Brother MFC 290C User Manual

							
General Information7
1
 
„d
Press to scroll backward to a menu 
selection.
„ a or  b
Press to scroll through the menus and 
options.
„ Clear/Back
Press to cancel the current setting.
„ OK
Lets you choose a setting.
5 Start keys:
„  Color Start
Lets you start sending faxes or making 
copies in full color. Also lets you start a 
scanning operation (in color or black & 
white, depending on the scanning setting in 
the ControlCenter software).
„  Black Start
Lets you start sending faxes or making 
copies in black & white. Also lets you start 
a scanning operation (in color or black & 
white, depending on the scanning setting in 
the ControlCenter software). 6
 Stop/Exit
Stops an operation or exits from a menu.
7 Copy Options Lets you temporarily change the copy settings 
when in copy mode.
8 LCD (liquid crystal display) Displays messages on the screen to help you 
set up and use your machine.
9On/Off You can turn the machine on and off.
The On/Off key can be customized by 
changing the Power Off setting.
10 Fax Resolution Lets you temporarily change the resolution 
when sending a fax.
12/10 11:53  Fax 12/10 11:53  Fax
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2
Loading paper and 
other print media
2
aIf the paper support flap is open, close it, 
and then pull the paper tray completely 
out of the machine.
 
bLift the paper tray cover (1). 
cWith both hands, gently press and slide 
the paper side guides (1) and then the 
paper length guide (2) to fit the paper size.
Make sure that the triangular marks (3) 
on the paper side guides (1) and paper 
length guide (2) line up with the mark for 
the paper size you are using.
 
Note
When you use Legal size paper, press 
and hold the universal guide release 
button (1) as you slide out the front of the 
paper tray.
 
 
Loading paper and documents2
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Loading paper and documents9
2
dFan the stack of paper well to avoid 
paper jams and misfeeds.
 
Note
Always make sure the paper is not curled.
 
eGently put the paper into the paper tray 
print side down and top edge in first.
Check that the paper is flat in the tray.
 
fGently adjust the paper side guides (1) 
to fit the paper with both hands.
Make sure the paper side guides touch 
the sides of the paper.
 
Note
Be careful that you do not push the paper 
in too far; it may lift at the back of the tray 
and cause feed problems.
 
gClose the paper tray cover.
hSlowly push the paper tray completely 
into the machine.
 
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Chapter 2
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iWhile holding the paper tray in place, 
pull out the paper support (1) until it 
clicks and unfold the paper support 
flap (2).
 
Note
Do not use the paper support flap for 
Legal paper.
 
Loading envelopes and post 
cards2
About envelopes2
„ Use envelopes that weigh from 20 to 25 lb 
(80 to 95 g/m
2).
„ Some envelopes need margin settings to 
be set in the application. Make sure you 
do a test print first before printing many 
envelopes.
CAUTION 
DO NOT use any of the following types of 
envelopes, as they will cause paper feed 
problems:
• That are of a baggy construction.
• That are embossed (have raised writing  on them).
• That have clasps or staples.
• That are pre-printed on the inside.
Occasionally you may experience paper 
feed problems caused by the thickness, 
size and flap shape of the envelopes you 
are using.
 
How to load envelopes and post cards2
aBefore loading, press the corners and 
sides of envelopes or post cards to 
make them as flat as possible.
Note
If envelopes or post cards are 
‘double-feeding’, put one envelope or post 
card in the paper tray at a time.
 
 
 
 
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2
Glue  2Double flap 2
 
						

							
Loading paper and documents11
2
bPut envelopes or post cards into the 
paper tray with the address side down 
and the leading edge in first as shown in 
the illustration. With both hands, gently 
press and slide the paper side 
guides (1) and paper length guide (2) to 
fit the size of the envelopes or post 
cards.
 
If you have problems when printing on 
envelopes, try the following suggestions:
2
aOpen the envelope flap.
bMake sure the open flap is either to the 
side of the envelope or to the back edge 
of the envelope when printing.
cAdjust the size and margin in your 
application.
 
Removing small printouts 
from the machine2
When the machine ejects small paper onto 
the output paper tray you may not be able to 
reach it. Make sure printing has finished, and 
then pull the tray completely out of the 
machine.
 
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Chapter 2
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Printable area2
The printable area depends on the settings in the application you are using. The figures below 
show the unprintable areas on cut sheet paper and envelopes. The machine can only print in the 
shaded areas when the Borderless print feature is available and turned on.
Note
The Borderless feature is not available for envelopes.
 
Cut Sheet Paper Envelopes
   
Top (1)Bottom (2)Left (3)Right (4)
Cut Sheet 0.12 in. (3 mm) 0.12 in. (3 mm) 0.12 in. (3 mm) 0.12 in. (3 mm)
Envelopes 0.47 in. (12 mm)  0.95 in. (24 mm)  0.12 in. (3 mm)  0.12 in. (3 mm) 
3 4
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Loading paper and documents13
2
Acceptable paper and 
other print media
2
The print quality can be affected by the type 
of paper you are using in the machine.
To get the best print quality for the settings 
you have chosen, always set the Paper Type 
to match the type of paper you load.
You can use plain paper, inkjet paper (coated 
paper), glossy paper, transparencies and 
envelopes.
We recommend testing various paper types 
before buying large quantities.
For best results, use Brother paper.„ When you print on inkjet paper (coated 
paper), transparencies and photo paper, 
be sure to choose the proper print media 
in the ‘ Basic’ tab of the printer driver or in 
the Paper Type setting of the machine’s 
menu (See  Paper Type  on page 20).
„ When you print on Brother Photo paper, 
load one extra sheet of the same photo 
paper in the paper tray. An extra sheet has 
been included in the paper package for 
this purpose.
„ When you use transparencies or photo 
paper, remove each sheet at once to 
prevent smudging or paper jams.
„ Avoid touching the printed surface of the 
paper immediately after printing; the 
surface may not be completely dry and 
may stain your fingers.
Recommended print media2
To get the best print quality, we suggest using 
Brother paper. (See table below.)
We recommend using ‘3M Transparency 
Film’ when you print on transparencies.
Brother paper
Paper TypeItem
Letter Plain
BP60PL100 (USA only)
Letter Glossy Photo BP71GLTR
Letter Inkjet (Matte) BP60ML (USA only)
4  × 6 in. Glossy Photo BP71GP
 
						

							
Chapter 2
14
Handling and using print 
media2
„ Store paper in its original packaging, and 
keep it sealed. Keep the paper flat and 
away from moisture, direct sunlight and 
heat.
„ Avoid touching the shiny (coated) side of 
photo paper. Load photo paper with the 
shiny side facing down.
„ Avoid touching either side of 
transparencies because they absorb 
water and perspiration easily, and this 
may cause decreased output quality. 
Transparencies designed for laser 
printers/copiers may stain your next 
document. Use only transparencies 
recommended for inkjet printing.
„ You can only print on both sides of the 
paper with PC printing. (See  Printing for 
Windows
® in the Software Users Guide 
on the CD-ROM).
Improper Setup 
DO NOT use the following kinds of paper:
• Damaged, curled, wrinkled, or  irregularly shaped paper
 
1 0.08 in. (2 mm) or greater
• Extremely shiny or highly textured paper
• Paper that cannot be arranged uniformly 
when stacked
• Paper made with a short grain
 
Paper capacity of the output paper 
tray
2
Up to 50 sheets of Letter, Legal or A4 20 lb 
(80 g/m
2) paper.
„ Transparencies and photo paper must be 
picked up from the output paper tray one 
page at a time to avoid smudging.
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Loading paper and documents15
2
Choosing the right media2
Paper type and size for each operation2
Paper TypePaper SizeUsage
FaxCopyPhoto 
CapturePrinter
Cut Sheet Letter  8 1/2  × 11 in. 
(215.9  × 279.4 mm) Yes Yes Yes Yes
A4 8.3  × 11.7 in. (210  × 297 mm) Yes Yes Yes Yes
Legal 8 1/2  × 14 in. 
(215.9  × 355.6 mm) Yes Yes – Yes
Executive 7 1/4  × 10 1/2 in. (184  × 267 mm) – – – Yes
JIS B5 7.2  × 10.1 in. (182  × 257 mm) – – – Yes
A5 5.8  × 8.3 in. (148  × 210 mm) – Yes – Yes
A6 4.1  × 5.8 in. (105  × 148 mm) – – – Yes
Cards Photo 4  × 6 in. (10  × 15 cm) – Yes Yes Yes
Photo 2L 5  × 7 in. (13  × 18 cm) – – Yes Yes
Index Card 5  × 8 in. (127  × 203 mm) – – – Yes
Post Card 13.9  × 5.8 in. (100  × 148 mm) – – – Yes
Post Card 2
(Double)5.8  × 7.9 in. (148  × 200 mm) – – – Yes
Envelopes
C5 Envelope6.4  × 9 in. (162  × 229 mm) – – – Yes
DL Envelope4.3  × 8.7 in. (110  × 220 mm) – – – Yes
COM-10 4 1/8  × 9 1/2 in. (105  × 241 mm) – – – Yes
Monarch 3 7/8  × 7 1/2 in. (98  × 191 mm) – – – Yes
JE4 Envelope4.1  × 9.3 in. (105  × 235 mm) – – – Yes
TransparenciesLetter 8 1/2  × 11 in. 
(215.9  × 279.4 mm) – Yes – Yes
A4 8.3  × 11.7 in. (210  × 297 mm) – Yes – Yes
 
						

							
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Paper weight, thickness and capacity2
1Up to 100 sheets of plain paper 20 lb (80 g/m2).
Paper TypeWeightThicknessNo. of 
sheets
Cut 
Sheet Plain Paper
17 to 32 lb (64 to 120 g/m
2)3 to 6 mil (0.08 to 0.15 mm)
1001
Inkjet Paper
17 to 53 lb (64 to 200 g/m2)3 to 10 mil (0.08 to 0.25 mm) 20
Glossy Paper Up to 58 lb (Up to 220 g/m
2)Up to 10 mil (Up to 0.25 mm) 20
Cards Photo 4  × 6
Up to 58 lb (Up to 220 g/m
2)Up to 10 mil (Up to 0.28 mm) 20
Index Card Up to 32 lb (Up to 120 g/m
2)Up to 6 mil (Up to 0.15 mm) 30
Post Card Up to 53 lb (Up to 200 g/m
2)Up to 10 mil (Up to 0.25 mm) 30
Envelopes 20 to 25 lb (75 to 95 g/m
2)Up to 20 mil (Up to 0.52 mm) 10
Transparencies – – 10