When using multifunction printers (MFPs) and scanners, users often encounter three typical defects: the scanned document ends up smaller than the original A4 format, a continuous line (a vertical streak) appears on the image, and the white background takes on a distinct gray tint.<\/p>\n
These issues are not hardware malfunctions and are equally common among devices from most popular brands, including HP<\/strong> (such as the Envy, LaserJet, and OfficeJet series), Canon<\/strong> (Pixma, i-SENSYS), Epson<\/strong> (EcoTank), and Brother<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The main reason a digital copy shrinks is a mismatch in regional paper standards within the software settings. By default, many drivers are set to the American Letter<\/strong> format (216 \u00d7 279 mm), which is wider but shorter than the European A4<\/strong> standard (210 \u00d7 297 mm). When an A4 document is scanned using a Letter profile, the auto-cropping or “fit to size” function proportionally compresses the image, creating extra margins and reducing the scale.<\/p>\n The appearance and origin of the streak depend on how you scan the document:<\/p>\n A gray tint instead of a clean white background occurs due to an incorrectly selected scan mode or misconfigured exposure calibration. When the device is set to “Photo”<\/strong> mode or scans in the full color spectrum (Color)<\/strong>, the sensors try to capture the natural texture of the paper, shadows from minor paper wrinkles, and external light reflections. As a result, a white sheet turns into a dirty gray color.<\/p>\n
\n1. Format Error: Why Does the Scan Turn Out Smaller Than A4?<\/h2>\n
Cause:<\/h3>\n
Solution:<\/h3>\n
\n
\n2. Appearance of a Vertical Streak on the Scan<\/h2>\n
Cause:<\/h3>\n
\n
Solution:<\/h3>\n
\n
\n3. Gray Background and Poor Brightness (“Gradient Coating”)<\/h2>\n
Cause:<\/h3>\n
Solution:<\/h3>\n
\n