{"id":78636,"date":"2026-07-22T18:46:33","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T15:46:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drivernew.com\/?p=78636"},"modified":"2026-07-22T18:46:33","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T15:46:33","slug":"canon-mg3600-prints-misaligned-double-text-shifted-lines-and-colors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drivernew.com\/?p=78636","title":{"rendered":"Canon MG3600 Prints Misaligned: Double Text, Shifted Lines and Colors"},"content":{"rendered":"

Canon PIXMA MG3600 series may print text with a slight offset, create colored outlines around letters, or print vertical lines unevenly. Sometimes a thin line appears doubled, while tables and borders are printed with a stepped appearance.<\/p>\n

These defects often occur because the print head position is incorrect. In MG3600 series models, the print heads are part of the FINE cartridges, so misalignment may appear after installing or replacing a cartridge, moving the multifunction printer, or prolonged use.<\/p>\n

To resolve the problem, perform print head alignment. Automatic alignment is used first. If it does not help, you can perform more precise manual adjustment through the Windows driver.<\/p>\n

This guide applies to the following models:<\/p>\n

Canon PIXMA MG3610, MG3620, MG3640, MG3640S, MG3650, MG3650S, MG3660, MG3670, and MG3680.<\/strong><\/p>\n

All the devices listed above belong to Canon PIXMA MG3600 series.<\/p>\n

\n

Alignment and nozzle cleaning solve different problems<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alignment<\/strong> helps if text appears doubled, vertical lines are shifted, and colored outlines are visible around objects.<\/p>\n

Nozzle cleaning<\/strong> is required if black or another color is missing, horizontal white streaks appear, or blank sheets come out of the multifunction printer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

How to distinguish incorrect alignment from clogged nozzles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Defect<\/strong><\/td>\nRequired procedure<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vertical lines are shifted or appear stepped<\/td>\nPrint head alignment.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Text has a colored outline or double shadow<\/td>\nPrint head alignment.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Straight lines consist of offset sections<\/td>\nPrint head alignment.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Horizontal white streaks run across the entire width of the sheet<\/td>\nNozzle check and print head cleaning.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Black or one of the colors is completely missing<\/td>\nNozzle check, cleaning, or replacement of the FINE cartridge.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
A blank sheet comes out of the multifunction printer<\/td>\nCheck the cartridges and nozzles. Alignment will not help.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Text smears immediately after printing<\/td>\nCheck the paper type, print quality, and ink drying time.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

What to prepare before alignment<\/h2>\n

For automatic alignment, you will need:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • one clean white sheet of A4 or Letter plain paper;<\/li>\n
  • sufficient ink in both FINE cartridges;<\/li>\n
  • a clean platen glass;<\/li>\n
  • an unobstructed paper output tray.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    For manual alignment through Windows, you will need three sheets of A4 or Letter plain paper.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Use clean white paper<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Do not use photo paper, colored paper, wrinkled paper, or heavily curled paper. For automatic alignment, the sheet must be clean on both sides.<\/p>\n

    If the ink level is too low, the pattern may print incorrectly and the multifunction printer will be unable to perform the adjustment accurately.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    Method 1. Perform automatic alignment from the multifunction printer\u2019s operation panel<\/h2>\n

    This is the main and easiest method. A computer is not required.<\/p>\n

    The multifunction printer will first print a special pattern. You must then place this sheet on the platen glass. The device will scan the pattern and automatically calculate the correct print head position.<\/p>\n

    Step 1. Load paper<\/h3>\n
      \n
    1. Make sure that the multifunction printer is turned on.<\/li>\n
    2. Take one clean sheet of A4 or Letter plain white paper.<\/li>\n
    3. Load the sheet into the front tray.<\/li>\n
    4. Place the paper with the print side facing down.<\/li>\n
    5. Push the sheet all the way to the back of the front tray.<\/li>\n
    6. Adjust the paper guides to the width of the paper.<\/li>\n
    7. Open the paper output tray extension.<\/li>\n
    8. Open the paper output tray.<\/li>\n
    9. Extend the paper output support.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Step 2. Print the alignment sheet<\/h3>\n
        \n
      1. Press and hold the Stop<\/strong> button.<\/li>\n
      2. Watch the Alarm lamp.<\/li>\n
      3. Release the Stop<\/strong> button when the Alarm lamp flashes four times.<\/li>\n
      4. Wait for the alignment sheet to print.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Do not open the paper output cover or turn off the multifunction printer while printing.<\/p>\n

        \n

        Quick reminder<\/strong><\/p>\n

        To start automatic alignment, hold down the Stop<\/strong> button and release it after the Alarm lamp flashes four times<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

        Step 3. Check the printed pattern<\/h3>\n

        Black and colored rectangles, bars, and a small mark in one corner should be printed on the sheet.<\/p>\n

        Do not continue the procedure if:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • part of the pattern is missing;<\/li>\n
        • the sheet is almost blank;<\/li>\n
        • the ink is heavily smeared;<\/li>\n
        • the sheet is wrinkled or bent;<\/li>\n
        • the paper is dirty;<\/li>\n
        • the pattern contains large white gaps.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          In this case, press the Stop<\/strong> button, resolve the printing problem, and start the procedure again with a new sheet.<\/p>\n

          \n

          Do not touch the printed areas<\/strong><\/p>\n

          Do not run your fingers over the colored or black areas. Do not bend or stain the sheet. A dirty or wrinkled pattern may be read incorrectly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

          Step 4. Place the sheet on the platen glass<\/h3>\n
            \n
          1. Open the scanner cover.<\/li>\n
          2. Turn the sheet over with the printed side facing down.<\/li>\n
          3. Find the printed mark in the lower-right corner of the pattern.<\/li>\n
          4. Align this mark with the alignment mark on the platen glass.<\/li>\n
          5. Make sure that the sheet lies flat.<\/li>\n
          6. Gently close the scanner cover.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Do not place the sheet approximately in the center of the platen glass. For correct scanning, it must be aligned with the alignment mark.<\/p>\n

            Step 5. Scan the pattern<\/h3>\n
              \n
            1. Press the Black<\/strong> or Color<\/strong> button on the operation panel.<\/li>\n
            2. Wait for scanning to begin.<\/li>\n
            3. Do not open the scanner cover.<\/li>\n
            4. Do not move the sheet.<\/li>\n
            5. Do not press other buttons.<\/li>\n
            6. Wait until the power lamp stops flashing and remains lit.<\/li>\n
            7. Open the scanner cover.<\/li>\n
            8. Remove the alignment sheet.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Automatic alignment is complete.<\/p>\n

              If automatic alignment does not start<\/h2>\n

              If the Alarm lamp begins flashing after the pattern is scanned, press the Black<\/strong> or Color<\/strong> button to clear the error message.<\/p>\n

              Then check:<\/p>\n

                \n
              • whether the pattern was printed completely;<\/li>\n
              • whether the ink has run out;<\/li>\n
              • whether the sheet is dirty;<\/li>\n
              • whether the pattern is wrinkled;<\/li>\n
              • whether the sheet is placed with the printed side facing down;<\/li>\n
              • whether the corner mark is aligned with the mark on the platen glass;<\/li>\n
              • whether the platen glass is clean;<\/li>\n
              • whether the scanner cover is completely closed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                After correcting the cause, repeat the procedure from the beginning and print a new alignment sheet.<\/p>\n

                Method 2. Perform automatic alignment through Windows<\/h2>\n

                The same automatic procedure can be started through the Windows driver. This option is convenient if it is difficult to count the lamp flashes or you prefer to perform maintenance from the computer.<\/p>\n

                Step 1. Open the driver window<\/h3>\n
                  \n
                1. Make sure that the multifunction printer is turned on and accessible from the computer.<\/li>\n
                2. Press Windows + R<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                3. Enter:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                  control printers<\/pre>\n
                    \n
                  1. Click OK<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                  2. Find the device whose name contains Canon MG3600 series.<\/li>\n
                  3. Right-click it.<\/li>\n
                  4. Select Printing preferences<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                  5. Open the Maintenance<\/strong> tab.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                    Step 2. Print the pattern<\/h3>\n
                      \n
                    1. Load one clean sheet of A4 or Letter plain paper.<\/li>\n
                    2. Open the paper output tray.<\/li>\n
                    3. On the Maintenance<\/strong> tab, click Print Head Alignment<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                    4. Wait for the alignment start window to open.<\/li>\n
                    5. Click the button to start alignment.<\/li>\n
                    6. Confirm the action.<\/li>\n
                    7. Wait for the pattern to print.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                      Do not open the paper output cover while printing.<\/p>\n
                      Step 3. Scan the pattern<\/h3>\n
                        \n
                      1. After printing, read the program message.<\/li>\n
                      2. Open the scanner cover.<\/li>\n
                      3. Place the pattern with the printed side facing down.<\/li>\n
                      4. Align the corner mark on the pattern with the mark on the platen glass.<\/li>\n
                      5. Gently close the cover.<\/li>\n
                      6. Press the Black<\/strong> or Color<\/strong> button on the multifunction printer.<\/li>\n
                      7. Wait for automatic adjustment to finish.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                        The button name in the driver may differ slightly depending on the program version and selected interface language.<\/p>\n
                        If the \u201cMaintenance\u201d tab is missing<\/h3>\n
                        Windows may have added the multifunction printer using a generic driver that does not include Canon-specific functions.<\/p>\n
                        In this case:<\/p>\n
                          \n
                        • perform automatic alignment from the multifunction printer\u2019s operation panel;<\/li>\n
                        • check whether the correct Canon MG3600 series queue is selected;<\/li>\n
                        • install the official Canon MG3600 series MP Drivers package if necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                          Check the result of automatic alignment<\/h2>\n
                          After completing the procedure, print a page containing:<\/p>\n
                            \n
                          • standard black text;<\/li>\n
                          • vertical and horizontal lines;<\/li>\n
                          • a table with thin borders;<\/li>\n
                          • black and colored elements next to each other.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                            Check:<\/p>\n
                              \n
                            • whether the double shadow around letters has disappeared;<\/li>\n
                            • whether the vertical lines have become straight;<\/li>\n
                            • whether the colored and black outlines match;<\/li>\n
                            • whether the table borders still appear stepped.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                              If the result is normal, no additional adjustment is required.<\/p>\n
                              If there is an improvement but some misalignment remains, perform manual alignment through Windows.<\/p>\n
                              Method 3. Perform manual alignment through Windows<\/h2>\n
                              Manual alignment is intended for situations in which automatic adjustment completed successfully, but the text, lines, or colored outlines remain slightly misaligned.<\/p>\n
                              During this procedure, the multifunction printer will print three separate patterns. On each sheet, you must select the samples with the least noticeable streaks and enter their numbers in the program.<\/p>\n
                              \n
                              Perform manual alignment only after automatic alignment<\/strong><\/p>\n
                              It requires careful comparison of several samples. For most situations, automatic adjustment using one scanned sheet is sufficient.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
                              Step 1. Prepare the paper<\/h3>\n
                                \n
                              1. Prepare three clean sheets of A4 or Letter plain paper.<\/li>\n
                              2. Load them into the front tray.<\/li>\n
                              3. Align the edges of the stack.<\/li>\n
                              4. Adjust the paper guides to the width of the paper.<\/li>\n
                              5. Open the paper output tray and its support.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                Step 2. Enable manual mode<\/h3>\n
                                  \n
                                1. Press Windows + R<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                                2. Enter control printers<\/code>.<\/li>\n
                                3. Click OK<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                                4. Right-click Canon MG3600 series.<\/li>\n
                                5. Select Printing preferences<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                                6. Open the Maintenance<\/strong> tab.<\/li>\n
                                7. Click Custom Settings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                                8. Select the Align heads manually<\/strong> checkbox.<\/li>\n
                                9. Click OK<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                                10. Confirm the setting change.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                  Step 3. Start manual alignment<\/h3>\n
                                    \n
                                  1. Return to the Maintenance<\/strong> tab.<\/li>\n
                                  2. Click Print Head Alignment<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                                  3. Wait for the start window to open.<\/li>\n
                                  4. Make sure that the multifunction printer is turned on.<\/li>\n
                                  5. Click the button to start alignment.<\/li>\n
                                  6. Follow the program messages.<\/li>\n
                                  7. Wait for the first pattern to print.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                    Do not open the paper output cover while the patterns are printing.<\/p>\n
                                    Step 4. Evaluate the first pattern<\/h3>\n
                                    The first sheet will contain groups of samples with different numbers.<\/p>\n
                                      \n
                                    1. Examine each group in turn.<\/li>\n
                                    2. In each group, find the sample with the least noticeable vertical streaks.<\/li>\n
                                    3. For groups with horizontal streaks, select the most uniform sample.<\/li>\n
                                    4. Enter the numbers of the selected samples in the corresponding fields in the program.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                      In some driver versions, you can click the appropriate sample in the preview window. Its number will be entered automatically.<\/p>\n
                                      After completing all fields, click OK<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
                                      How to select the correct sample<\/h3>\n
                                      Select the option in which:<\/p>\n
                                        \n
                                      • vertical streaks are barely visible;<\/li>\n
                                      • adjacent areas look the same;<\/li>\n
                                      • there is no noticeable light or dark boundary between the blocks;<\/li>\n
                                      • horizontal streaks are less pronounced than in the other samples.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                        Do not select the darkest or lightest option. You need the sample with the most uniform fill and the least noticeable streaks.<\/p>\n
                                        Step 5. Evaluate the second pattern<\/h3>\n
                                          \n
                                        1. Confirm the program message.<\/li>\n
                                        2. Wait for the second sheet to print.<\/li>\n
                                        3. In each group, select the sample with the least noticeable vertical streaks.<\/li>\n
                                        4. Enter the numbers in the corresponding fields.<\/li>\n
                                        5. Click OK<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                          Step 6. Evaluate the third pattern<\/h3>\n
                                            \n
                                          1. Confirm the next program message.<\/li>\n
                                          2. Wait for the third sheet to print.<\/li>\n
                                          3. In each group, select the sample with the least noticeable horizontal streaks.<\/li>\n
                                          4. Enter the selected numbers.<\/li>\n
                                          5. Click OK<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                                          6. Wait until manual alignment is complete.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                            Restore automatic alignment<\/h2>\n
                                            After manual adjustment, the corresponding mode remains enabled in the driver.<\/p>\n
                                            To use automatic alignment again:<\/p>\n
                                              \n
                                            1. Open Printing preferences<\/strong> for Canon MG3600 series.<\/li>\n
                                            2. Go to the Maintenance<\/strong> tab.<\/li>\n
                                            3. Click Custom Settings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                                            4. Clear the Align heads manually<\/strong> checkbox.<\/li>\n
                                            5. Click OK<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                                            6. Confirm the change.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                              How to print the current alignment values<\/h2>\n
                                              You can print the configured values through the driver and keep them for comparison.<\/p>\n
                                                \n
                                              1. Open Printing preferences<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                                              2. Go to the Maintenance<\/strong> tab.<\/li>\n
                                              3. Click Print Head Alignment<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                                              4. In the window that opens, select the option to print the current alignment values.<\/li>\n
                                              5. Load plain paper.<\/li>\n
                                              6. Confirm printing.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                You can also check the current values from the multifunction printer\u2019s operation panel:<\/p>\n
                                                  \n
                                                1. Load A4 or Letter plain paper.<\/li>\n
                                                2. Press and hold the Stop<\/strong> button.<\/li>\n
                                                3. Release the button after the Alarm lamp flashes six times.<\/li>\n
                                                4. Wait for the current adjustment values to print.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                  If text still appears doubled after alignment<\/h2>\n
                                                  Check the following causes.<\/p>\n
                                                  The pattern was printed incorrectly<\/h3>\n
                                                  If colors are missing or white streaks appear on the alignment sheet, perform a nozzle check and nozzle cleaning first. The multifunction printer cannot adjust correctly using a damaged pattern.<\/p>\n
                                                  Low ink level<\/h3>\n
                                                  If there is not enough ink, the pattern areas will print unevenly. Replace the empty or nearly empty FINE cartridge, and then repeat automatic alignment.<\/p>\n
                                                  The sheet is positioned incorrectly on the platen glass<\/h3>\n
                                                  The pattern must be placed with the printed side facing down, and the corner mark must be aligned with the alignment mark on the platen glass.<\/p>\n
                                                  The platen glass is dirty<\/h3>\n
                                                  Dust, fingerprints, and stains may prevent the pattern from being read correctly.<\/p>\n
                                                    \n
                                                  1. Turn off the multifunction printer.<\/li>\n
                                                  2. Open the scanner cover.<\/li>\n
                                                  3. Wipe the platen glass with a soft, clean cloth.<\/li>\n
                                                  4. Do not use rough paper or abrasive materials.<\/li>\n
                                                  5. Wait until the surface is completely dry.<\/li>\n
                                                  6. Repeat the alignment with a new sheet.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                    The FINE cartridge is not installed securely<\/h3>\n
                                                      \n
                                                    1. Open the paper output cover.<\/li>\n
                                                    2. Wait until the cartridge holder stops.<\/li>\n
                                                    3. Check that the locking levers are secured.<\/li>\n
                                                    4. Make sure that the color cartridge is on the left.<\/li>\n
                                                    5. Make sure that the black cartridge is on the right.<\/li>\n
                                                    6. Close the cover.<\/li>\n
                                                    7. Wait until preparation is complete.<\/li>\n
                                                    8. Repeat the alignment.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                      A generic Windows driver is selected<\/h3>\n
                                                      A generic queue may print documents but not provide Canon\u2019s manual maintenance functions.<\/p>\n
                                                      To access manual alignment, install the complete MG3600 series MP Drivers package and use the printer queue created by it.<\/p>\n
                                                      When alignment will not help<\/h2>\n
                                                      Do not repeat automatic and manual alignment many times if the defect does not resemble shifted lines.<\/p>\n
                                                      Alignment does not correct:<\/p>\n