Wrinkled paper during printing is a common issue that affects both inkjet and laser printers, resulting in unprofessional-looking documents or wasted paper. Wrinkles are usually caused by improper paper handling, worn printer parts, incorrect paper settings, or issues with the printer’s paper path. Resolving this problem involves identifying the root cause and applying targeted fixes—most of which are simple and require no specialized tools.

First, check paper quality and loading. Low-quality, thin paper (below 70 g/m²) is more prone to wrinkling, as it lacks the rigidity to withstand the printer’s feeding and heating processes. Replace it with high-quality paper that meets the printer’s specifications (check the user manual for recommended weight, usually 70–90 g/m² for standard printing). Ensure the paper is stored in a cool, dry place—damp paper absorbs moisture, causing it to wrinkle when heated (especially in laser printers). When loading paper into the input tray: fan the paper stack to separate sheets (preventing them from sticking together), align the paper guides with the paper size (e.g., A4, Letter) to avoid misfeeding, and do not overfill the tray (most trays have a maximum fill line). Overloading causes paper to feed unevenly, leading to wrinkles.

Next, inspect and clean the printer’s paper path. Worn or dirty rollers are a common cause of wrinkling—rollers grip and feed the paper, and if they’re dusty, sticky, or worn, they can pull the paper unevenly. For inkjet printers: open the access panel (where the printhead moves), locate the paper rollers (rubber cylinders), and clean them with a lint-free cloth dampened with water (squeeze out excess water to avoid damage). For laser printers: access the fuser unit (the hot component that bonds toner to paper)—wait for it to cool completely, then clean the fuser rollers with a dry lint-free cloth (do not use water on fuser rollers). Also, check for obstructions in the paper path (e.g., small paper scraps from previous jams) that can cause paper to fold or wrinkle—use a flashlight to inspect the path and remove debris with tweezers (if needed).

Adjust print settings to match the paper type. Using the wrong paper setting can cause wrinkling: for example, selecting “Plain Paper” when printing on thick cardstock or glossy photo paper forces the printer to use incorrect heat or speed, leading to wrinkles. In the print menu (on your computer or printer’s control panel), select the correct paper type (e.g., “Cardstock,” “Glossy Photo Paper”) and weight. For laser printers, reduce the fuser temperature if available (some models have a “Reduce Wrinkling” setting) to prevent overheating thin paper.

Check for worn or damaged parts. If cleaning and adjusting settings don’t work, inspect for worn parts like the paper pickup roller, separation pad, or fuser assembly. The separation pad (located in the input tray) prevents multiple sheets from feeding at once—if it’s worn, it can cause paper to skew and wrinkle. Replace worn parts with genuine manufacturer replacements (available online or from authorized retailers). For older printers, the fuser assembly (in laser printers) may be worn and need replacement—signs include persistent wrinkling along with smudged toner.

Test with a different paper type or tray. If the printer has multiple input trays, try printing from a different tray to rule out tray-specific issues (e.g., a bent tray causing uneven feeding). Print a test page with a different paper type (e.g., switch from plain paper to a heavier bond paper) to see if wrinkles persist—this helps determine if the issue is paper-related. By systematically addressing paper quality, loading, roller maintenance, and settings, you can resolve most wrinkling issues and ensure smooth, professional-looking prints.

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