Colour printing photos appears striped horizontally. head alignment test patterns for column b (blue) in the test patterns consists of two horizontal bars -full top lines but vertical bars below. head alignment patern tests appear with an upper and a lower bar (banded)

1. Open the printer driver setup window
2. Click Custom Settings on the Maintenance tabThe Custom Settings dialog box opens.
3. Switch head alignment to manual
   Check the Align heads manually check box.
4. Apply the settings
   Click OK and when the confirmation message appears, click OK.
5. Click Print Head Alignment on the Maintenance tab
   The Start Print Head Alignment dialog box opens.
6. Load paper in the machine
   Load three sheets of A4 size or Letter size plain paper into the front tray.
7. Execute head alignment
   Make sure that the machine is on and click Align Print Head.
   Follow the instruction in the message.
8. Check the printed pattern
   Enter the numbers of the patterns with the least amount of streaks in the associated boxes.
   Even if the patterns with the least amount of streaks are clicked in the preview window, their numbers are automatically entered in the associated boxes.
   
   When you have entered all the necessary values, click OK.
   [img src="http://ugp01.c-ij.com/ij/webmanual/PrinterDriver/W/MX450%20series/1.0/EN/PPG/images/i_note.gif" alt="" >Note
   • If it is difficult to pick the best pattern, pick the setting that produces the least noticeable vertical streaks.
     (A) Least noticeable vertical streaks
     (B) Most noticeable vertical streaks
   • If it is difficult to pick the best pattern, pick the setting that produces the least noticeable horizontal streaks.
     
     (A) Least noticeable horizontal streaks
     (B) Most noticeable horizontal streaks
9. Confirm the displayed message and click OK
   The second pattern is printed.
10. Check the printed pattern
    Enter the numbers of the patterns with the least amount of streaks in the associated boxes.
    Even if the patterns with the least amount of streaks are clicked in the preview window, their numbers are automatically entered in the associated boxes.
    
    When you have entered all the necessary values, click OK.
    [img src="http://ugp01.c-ij.com/ij/webmanual/PrinterDriver/W/MX450%20series/1.0/EN/PPG/images/i_note.gif" alt="" >Note
    • If it is difficult to pick the best pattern, pick the setting that produces the least noticeable vertical streaks.
      (A) Least noticeable vertical streaks
      (B) Most noticeable vertical streaks
11. Confirm the displayed message and click OK
    The third pattern is printed.
12. Check the printed pattern
    Enter the numbers of the patterns with the least noticeable horizontal stripes in the associated boxes.
    Even if the patterns with the least noticeable horizontal stripes are clicked in the preview window, their numbers are automatically entered in the associated boxes.
    
    When you have entered all the necessary values, click OK.
    [img src="http://ugp01.c-ij.com/ij/webmanual/PrinterDriver/W/MX450%20series/1.0/EN/PPG/images/i_note.gif" alt="" >Note
    • If it is difficult to pick the best pattern, pick the setting that produces the least noticeable horizontal stripes.
      (A) Least noticeable horizontal stripes
      (B) Most noticeable horizontal stripes
      

Reseating the print head is seldomly needed to be done.Press the Open Button (1) to open the Paper Output Tray (2) Raise the Scanning Unit until it stops. Pull and hold the Scanning Unit Lever towards you, then raise the Scanning Unit.The Print Head Holder moves to the middle Open the Inner Cover 1.Open the Inner Cover 2.CAUTION: a. Do not try to manually move or stop the Print Head Holder.b. Do not touch any metal parts.Press the ink tank's tab (1), then remove it from the slot (2) IMPORTANT:Handle ink tanks carefully to avoid staining clothing or the surrounding area. Lift up the lock lever and take out the print head.Again, place the print head back in position and press down the lock lever. Insert the ink tank into the empty slot on the print head. Press down gently on the ink tank until an audible click is heard. Make sure the ink tank is in the correct slot IMPORTANT:a. Make sure that the ink tank is inserted in the slot that corresponds to the ink tank's color.b. If the ink tank is inserted in the wrong slot, perform two head refreshings.Close the Inner Cover 2.Close the Inner Cover 1.Pull the Scanning Unit Lever towards you to close the Scanning Unit.Align the print head position after the print head is installed. You can align the print head position either automatically or manually. When automatic alignment does not work well, align the print head position manually.Automatically Aligning The Print Head Position:Load A4-or letter-size plain paper in the paper support tray. Auto alignment cannot be performed when the Feed Switch is set to [CASSETTE].Press <Menu> epeatedly until [MAINTENANCE] appears.Press left or right arrow to select [AUTO HEAD ALIGN].Press <OK>. The print head position alignment pattern prints.Check the printed pattern. If the printed pattern matches the illustration, the print head position alignment is complete. Manually Aligning The Print Head Position:When automatic alignment does not work well, align the print head position manually.Load A4- or letter-size plain paper in the paper support or cassette.Select the paper source with <Feed Switch> button.Press <Menu> repeatedly until [MAINTENANCE] appears.Use left or right arrow to select [ALIGN PRINT HEAD].Press <OK>. A horizontal pattern is printed.Beginning from column A on the printout, enter checkmarks in the patterns that have the most solid image.(1): Bad example (Least solid box) 2): Good example (Most solid box) Press left or right arrow to select the pattern number that you checked in column A on the printout in step 6.A): Column(0): Select pattern number with most solid image Press <OK>.Repeat steps 7 and 8 to adjust columns B to L. When all the horizontal patterns are adjusted, you will be prompted to print a vertical pattern [PRINT VERT. PATTERN].Press left arrow. A vertical pattern is printed.Beginning from column M on the printout, enter checkmarks in the patterns that have the most solid image.(1): Bad example (Least solid box) 2): Good example (Most solid box) Press left or right arrow to select the pattern number that you checked in column M on the printout in step 11.Press <OK> Repeat steps 12 and 13 to adjust column N.

Issue: How do I align the print head?
Solution: Perform a Print Head Alignment (Windows)- MX340

Aligning the Print Head Position Print head alignment corrects the installation positions of the print head and improves deviated colors and lines. The procedure for performing print head alignment is as follows:

Print Head Alignment

1. Open the printer driver setup window
   • In Windows Vista, select the Start menu -> Control Panel -> Hardware and Sound -> Printers.
     
     
   • In Windows XP, select the Start menu -> Control Panel -> Printers and Other Hardware -> Printers and Faxes.
     
     
   • In Windows 2000, select the Start menu -> Settings -> Printers.
     
     
     
2. Right-click your model name icon, and then select Printing Preferences from the displayed menu.
   
   The printer driver setup window appears.
   
   
3. Click Custom Settings on the Maintenance tab.
   The Custom Settings dialog box opens.
   
   
4. Check the Align heads manually check box.
   
   
5. Click Send, and click OK when the confirmation message appears.
   
   
6. Click Print Head Alignment on the Maintenance tab The Start Print Head Alignment dialog box opens.
   
   
   
   
7. Load three sheets of A4 size or Letter size plain paper into the rear tray (3).
   
   
   
   
8. Execute head alignment Make sure that the machine is on and click Align Print Head.
   Follow the instruction in the message.
   
   
9. Check the printed pattern
   Enter the numbers of the patterns with the least amount of streaks in the associated boxes.
   Clicking the patterns with the least amount of streaks in the preview window, will automatically set their numbers in the associated boxes.
   
   
   
   
10. When you have entered all the necessary values, click OK.
    
    Note:
    • If it is difficult to pick the best pattern, pick the setting that produces the least noticeable vertical white streaks.
      
      
      (A) Less noticeable vertical white streaks
      (B) More noticeable vertical white streaks
      
      
    • If it is difficult to pick the best pattern, pick the setting that produces the least noticeable horizontal white streaks.
      
      
      (A) Less noticeable horizontal white streaks
      (B) More noticeable horizontal white streaks
      
      
11. Confirm the displayed message and click OK.
    The second pattern is printed.
    Important: Do not open the Scanning Unit (Cover) while printing is in progress.
    
    
12. Check the printed pattern
    Enter the numbers of the patterns with the least amount of streaks in the associated boxes.
    Clicking the patterns with the least amount of streaks in the preview window, will automatically set their numbers in the associated boxes.
    
    
    
    
13. When you have entered all the necessary values, click OK.
    
    Note:
    
    • If it is difficult to pick the best pattern, pick the setting that produces the least noticeable vertical white streaks.
      
      
      (A) Less noticeable vertical white streaks
      (B) More noticeable vertical white streaks
      
      
      
14. Confirm the displayed message and click OK.
    The third pattern is printed.
    Important: Do not open the Scanning Unit (Cover) while printing is in progress.
    
    
15. Check the printed pattern
    Enter the numbers of the patterns with the least noticeable horizontal stripes in the associated boxes.
    Clicking the patterns with the least noticeable horizontal stripes in the preview window, will automatically set their numbers in the associated boxes.
    
    
    
    
16. When you have entered all the necessary values, click OK.
    
    Note:
    
    • If it is difficult to pick the best pattern, pick the setting that produces the least noticeable horizontal white stripes.
      
      
      (A) Less noticeable horizontal white stripes
      (B) More noticeable horizontal white stripes
      

Note: To print and check the current setting, open the Start Print Head Alignment dialog box, and click Print Alignment Value.

Hello. To do a head alignment follow the steps below.

1. Click Start - Control Panel - printers and faxes
2. RIGHT CLICK on the canon printer and select printing preferences
3. Select Maintenance from the top right tab (see image below)
4. Select print head alignment and follow the steps on screen.

I hope this helps, If so please rate this answer below. Thank You for supporting the FixYa Community
Regards GM

The instructions as copied from the Pixma 480 "onscreen manual." (Only the text -- not the images -- could be pasted into the solution. Hope you can follow the text.) Steve G.

Prepare 2 sheets of A4 or Letter-sized plain paper

1. Make sure that the power is turned on, and load 2 sheets of A4 or Letter-sized plain paper in the Rear Tray.

2. Open the Paper Output Tray gently, and open the Output Tray Extension.

3. Print the print head alignment pattern.
- Press the Menu button.
- Select Maintenance, and press the OK button.
- Select Print head alignment, and press the OK button.
Note: To print the current head position adjustment values, select Head alignment print in the Maintenance menu and press the OK button. See Selecting Menus on the Top Menu Screen.)
- Select Yes, and press the OK button to print alignment sheet.
- Check the pattern is printed correctly, select Yes and press OK button.
- Confirm the displayed message and press the OK button.

The Print head alignment screen appears.

4. Adjust the print head position.
- Check the printed patterns, and use the (Left) or (Right) button to select the number of the pattern that has the least noticeable streaks for column A.
Note: If it is difficult to select the best pattern, select the pattern that has the least noticeable white streaks.
(A) Less noticeable vertical white streaks
(B) Noticeable vertical white streaks
(C) Less noticeable horizontal white streaks
(D) Noticeable horizontal white streaks
- Repeat the same procedure to input the pattern number for each column from B to L, then press the OK button.
- Select Yes to continue printing, and press the OK button.
- The second page of print head alignment sheet will be printed.
- Confirm the message for print head alignment, and press the OK button.
- Check the printed patterns and use the (Left) or (Right) button to input the number of the pattern that has the least noticeable horizontal streaks for column M.
- Repeat the same procedure to input the pattern number for each column from N to R, and press the OK button.

1. Make sure that the machine is turned on, and then load three sheets of A4 or Letter-sized plain paper in the Rear Tray or Cassette.
2. Open the Paper Output Tray, and then open the Output Tray Extension. (1) Put your finger in the center of the top of the Paper Output Tray and open it gently. (2) Open the Output Tray Extension.
3. Press the Paper Feed Switch to select the paper source where you have loaded paper.
4. Print the print head alignment pattern. (A) Press the HOME button. (B) Select Settings , then press the OK button. (C) Select Maintenance , then press the OK button. (D) Select Manual head align , then press the OK button. (E) Select Yes , then press the OK button. (F) When " Did the patterns print correctly? " is displayed, confirm that the pattern is printed correctly, select Yes , then press the OK button.The input screen for the head position adjustment values is displayed.
5. Note:If you select Head alignment print, the machine exits the process after printing the current head position adjustment values.
6. Look at the first printout, and then adjust the print head position. (A) Check the printed patterns, and use the or button to input the number of the pattern in column A that has the least noticeable vertical streaks. (B) Repeat the same procedure until you finish i nputting the pattern number for columns B to F, then press the OK button. (C) Confirm the displayed message and press the OK button.
7. Note: If it is difficult to pick the best pattern, pick the setting that produces the least noticeable vertical white streaks.
8. Look at the second printout, and then adjust the print head position. (A) Check the printed patterns, and use the or button to input the number of the pattern in column G that has the least noticeable vertical streaks. (B) Repeat the same procedure until you finish inputting the pattern number for columns H to K, then press the OK button. For column K, the best pattern will be smooth and have no streaks in the border indicated by the arrow. (C) Confirm the displayed message and press the OK button.
9. Look at the third printout, and then adjust the print head position. Check the printed patterns, and use the or button to input the number of the pattern in columns L and M that has the least noticeable horizontal streaks, then press the OK button.

Source

Here's the solution from Canon USA:

Issue: Banded or streaked prints
Solution: Print Head Alignment MP530

Perform Print Head Alignment Instructions to perform a Print Head Alignment directly from the machine. If diagrams or ruled lines are misaligned, print head alignment is required. The print head alignment can be performed automatically or manually. If the automatic print head alignment does not work, adjust the print head manually. Automatic Print Head Alignment

1. Press <ON/OFF> to turn on the machine.
   
   
2. Load a few sheets of letter-sized plain paper in the auto sheet feeder.
   
   
3. Press the Open button to open the Paper Output Tray. Then open up and set the extension by pressing down the hollow on the front side.
   
   
4. Execute automatic print head alignment.
   
5. 1. Press <COPY> button.
      
   2. Press <Menu> repeatedly to select [MAINTENACE].
      
   3. Press the left or right cursor to select [AUTO HEAD ALIGN], then press the <OK>. (A pattern is printed and the print head is automatically aligned. It takes about five minutes to finish printing the pattern.)
      
      
      
      

Manual print head alignment

1. Press <ON/OFF> to turn on the machine.
   
   
2. Load two sheets of Letter-sized plain paper in the auto sheet feeder or cassette.
   
   
3. Ensure that the proper paper source is selected.
   
   
4. Execute manual print head alignment.
   
5. 1. Press <Menu> repeatedly to select [MAINTENACE].
      
   2. Press the left or right cursor to select [ALIGN PRINT HEAD], then press the <OK>. (The nozzle check pattern is printed.)
      
      
6. Check the printed patterns and use the left or right arrow to input the number of the pattern in column A that has the least noticeable streaks.
   
   
   
   
7. Press <OK> to move the cursor to column B, and then use the left or right arrow to input the number of the pattern that has the least noticeable streaks.
   
   
8. Repeat the procedure until you finish inputting the pattern number for column P.
   
   
   
   
9. When you have finished inputting all pattern numbers, press <OK>.
   
   Note: For columns A through N select the patterns with the least visible vertical streaks. For columns O and P select the patterns with the fewest visible horizontal streaks.
   
   
   
   <1> Example of the pattern with the fewest visible vertical streak
   
   <2> Example of the pattern with the most visible vertical streak
   
   
   
   <1> Example of the pattern with the fewest visible horizontal streak
   
   <2> Example of the pattern with the most visible horizontal streak
   

Hope this helps - fotobean

Here's a solution from Canon USA:

Issue: Banded or streaked prints
Solution: Print Head Alignment MP530

Perform Print Head Alignment Instructions to perform a Print Head Alignment directly from the machine. If diagrams or ruled lines are misaligned, print head alignment is required. The print head alignment can be performed automatically or manually. If the automatic print head alignment does not work, adjust the print head manually. Automatic Print Head Alignment

1. Press <ON/OFF> to turn on the machine.
   
   
2. Load a few sheets of letter-sized plain paper in the auto sheet feeder.
   
   
3. Press the Open button to open the Paper Output Tray. Then open up and set the extension by pressing down the hollow on the front side.
   
   
4. Execute automatic print head alignment.
   
5. 1. Press <COPY> button.
      
   2. Press <Menu> repeatedly to select [MAINTENACE].
      
   3. Press the left or right cursor to select [AUTO HEAD ALIGN], then press the <OK>. (A pattern is printed and the print head is automatically aligned. It takes about five minutes to finish printing the pattern.)
      
      
      
      

Manual print head alignment

1. Press <ON/OFF> to turn on the machine.
   
   
2. Load two sheets of Letter-sized plain paper in the auto sheet feeder or cassette.
   
   
3. Ensure that the proper paper source is selected.
   
   
4. Execute manual print head alignment.
   
5. 1. Press <Menu> repeatedly to select [MAINTENACE].
      
   2. Press the left or right cursor to select [ALIGN PRINT HEAD], then press the <OK>. (The nozzle check pattern is printed.)
      
      
6. Check the printed patterns and use the left or right arrow to input the number of the pattern in column A that has the least noticeable streaks.
   
   
   
   
7. Press <OK> to move the cursor to column B, and then use the left or right arrow to input the number of the pattern that has the least noticeable streaks.
   
   
8. Repeat the procedure until you finish inputting the pattern number for column P.
   
   
   
   
9. When you have finished inputting all pattern numbers, press <OK>.
   
   Note: For columns A through N select the patterns with the least visible vertical streaks. For columns O and P select the patterns with the fewest visible horizontal streaks.
   
   
   
   <1> Example of the pattern with the fewest visible vertical streak
   
   <2> Example of the pattern with the most visible vertical streak
   
   
   
   <1> Example of the pattern with the fewest visible horizontal streak
   
   <2> Example of the pattern with the most visible horizontal streak
   

Hope this helps - fotobean.

Try to reseat the print head:
Reseating the print head is seldomly needed to be done.

1. Press the Open Button (1) to open the Paper Output Tray (2).
   
   
   
   
2. Raise the Scanning Unit until it stops.
   
   
1. Pull and hold the Scanning Unit Lever towards you, then raise the Scanning Unit.
   
2. The Print Head Holder moves to the middle.
   
   
   
   
3. Open the Inner Cover 1.
   
   
   
   
4. Open the Inner Cover 2.
   
   
   
   CAUTION:
   
   a. Do not try to manually move or stop the Print Head Holder.
   
   b. Do not touch any metal parts.
   
   
5. Press the ink tank's tab (1), then remove it from the slot (2).
   
   
   
   IMPORTANT:
   Handle ink tanks carefully to avoid staining clothing or the surrounding area.
   
   
6. Lift up the lock lever and take out the print head.
   
   
   
   
7. Again, place the print head back in position and press down the lock lever.
   
   
   
   
8. Insert the ink tank into the empty slot on the print head. Press down gently on the ink tank until an audible click is heard. Make sure the ink tank is in the correct slot.
   
   
   
   IMPORTANT:
   
   a. Make sure that the ink tank is inserted in the slot that corresponds to the ink tank's color.
   
   b. If the ink tank is inserted in the wrong slot, perform two head refreshings.
   
   
9. Close the Inner Cover 2.
   
   
10. Close the Inner Cover 1.
    
    
11. Pull the Scanning Unit Lever towards you to close the Scanning Unit.
    
    
12. Align the print head position after the print head is installed. You can align the print head position either automatically or manually. When automatic alignment does not work well, align the print head position manually.
    
    

Automatically Aligning The Print Head Position:

1. Load A4-or letter-size plain paper in the paper support tray. Auto alignment cannot be performed when the Feed Switch is set to [CASSETTE].
   
   
2. Press <Menu> repeatedly until [MAINTENANCE] appears.
   
   
3. Press left or right arrow to select [AUTO HEAD ALIGN].
   
   
4. Press <OK>. The print head position alignment pattern prints.
   
   
5. Check the printed pattern. If the printed pattern matches the illustration, the print head position alignment is complete.
   
   

Manually Aligning The Print Head Position:
When automatic alignment does not work well, align the print head position manually.

1. Load A4- or letter-size plain paper in the paper support or cassette.
   
   
2. Select the paper source with <Feed Switch> button.
   
   
3. Press <Menu> repeatedly until [MAINTENANCE] appears.
   
   
4. Use left or right arrow to select [ALIGN PRINT HEAD].
   
   
5. Press <OK>. A horizontal pattern is printed.
   
   
6. Beginning from column A on the printout, enter checkmarks in the patterns that have the most solid image.
   
   
   
   (1): Bad example (Least solid box)
   
   (2): Good example (Most solid box)
   
   
7. Press left or right arrow to select the pattern number that you checked in column A on the printout in step 6.
   
   (A): Column
   (0): Select pattern number with most solid image
   
   
8. Press <OK>.
   
   
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 to adjust columns B to L. When all the horizontal patterns are adjusted, you will be prompted to print a vertical pattern [PRINT VERT. PATTERN].
   
   
10. Press left arrow. A vertical pattern is printed.
    
    
11. Beginning from column M on the printout, enter checkmarks in the patterns that have the most solid image.
    
    
    
    (1): Bad example (Least solid box)
    
    (2): Good example (Most solid box)
    
    
12. Press left or right arrow to select the pattern number that you checked in column M on the printout in step 11.
    
    
13. Press <OK>.
    
    
14. Repeat steps 12 and 13 to adjust column N.

Perform Print Head Alignment Instructions to perform a Print Head Alignment directly from the machine. If diagrams or ruled lines are misaligned, print head alignment is required. The print head alignment can be performed automatically or manually. If the automatic print head alignment does not work, adjust the print head manually. Automatic Print Head Alignment

1. Press <ON/OFF> to turn on the machine.
   
   
2. Load a few sheets of letter-sized plain paper in the auto sheet feeder.
   
   
3. Press the Open button to open the Paper Output Tray. Then open up and set the extension by pressing down the hollow on the front side.
   
   
4. Execute automatic print head alignment.
   
5. 1. Press <COPY> button.
      
   2. Press <Menu> repeatedly to select [MAINTENACE].
      
   3. Press the left or right cursor to select [AUTO HEAD ALIGN], then press the <OK>. (A pattern is printed and the print head is automatically aligned. It takes about five minutes to finish printing the pattern.)
      
      
      
      

Manual print head alignment

1. Press <ON/OFF> to turn on the machine.
   
   
2. Load two sheets of Letter-sized plain paper in the auto sheet feeder or cassette.
   
   
3. Ensure that the proper paper source is selected.
   
   
4. Execute manual print head alignment.
   
5. 1. Press <Menu> repeatedly to select [MAINTENACE].
      
   2. Press the left or right cursor to select [ALIGN PRINT HEAD], then press the <OK>. (The nozzle check pattern is printed.)
      
      
6. Check the printed patterns and use the left or right arrow to input the number of the pattern in column A that has the least noticeable streaks.
   
   
   
   
7. Press <OK> to move the cursor to column B, and then use the left or right arrow to input the number of the pattern that has the least noticeable streaks.
   
   
8. Repeat the procedure until you finish inputting the pattern number for column P.
   
   
   
   
9. When you have finished inputting all pattern numbers, press <OK>.
   
   Note: For columns A through N select the patterns with the least visible vertical streaks. For columns O and P select the patterns with the fewest visible horizontal streaks.
   
   
   
   <1> Example of the pattern with the fewest visible vertical streak
   
   <2> Example of the pattern with the most visible vertical streak
   
   
   
   <1> Example of the pattern with the fewest visible horizontal streak
   
   <2> Example of the pattern with the most visible horizontal streak
   

I hope it helps!!!