Canon Pixma Mp970 Quick Start Guide

							47Printing Photographs Directly from a PictBridge Compliant Device
zLayout Setting
Various layout options are available.
zBordered/Borderless: You can select whether or not to print an image with a border.
zN-up: You can use this option when printing on sticker paper, or A4- or Letter-sized paper.
Sticker paper: When you select 10 x 15 cm/4 x 6 for Paper size, you can print 16 
images on a single sheet of paper.
A4- or Letter-sized paper: When you select A4 or 8.5 x 11 (Letter) for Paper size, you 
can print 4 images on a single sheet of paper.
zShooting Info (Exif Data)
*1: You can print shooting info (Exif Data) along with the image.
The following two options are available.
1-up
*2: Prints the shooting info (Exif Data) in the margin of selected individual images.
20-up*3: Prints 20 images specified with DPOF*4 and their shooting info (Exif Data) in list 
format on a single sheet of paper.
z35 mm Film Style Layout (Contact Printing Layout)
*3: You can print the multiple images 
specified with DPOF*4 in a list format that looks like a negative film.
Besides the above options, you can also specify to print an index of images in the DPOF*4 print 
settings menu.
*1Can be selected only on certain Canon-brand PictBridge compliant devices.*2You can use this option only when 10 x 15 cm/4 x 6, 13 x 18 cm/5 x 7, 20 x 25 cm/8 x 
10, A4 or 8.5 x 11 (Letter) is selected for Paper size.
*3You can use this option only when A4 or 8.5 x 11 (Letter) is selected for Paper size.*4DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) is a standard format to record the specified information 
regarding images, such as which image or number of copies to print.
zDate/File No. Print Setting
You can specify whether the date and/or file number will be printed.
zImage Optimize Setting
You can select the optimization method to obtain high print quality.
When you select Default, the most suitable correction for each photo is made using the Auto 
image fix function of the machine. See “Setting on the Machine” on page 48.
When you select On, photos are optimized for printing using the Photo opt. pro function.
If you are using a Canon-brand PictBridge compliant device, the following additional options may 
be available, depending on the model.
–VIVID makes green and blue more lively.
–NR (Noise Reduction) reduces the noise on blue areas like the sky as well as on black areas.
–Face brightens a darkened face on the photo taken against the light.
–Red-Eye corrects red eyes in portraits caused by flash photography.
zTrimming Setting
You can select an area to print.
Note
zIf the images already have dates superimposed when shot, set this PictBridge setting item to 
Off. If you select Date, File No., or Both, the date and/or file number will be printed over the 
date printed by the device’s function.
zDepending on the paper size and layout, the date will only be printed even when Both is 
selected.
 
						

							48Printing Photographs Directly from a PictBridge Compliant Device
„Setting on the Machine
This section describes the PictBridge print settings on the machine.
Set the print settings to Default on the PictBridge compliant device when you want to print 
according to the settings on the machine.
zDisplaying the PictBridge Settings Screen and Specifying the Settings
(1)Turn on the machine.
(2)Select Settings on the HOME screen, then press the OK button.
(3)Select Device settings, then press the OK button.
(4)Select PictBridge settings, then press the OK button.
(5)Select the item to set, then press the OK button.
(6)Select the item, then press the OK button.
(7)Confirm the print settings, select Next and then press the OK button.
(8)Select Auto image fix ON or Manual correction, then press the OK button.
When Auto image fix On is selected, the scene or person’s face of a shot photo is 
recognized and the most suitable correction for each photo is made automatically. It 
makes a darkened face by backlight brighter to print. It also analyzes a scene such as 
scenery, night scene, person, etc. and corrects each scene with the most suitable color, 
brightness, or contrasts automatically to print.
When Manual correction is selected, repeat steps (5) and (6), and then specify each 
item. After finishing all settings you need, select OK and then press the OK button. You 
can print from the PictBridge compliant device with specified settings.
 
						

							49Printing Photographs Directly from a PictBridge Compliant Device
zSetting Items
*1Set the items in this column to Default on the PictBridge compliant device when you want to make 
settings on the machine.
*2When Manual correction is selected, the items (5) to (14) are available to specify.
No.Setting ItemDescriptionCorresponding 
Setting of PictBridge 
Compliant Devices
*1
(1) Page size Select the page size, when printing directly 
from a PictBridge compliant device.Paper size
(2) Media  type Select the media type, when printing directly 
from a PictBridge compliant device.Paper type
(3) Print quality Select the print quality, when printing 
directly from a PictBridge compliant device.–
(4) Bordered/Borderless Select bordered or borderless print. Layout
(5) Photo  opt.  pro Automatically optimizes brightness and tone 
of a photo.Image optimize
(6) Vivid photo Makes green and blue more lively.
(7) Face brightener Brightens a darkened face on the photo 
taken against the light.
(8) Noise reduction Reduces the noise on blue areas like the 
sky as well as on black areas.
(9) Image optimizer Corrects and smooths the jagged contours 
for printing.
(10) Red eye correc. Corrects red eyes in portraits caused by 
flash photography.
(11) Brightness Adjust brightness.
(12) Contrast Adjust contrast.
(13) Color hue Adjust color hue. For example, you can 
increase red or yellow to adjust the skin 
tone.
(14) Effects Applies special effects to the photo, such as 
printing in sepia tones or with a sketch 
illustration like effect.
 
						

							50Routine Maintenance
Routine Maintenance
Replacing an Ink Tank
This section explains the way to confirm the ink status and the procedure to replace ink tanks.
When ink runs out or other errors occur, an error message is displayed on the LCD to inform you of 
the error. See “An Error Message Is Displayed on the LCD” on page 74 and confirm how to handle it.
When printing from your computer, error messages appear on your computer screen as well.
„Getting the Ink Status Information
You can confirm the status of ink tanks in the following two ways:
z“With the LCD of this Machine” on page 50
z“With the Ink Lamps” on page 51
zWith the LCD of this Machine
You can confirm the status of each ink tank in the remaining ink volume screen on the LCD.
(1)Make sure that the machine is turned on, then 
press the HOME button.
The HOME screen will be displayed.
(2)Press the left Function button.
The below screen will be displayed.
Note
zBe sure to install the ink tanks in the correct order indicated by the label on the Print Head Holder.
The machine will not print if an ink tank is installed in the incorrect position.
zFor information on the compatible ink tanks, refer to the back cover of this guide.
zIf printing becomes faint or white streaks appear despite sufficient ink levels, see “When Printing 
Becomes Faint or Colors Are Incorrect” on page 56.
Ink is low. You can continue printing for a while, but we 
recommend you to have a new ink tank available.
Ink may have run out. See “The following ink may have run out. 
Replacing the ink tank is recommended.” in “An Error Message 
Is Displayed on the LCD” on page 74 and take appropriate 
action.
Note
The ink status information is also displayed in the screen that appears during printing.
(A)
(A) Confirm whether any symbols are 
displayed here.
 
						

							51 Routine Maintenance
An error message may be displayed on the LCD during printing.
zWith the Ink Lamps
You can confirm the status of each ink tank by the ink lamps. Open the Scanning Unit (Printer 
Cover) of the machine to confirm how the ink lamps light or flash.
zInk lamp is on 
The ink tank is correctly set and there is enough ink remaining to print.
zInk lamp is flashing 
Flashing slowly (at around 3-second intervals)
Ink is low. You can continue printing for a while, but we recommend you to have a new ink 
tank available.
Flashing quickly (at around 1-second intervals)
The ink tank is inserted in the wrong position or it is empty. Ensure that the ink tank is in the 
correct position as directed by the label on the Print Head Holder. If the position is correct and 
its lamp flashes, it is empty. Replace it with a new one.
zInk lamp is off 
The tank is not set properly. Press the 
 mark on the ink tank until the tank clicks into place. 
If it does not click into place, make sure that the orange protective cap has been removed 
from the bottom of the ink tank. See “Prepare the replacement tank.” on page 53.
If the lamps are still off after reinserting the ink tanks, there has been an error and the 
machine cannot print. Check the error message displayed on the LCD. See “An Error 
Message Is Displayed on the LCD” on page 74.(B) Empty ink tank.Ink has run out. See “The following ink has run out. Replace 
the ink tank.” in “An Error Message Is Displayed on the 
LCD” on page 74 and take appropriate action.
(B)
......Repeats
......Repeats
 
						

							52Routine Maintenance
„Replacing Ink Tanks
When ink tanks run out of ink, replace them using the following steps.
1Open the Paper Output Tray.
(1)Put your finger in the center of the top of the Paper Output Tray and open it gently.
2Make sure that the machine is turned on, and 
lift the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover) until it 
stops.
The Print Head Holder moves to the center.
Important
Handling Ink
zTo maintain optimal printing quality, we recommend the use of specified Canon brand ink tanks. 
Refilling ink is not recommended.
zOnce you remove an ink tank, replace it immediately. Do not leave the machine with ink tanks 
removed.
zReplace empty tanks with new ones. Inserting partially used ink tanks may cause the nozzles to 
clog. Furthermore, with such tanks, the machine will not be able to inform you when to replace 
the tanks properly.
zOnce an ink tank has been installed, do not remove it from the machine and leave it out in the 
open. This will cause the ink tank to dry out, and the machine may not operate properly when it 
is reinstalled. To maintain optimal printing quality, use an ink tank within six months of first use.
zColor ink may be consumed even when printing a black-and-white document or when black-
and-white printing is specified.
Color ink is also consumed in Print Head Cleaning and Print Head Deep Cleaning, which may 
be necessary to maintain the machine’s performance. When an ink tank is out of ink, replace it 
immediately with a new one.
CautionzIf the Document Cover is opened, you cannot open 
the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover). Be sure to open 
the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover) with the 
Document Cover closed.
zDo not hold the LCD or the Operation Panel.
zDo not hold the Print Head Holder to stop or move 
it.
zDo not touch the metallic parts inside the machine.
Important
If the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover) is left open for 
more than 10 minutes, the Print Head Holder moves to 
the right side. Close and reopen the Scanning Unit 
(Printer Cover) to return the holder to the center.
 
						

							53 Routine Maintenance
3Remove the ink tank whose lamp is flashing 
fast.
(1)Push the tab and remove the ink tank.
4Prepare the replacement tank.
(1)Remove the new ink tank from its packaging.
(2)Pull the orange tape (B) in the direction of the 
arrow to peel off the protective film.
(3)Remove the film (C) completely.
(4)Remove the orange protective cap from the 
bottom of the ink tank.
Discard the cap once it is removed.
Important
zHandle ink tanks carefully to avoid staining clothing 
or the surrounding area.
zDiscard empty ink tanks according to the local laws 
and regulations regarding disposal of consumables.
Note
zDo not remove more than one ink tank at a time. Be 
sure to replace ink tanks one by one when 
replacing more than one ink tank.
zFor details on ink lamp flashing speeds, see 
“Getting the Ink Status Information” on page 50.
Important
Make sure that the protective film does not remain 
on the air hole (D). If the air hole is blocked with 
the remaining film, ink may leak out or may not 
eject properly.
Important
zDo not touch the electrical contacts (F) on the ink 
tank. Doing so can cause the machine to 
malfunction or become unable to print.
zBe sure to remove the clear film from the ink tank in 
the exact order shown above, as failure to follow 
this step may cause the ink to leak and stain your 
clothes and hands.
zDo not squeeze the side of ink tanks as this may 
cause the ink to leak out and stain your clothes and 
hands.
zDo not reattach the protective cap once you have 
removed it. Discard it according to the local laws 
and regulations regarding disposal of consumables.
zDo not touch the open ink port once the protective 
cap is removed, as this may prevent the ink from 
being ejected properly.
zBe careful not to stain your clothes and hands with 
ink on the removed protective cap.
(A)
(A) Do NOT touch the Print Head Lock 
Lever; remove only the ink tank.
(D)(B)
(C)
(E)
(F)
(E) Carefully hold the protective cap 
when removing it to prevent the ink from 
staining your fingers.
 
						

							54Routine Maintenance
5Install the ink tank.
(1)Insert the front end of the ink tank into the Print 
Head.
(G) Make sure the position of the tank matches 
the label.
(2)Press on the   mark on the ink tank until the 
ink tank snaps firmly into place.
(3)Make sure that the ink lamp lights up red.
6Gently close the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover).
Important
Install all the ink tanks to print. The machine cannot be 
used unless all the ink tanks are installed.
Caution
zBe sure to hold the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover) firmly using both hands, and be careful not to 
get your fingers caught.
zDo not hold the LCD or the Operation Panel.
NotezIf the error message is still displayed after the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover) is closed, see “An 
Error Message Is Displayed on the LCD” on page 74.
zWhen you start printing after replacing the ink tank, Print Head Cleaning is performed 
automatically. Do not perform any other operations until Print Head Cleaning finishes. Wait until 
you cannot hear the operation noise.
(G)
(1)
(3)(2)
 
						

							55 Routine Maintenance
Keeping the Best Printing Results
To avoid drying of the Print Head and clogging of the nozzles, note the following.
„When You Turn Off the Machine
Follow the procedure below to turn off the machine.
(1)Press the ON/OFF button to turn off the machine.
(2)Confirm that the Power lamp has gone out.
This takes a few seconds or as long as around 30 seconds.
(3)Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
If you are using a power outlet strip, you can switch it off instead.
When you press the ON/OFF button to turn off the machine, the machine automatically puts a 
protective cap on the Print Head to prevent the ink from drying. If you remove the power cord or 
switch off the power outlet strip before the Power lamp goes out, this capping will not be done 
properly, causing the Print Head to dry and clog.
„When You Are Not Using the Machine for a Long Time
When you are not using the machine for a long time, print or copy in both black & white and in 
color, or perform Print Head Cleaning, about once a month to prevent degradation of the Print 
Head.
Numerous nozzles are installed in the Print Head for high-precision printing. Just as the 
uncapped tip of a ballpoint pen or marker becomes dry and unusable if it is not used for a long 
period of time, the print head nozzles become blocked by dried ink. Periodically printing or 
cleaning the Print Head can prevent this blockage.
Note
zInk may blur depending on the paper in the following cases;
– Printed area is traced with a highlight pen or paint-stick
– Printed area is stained with water or sweat
zIf the print head nozzles get clogged, printouts will become faint or particular colors will not be printed 
properly. For details, see “When Printing Becomes Faint or Colors Are Incorrect” on page 56.
 
						

							56Routine Maintenance
When Printing Becomes Faint or Colors Are Incorrect
When printing becomes faint or colors are incorrect even if ink remains in the ink tanks, the print 
head nozzles are probably clogged. Print the nozzle check pattern to confirm the condition of the 
nozzles and then perform Print Head Cleaning.
If print results are not satisfactory, performing Print Head Alignment may improve print quality.
zIf the Ruled Lines Are Shifted
Note
Before performing maintenance
zOpen the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover) and make sure that all lamps for the ink tanks are lit red. If not, 
see “Getting the Ink Status Information” on page 50 and take the appropriate action.
zIncrease the Print Quality setting in the printer driver settings.
For details, refer to the PC Printing Guide on-screen manual.
Step 1
See “Printing the Nozzle Check Pattern” on page 57.
If lines are missing or if white streaks appearAfter cleaning the 
Print Head, print 
and examine the 
nozzle check 
pattern.
Step 2
See “Print Head Cleaning” on page 60.
If the problem is not resolved after performing
Print Head Cleaning twice
Step 3
See “Print Head Deep Cleaning” on page 61.
Note
If Print Head Deep Cleaning does not resolve the problem, the Print Head may be damaged. Contact your 
Canon service representative.
See “Aligning the Print Head” on page 62.
Note
You can also perform the maintenance operation from your computer. For details, refer to the PC Printing 
Guide on-screen manual.