. Check for Encoder Strip Issues

Canon printers often use a clear plastic encoder strip behind the carriage to determine position. If dirty or damaged, this strip can confuse the carriage positioning, leading to offset or doubled prints. Clean the strip with a lint-free cloth and a small amount of isopropyl alcohol. Be cautious—this part is delicate.

5. Firmware/Software Glitches

Rarely, the issue may lie in corrupted print settings or outdated firmware. Try resetting the printer to factory defaults and checking the manufacturer’s site for firmware updates.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. So, it might take a few weeks to get your printer to drop it off. Our services are structured to repair a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. Thus, we recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel’s homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of queries every day asking about videos for specific topics. Having created videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one. Therefore, using YouTube's search function would be most efficient. Plus, YouTube might suggest relevant videos from other channels that could assist you.

Thank you again for reaching out. We truly value your trust and support and hope you can resolve the issue soon. Let us know if you need help identifying specific parts or compatible tools—we’re here to help!