Effortless Canon PIXMA iP8720 Setup in Minutes!

Streamline your printing experience with our comprehensive Canon PIXMA iP8720 setup guide.

Canon PIXMA iP8720 inkjet printer for home or office use. — Get your Canon PIXMA iP8720 up and running in no time!

I. Introduction to Canon PIXMA iP8720 Setup

Welcome to the world of creative printing with the Canon PIXMA iP8720 printer. This innovative printer is designed to deliver exceptional print quality and versatility, making it a perfect choice for both professional projects and personal creations.

Description of the Canon PIXMA iP8720 Printer Model

The Canon PIXMA iP8720 is a wireless inkjet photo printer that offers stunning print resolutions of up to 9600 x 2400 dpi. This high resolution ensures sharp and vibrant prints, whether you’re producing detailed photographs or intricate documents.

Key Features of the Canon PIXMA iP8720

Wireless Connectivity: The iP8720 supports wireless printing, allowing you to print from your computer, smartphone, or tablet with ease. This feature eliminates the hassle of cables and offers seamless integration with your digital devices.
Wide Format Printing: One of the standout features of the iP8720 is its ability to print in wide format, supporting paper sizes up to 13″ x 19″. This makes it ideal for printing large photos, posters, and other creative projects.
Six-Color Ink System: With a six-color ink system including gray ink, the iP8720 delivers exceptional color accuracy and depth. Your prints will showcase a wide range of hues, from vibrant reds to subtle grayscales.
Auto Power On/Off: The printer features an auto power on/off function, conserving energy and reducing environmental impact when the printer is not in use.

Importance of Proper Setup

Setting up your Canon PIXMA iP8720 correctly is crucial for several reasons:

Ensuring Optimal Performance

A proper setup ensures that your printer operates at its best capacity, delivering high-quality prints consistently. This includes correctly installing ink cartridges, loading paper, and configuring wireless settings for smooth connectivity.

Avoiding Potential Issues

By following the setup instructions meticulously, you can prevent common issues such as paper jams, print quality issues, and connectivity problems. A well-configured printer minimizes downtime and frustration, allowing you to focus on your printing tasks without interruptions.

In the subsequent sections, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step setup process, including unboxing, initial setup, wireless configuration, print quality adjustment, maintenance tips, and more. Stay tuned to unlock the full potential of your Canon PIXMA iP8720 printer.

Related information: Canon PIXMA WiFi Setup

II. Unboxing and Initial Setup

Congratulations on your new Canon PIXMA iP8720 printer! Let’s get started with unboxing and setting it up for optimal performance.

Unboxing the Printer

When you unbox your Canon PIXMA iP8720, you’ll find a neatly packaged set of components designed to make your setup process seamless. The package typically includes:

The Canon PIXMA iP8720 printer itself, with its sleek and modern design.
A set of ink cartridges, including cyan, magenta, yellow, black, gray, and photo black inks.
A power cord to connect your printer to a power source.
A setup CD-ROM containing the necessary drivers and software.
A user manual providing detailed instructions for setup and usage.

Additional resources: https://ij.start.canon/ip8720

Connecting the Printer to Power

The first step is to find a suitable location for your printer near a power outlet. Connect one end of the power cord to the printer and the other end to a power source. Ensure the power source is stable and easily accessible.

Loading Paper and Ink Cartridges

Next, let’s prepare your printer for printing. Open the paper output tray and extend the paper support. Load plain paper into the input tray, adjusting the paper guides to fit the paper size.

Now, it’s time to install the ink cartridges. Lift the printer cover, and the carriage holding the ink cartridges will move to the center. Unpack the cartridges and remove the protective tape. Insert each cartridge into its corresponding slot, following the color-coded labels.

Installing Drivers and Software

To unleash the full potential of your Canon PIXMA iP8720, you’ll need to install the necessary drivers and software on your computer. Insert the setup CD-ROM into your computer’s CD/DVD drive or download the latest drivers and software from Canon’s official website.

Follow the on-screen instructions to install the drivers and software. Once the installation is complete, your computer will recognize the printer, and you’ll be ready to start printing.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully unboxed and set up your Canon PIXMA iP8720 printer. In the next sections, we’ll explore wireless setup, print quality adjustment, maintenance tips, and more to help you make the most out of your printing experience.

III. Wireless Setup

Wireless connectivity opens up a world of convenience and flexibility for your printing needs. Let’s explore how to connect your Canon PIXMA iP8720 to a Wi-Fi network and configure essential printer settings.

Connecting to a Wi-Fi Network

Using WPS Method (If Applicable)

If your Wi-Fi router supports WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), you can use this method for a quick and easy connection.

Press the WPS button on your Wi-Fi router.
On your Canon PIXMA iP8720 printer, press the Wi-Fi button until the power light flashes.
The printer will automatically detect and connect to the Wi-Fi network using WPS.

Related information: What Is a WPS PIN on a Printer?

Manual Wi-Fi Setup

For manual setup, follow these steps:

Press the Menu button on your printer and navigate to the Wireless LAN setup.
Select the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to and enter the password (if required).
Confirm the network settings and complete the setup process.

Configuring Printer Settings

Once connected to your Wi-Fi network, it’s essential to configure printer settings for optimal performance and security.

IP Address Settings

You can assign a static IP address to your printer for easier network identification and management.

Access the printer’s menu and navigate to the network settings.
Select the manual IP address setup option.
Enter the desired IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS server addresses.

Related information: How to Print IP Address of Printer

Wireless Security Settings

To ensure the security of your wireless connection, enable encryption and set a strong password.

Access the Wi-Fi security settings on your printer.
Choose WPA2-PSK (AES) encryption for enhanced security.
Set a unique and strong password to prevent unauthorized access to your printer.

By configuring these printer settings, you’ll have a secure and reliable wireless connection for seamless printing from any device on your network.

Related information: How to Find WPS PIN for Printer Setup

IV. Print Quality Adjustment

Achieving optimal print quality is essential for any printing task, whether it’s a vibrant photo or a crisp document. Let’s explore how to calibrate print settings, adjust print resolution, perform color calibration, and conduct test printing on your Canon PIXMA iP8720.

Calibrating Print Settings

Calibrating print settings involves fine-tuning various parameters to match your printing needs.

Paper Type Selection: Choose the appropriate paper type from the printer settings menu. Options may include plain paper, photo paper, glossy paper, etc. Selecting the correct paper type ensures optimal ink absorption and print quality.
Print Mode: Depending on your desired output, select the print mode such as standard, high quality, or draft. High-quality mode yields the best results but may take longer, while draft mode is faster but sacrifices some quality.
Color Settings: Adjust color settings to enhance or tone down colors as needed. You can tweak settings like saturation, brightness, and contrast for precise color control.

Adjusting Print Resolution

Print resolution refers to the level of detail and sharpness in your prints. Higher resolution results in clearer and more detailed prints but may require more ink and time.

Selecting Print Resolution: In the printer settings, choose the appropriate print resolution measured in DPI (dots per inch). Higher DPI values result in sharper prints but may slow down printing speed.
Image Enhancement: Some printers offer image enhancement features like smoothing or sharpening. Experiment with these options to improve print clarity and sharpness.

Color Calibration

Color calibration ensures accurate color reproduction, especially important for photography and graphic design projects.

Color Management: Use color management tools in your printer settings to calibrate colors accurately. This may involve creating custom color profiles or using predefined profiles for specific paper types.
Color Correction: Adjust color balance, hue, and saturation to achieve desired color accuracy. Perform color tests and adjustments until you achieve the desired results.

Test Printing

Before committing to large print jobs, always conduct test printing to evaluate print quality and make any necessary adjustments.

Print Test Pages: Use built-in test patterns or print sample documents to assess print quality, color accuracy, and alignment.
Fine-Tuning: Based on test prints, fine-tune settings such as brightness, contrast, and color balance for optimal results.

By calibrating print settings, adjusting print resolution, performing color calibration, and conducting test printing, you’ll ensure that your Canon PIXMA iP8720 produces stunning and accurate prints every time.

Learn more: Efficiently Print a Canon Printer Test Page to Troubleshoot Issues

V. Printer Maintenance

Taking care of your Canon PIXMA iP8720 printer is essential to ensure consistent performance and longevity. Let’s explore the key maintenance tasks you should perform regularly.

Cleaning the Printer Heads

Printer heads are critical components that dispense ink onto paper. Over time, they can get clogged with dried ink, leading to print quality issues. Here’s how to clean the printer heads:

Access Maintenance Menu: On your printer, navigate to the maintenance or settings menu.
Print Head Cleaning: Select the option to clean the print heads. The printer will run a cleaning cycle to unclog the nozzles and improve print quality.
Repeat if Necessary: If the print heads are still not clean after one cycle, you can run additional cleaning cycles as needed.

Performing Alignment Checks

Print head alignment ensures that text and images are accurately positioned on the page. Follow these steps to perform alignment checks:

Alignment Tool: Use the alignment tool in your printer’s settings or maintenance menu.
Print Alignment Page: The printer will print an alignment page with test patterns.
Check Alignment: Examine the alignment patterns and follow on-screen instructions to adjust alignment if necessary.

Updating Firmware (if Needed)

Firmware updates provide performance improvements, bug fixes, and compatibility enhancements. Here’s how to update firmware on your Canon PIXMA iP8720:

Check for Updates: Visit Canon’s official website and navigate to the support section for your printer model.
Download Firmware: Download the latest firmware update compatible with your printer.
Install Update: Follow the instructions to install the firmware update on your printer. Ensure the printer is connected to power during the update process.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with regular maintenance, printers may encounter occasional issues. Here are some common problems and troubleshooting steps:

Paper Jams: If the printer experiences a paper jam, carefully remove the jammed paper following the printer’s manual. Avoid using force to prevent damage.
Print Quality Issues: If prints are blurry or faded, run a nozzle check and print head alignment from the printer’s maintenance menu. Replace ink cartridges if necessary.
Connectivity Problems: For connectivity issues, ensure the printer is properly connected to the Wi-Fi network. Restart the printer and router, and check for firmware updates.

By regularly cleaning printer heads, performing alignment checks, updating firmware, and troubleshooting common issues, you’ll keep your Canon PIXMA iP8720 in top condition for reliable and high-quality printing.

Learn more: How to Fix a Paper Jam in Your Printer

VI. Printing from Various Devices

Printing from different devices adds flexibility and convenience to your printing tasks. Let’s dive into how you can print from a computer, smartphone, tablet, utilize cloud printing services, and even print directly from a compatible camera with your Canon PIXMA iP8720 printer.

Printing from a Computer

Printing from a computer is a straightforward process with the Canon PIXMA iP8720 printer. Here’s how to do it:

Install Printer Drivers: Ensure that you have installed the necessary printer drivers and software on your computer. You can download these from Canon’s official website or use the CD-ROM that came with your printer.
Select Print Options: Open the document or image you want to print on your computer. Select “Print” from the file menu, and a print dialog box will appear.
Choose Printer: Select your Canon PIXMA iP8720 printer from the list of available printers.
Adjust Print Settings: Customize print settings such as paper size, orientation, quality, and number of copies according to your preferences.
Print: Click the “Print” button to send the print job to your Canon printer. The printer will start printing the document or image.

Printing from a Smartphone or Tablet

Printing from a smartphone or tablet adds convenience, especially when you want to print photos or documents directly from your mobile device. Follow these steps:

Install Canon PRINT App: Download and install the Canon PRINT app on your smartphone or tablet from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
Connect to Printer: Ensure your Canon PIXMA iP8720 printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your mobile device. Open the Canon PRINT app and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your printer.
Select Content: Choose the photo or document you want to print from your device’s gallery or file manager within the Canon PRINT app.
Adjust Print Settings: Customize print settings such as paper size, print quality, and number of copies.
Print: Tap the print icon, and the Canon PRINT app will send the print job to your Canon printer wirelessly.

Using Cloud Printing Services

Canon PIXMA iP8720 supports cloud printing services such as Google Cloud Print and Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app. Here’s how to print using these services:

Google Cloud Print: Set up Google Cloud Print on your printer and computer. Once set up, you can print from anywhere using your Google account and compatible devices.
Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY App: Use the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app to print directly from cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox. Simply select the file you want to print from the app and choose your Canon PIXMA iP8720 printer.

Direct Printing from a Camera (if Supported)

If your camera supports PictBridge or wireless direct printing, you can print photos directly from your camera to the Canon PIXMA iP8720 printer. Here’s how:

Enable PictBridge/Wireless Direct: On your camera, enable PictBridge or wireless direct printing in the settings menu.
Connect to Printer: Connect your camera to the Canon PIXMA iP8720 printer using a USB cable or wirelessly, depending on the supported method.
Select Photos: Choose the photos you want to print directly from your camera’s gallery.
Print: Use the print option on your camera to send the photos to the Canon printer for printing.

By following these steps, you can easily print from various devices using your Canon PIXMA iP8720 printer, enhancing your printing experience and productivity.

For more information on Printing from a smartphone or tablet, see: How to Add Printer to Android Devices

VII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common queries about the Canon PIXMA iP8720 printer:

How to Resolve Paper Jams?

Paper jams can occur due to various reasons, but they are usually easy to resolve. Follow these steps to clear a paper jam:

Turn off the Printer: First, power off the printer to prevent any damage to the internal components.
Open the Printer Cover: Carefully open the printer cover and locate the jammed paper. Gently remove the paper by pulling it in the direction of paper path.
Clear Any Residual Paper: Check for any small bits of paper or debris inside the printer and remove them.
Close the Printer Cover: Once the paper jam is cleared, close the printer cover securely.
Power On the Printer: Turn on the printer and check if the paper jam error is resolved. Print a test page to ensure smooth operation.

What to Do If the Printer Is Not Connecting to Wi-Fi?

If your Canon PIXMA iP8720 printer is not connecting to Wi-Fi, try the following troubleshooting steps:

Check Wi-Fi Settings: Ensure that your Wi-Fi network is operational and the printer is within range of the network.
Restart Devices: Restart both your printer and Wi-Fi router. Sometimes, a simple restart can fix connectivity issues.
Update Firmware: Check if there are any firmware updates available for your printer. Updating the firmware may resolve Wi-Fi connectivity issues.
Reconfigure Wi-Fi Settings: On the printer’s control panel, navigate to the Wi-Fi settings and re-enter the Wi-Fi network credentials. Make sure to enter the correct SSID and password.
Reset Network Settings: As a last resort, you can reset the network settings on your printer and set up Wi-Fi connectivity again from scratch.

How to Update Printer Firmware?

Updating the firmware of your Canon PIXMA iP8720 printer is essential to ensure optimal performance and compatibility. Follow these steps to update the firmware:

Check for Updates: Visit Canon’s official website and navigate to the support section for your printer model.
Download Firmware: Download the latest firmware update compatible with your printer.
Install Update: Follow the instructions provided with the firmware update to install it on your printer. Make sure the printer is connected to power during the update process.
Verify Update: After the firmware update is complete, verify that the printer firmware version has been updated successfully.

How to Align Printer Heads?

Proper alignment of printer heads ensures accurate and precise printing. Here’s how to align printer heads on the Canon PIXMA iP8720:

Access Maintenance Menu: Navigate to the maintenance or settings menu on your printer’s control panel.
Print Alignment Page: Select the option to print an alignment page. This page contains alignment patterns that help calibrate the printer heads.
Check Alignment: Examine the alignment patterns on the printed page. Follow on-screen instructions to adjust alignment if necessary.

What Are the Compatible Ink Cartridges?

The Canon PIXMA iP8720 printer uses the following compatible ink cartridges:

CLI-251 Black Ink Tank
CLI-251 Cyan Ink Tank
CLI-251 Magenta Ink Tank
CLI-251 Yellow Ink Tank
CLI-251 Gray Ink Tank
CLI-251 Photo Black Ink Tank

Ensure to use genuine Canon ink cartridges for optimal print quality and compatibility with your printer.

VIII. Conclusion

Congratulations on successfully setting up your Canon PIXMA iP8720 printer! As you embark on your printing journey, it’s essential to recap the key setup steps, understand the importance of regular maintenance, and embrace the exploration of printer features.

Setup Steps Recap

During the setup process, you unboxed your Canon PIXMA iP8720, connected it to power, loaded paper and ink cartridges, and installed necessary drivers and software. You also configured wireless settings for seamless connectivity. Remember these steps for future reference and smooth operation of your printer.

Importance of Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is the cornerstone of maintaining optimal performance and print quality. Tasks like cleaning printer heads, performing alignment checks, updating firmware, and troubleshooting common issues ensure that your Canon PIXMA iP8720 operates smoothly and produces high-quality prints consistently. Make maintenance a routine part of your printing workflow to prolong the lifespan of your printer and avoid potential problems.

Encouragement to Explore Printer Features

Beyond the basic setup and maintenance, don’t hesitate to explore the advanced features of your Canon PIXMA iP8720 printer. Experiment with different print settings, such as print resolution, color calibration, and paper types, to achieve stunning and professional-looking prints. Utilize wireless printing options from various devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets, for added convenience and flexibility. You can also explore cloud printing services for seamless printing from anywhere.

Additionally, the Canon PIXMA iP8720 supports wide-format printing, allowing you to unleash your creativity with large photos, posters, and artistic projects. Take advantage of this feature to express your unique style and vision through your prints.

In conclusion, the Canon PIXMA iP8720 is not just a printer; it’s a tool that empowers you to bring your ideas to life with exceptional print quality and versatility. By following setup guidelines, prioritizing maintenance, and exploring printer features, you’ll unlock the full potential of your Canon PIXMA iP8720 and enjoy a seamless printing experience for years to come.

Happy printing!