Why does my printer keep choosing the wrong paper tray?
Quick answer
Check the paper source in the document’s print dialog first, including paper size and type. If the selected tray still seems wrong, inspect the printer’s saved preferences and tray configuration, then compare what each screen shows. Menu names and available choices vary by printer and platform; HP’s app, for example, presents tray selection in different places on Windows and Mac. [S1]
The question, the details, the next step.
Why does my printer keep choosing the wrong paper tray? I select the tray I want, but the job comes out using another one.
There may be more than one place to check: the document’s print dialog, saved driver or printer preferences, and the printer’s tray setup. Start with the settings shown for this particular print job, rather than changing several things at once. Check the paper size, paper type, and tray or source selection together. HP’s app includes these options in its Windows “More settings” menu for printers with multiple trays, while its Mac paper settings appear in different menus. Those exact steps are HP-app-specific; other printers and platforms may differ. [S1]
What should I look at in the print dialog?
Open the print dialog for the document you’re printing and look for paper source, tray, or a similarly named setting. Also note the selected paper size and type. Make a small record before changing anything, so you can compare the choices with what you expected. For example:
Document: [file or app]
Paper size: [shown setting]
Paper type: [shown setting]
Tray/source: [shown setting]
The wording and location can depend on the app and platform. The HP instructions confirm that its available settings depend on the file and platform, and its Mac and Windows menus differ. [S1]
The right tray is selected there. What next?
Compare the print dialog with the printer’s saved preferences or driver settings. If the same paper-source choice appears there, note it rather than assuming it applies identically to every document or app. Then check how the printer lists or describes its trays and whether the paper size and type you intend to use match the options shown in the job settings. Change one setting at a time and try a short test print, recording the result. The supplied HP source describes options in the HP app; it does not establish how another manufacturer’s driver or tray setup works. [S1]
Can you show me a simple way to narrow it down without losing track of what I changed?
Use this comparison sheet. Fill it in before and after each single change:
App/document: [name]
Print-dialog size/type/source: [values]
Saved preference size/type/source: [values]
Printer tray labels or setup shown: [values]
One change made: [describe it]
Test result: [which tray was used]
If the settings differ, test the one setting that appears inconsistent, then print a short sample. If all the screens agree but the printer still uses another tray, keep the notes and consult the printer’s own instructions or support for that model. The available source does not establish a universal cause or a fix for every printer.
A practical checklist
Record the app or document being printed and the tray the job uses.
Check paper size, paper type, and tray/source in the print dialog.
Compare those choices with the saved printer or driver preferences.
Review the printer’s displayed tray labels or configuration.
Change one setting at a time and record the result of a short test print.
A few more useful answers
Do the tray settings appear in the same place on every computer?
No. The supplied HP instructions say that settings depend on the file and platform; HP presents paper settings in different menus on Windows and Mac. Other printer software may differ too. [S1]
Should I change paper size, paper type, and tray selection together?
Record all three first, then change one setting at a time. That makes it easier to see which change, if any, affects the tray used.
What information should I have ready if I need printer-specific help?
Note the printer model, the app and platform, the choices shown in the print dialog and saved preferences, and the result of a short test. Avoid assuming that another printer’s menu names or steps will apply.
Sources
References used for this guide.
- [S1] Change print settings in the HP app support.hp.com · Checked