Can't print in Black & White
I've recently switched back to Firefox from Edge and have run into a frustrating issue.
When I try to print documents from Firefox, the "Color Mode" in the print settings is grayed out so I can't select B&W.
This same problem exists both on my MacOS laptop + my Windows 11 desktop. Additionally, they are connected to different printers on different networks. It also occurs whether I'm trying to print a PDF or anything else in Firefox.
Based on this, it appears Firefox is the culprit here.
Any ideas on how to fix this?
Firefox Version: 108.0
Chosen solution
Yes, it's one of many. We don't know of an API to detect the grayscale capability, so we try and set DMCOLOR_MONOCHROME on the printer device/properties and if it accepts it then we assume it should contain B&W option.
Seems in this case that method didn't accurately reflect what the currently installed driver supported.
You have to use the system dialog for now.
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We are talking about two different computer OS's, two different printers, and I can't print in b&w from every other software, including Edge and Safari.
Based on that, your solution doesn't seem very likely.
It's either something directly in Firefox or something related to the small handful of extensions I have installed that is causing an issue.
I'll try printing from a private browser with extensions disabled to see if that makes a difference to rule those out, but it definitely appears to be an issue in Firefox.
Hi there, Considering that Edge and Safari are experiencing the same issue, it may be a driver issue, as stated above. However, if you wish, you can reset Firefox printer settings. To do so, simply follow these steps:
- Click on the menu
button on the top-right corner of your window.
- Select "Help".
- Select "More troubleshooting information".
- Scroll, or use Ctrl/Cmd+F to find the "Printing" section
- Click on "" button.
Confirmed that even in a Private window with no extensions, I still don't have the option to print in B&W.
As mentioned, printing in B&W works in all other programs and this is occurring on two different computers and two different printers so it does appear to be a Firefox issue.
Any help would be appreciated!
Hi Dropa - I've tried printing various types of documents with the same issue. Examples would be a PDF as well just printing a webpage (basic HTML).
As a test, try to enter about:config in the URL bar and set print.prefer_system_dialog = true. Can you set B&W now?
Good test TyDraniu - I did change this and using the system dialog, I'm able to print in grayscale.
That would seem to confirm the issue is within Firefox, wouldn't it?
Chosen Solution
Yes, it's one of many. We don't know of an API to detect the grayscale capability, so we try and set DMCOLOR_MONOCHROME on the printer device/properties and if it accepts it then we assume it should contain B&W option.
Seems in this case that method didn't accurately reflect what the currently installed driver supported.
You have to use the system dialog for now.
I appreciate you responding to confirm the issue is within Firefox and providing a livable workaround.
Thank you!
If your printer is having issues printing black ink, the black ink might be low, and the printer might be running in backup mode. Check estimated ink levels to see if any ink cartridges are critically low or empty
Regards, Will