Does Canon Printer Come with Color Ink?
When buying a new printer, one of the first questions that often comes to mind is about the ink. Specifically, many users wonder: does a Canon printer come with color ink? Whether you’re setting up a printer at home, in a small office, or for creative projects, having color printing capabilities is important. Canon, a well-known and trusted name in the world of printing, offers a wide range of printer models. But do they include color ink right out of the box? Let’s explore this topic in detail.
Do Canon Printers Come with Ink?
Yes, Canon printers usually come with ink cartridges included when you purchase a new unit. These cartridges are often referred to as starter or setup cartridges. While they might not contain as much ink as standard replacements, they are functional and are meant to help you start printing immediately after setup.
Canon provides either two types of ink configurations depending on the model:
Two-cartridge system: One black cartridge and one color cartridge that includes cyan, magenta, and yellow.
Individual ink system: Separate cartridges for each color, including black, cyan, magenta, and yellow.
So, if your Canon printer is a color inkjet printer, it will include color ink cartridges in the box.
Which Canon Printers Include Color Ink?
Most of Canon’s PIXMA series and imageCLASS inkjet models come with color ink. These are the models that support full-color printing and are widely used in homes, schools, and small offices. Examples include:
Canon PIXMA TS series (such as TS3520, TS6420a, TS9120)
Canon PIXMA TR series (such as TR7020, TR8620a)
Canon PIXMA MG series
Canon PIXMA G series (MegaTank printers)
These printers are designed for both black-and-white and color printing, making them suitable for documents, photos, flyers, and more.
On the other hand, Canon laser printers, especially monochrome models like the Canon imageCLASS LBP series, come with only black toner because they are not designed for color printing.
What is a Starter Cartridge?
Starter cartridges are the initial set of ink cartridges that Canon includes with a new printer. They are essential for setting up the printer and performing the first test prints. However, it’s important to know that these cartridges:
- May contain less ink than standard ones
- Are not refillable in some models
- Are not meant for long-term use
Their main purpose is to help users get started. If you plan to do heavy printing, you might need to buy a new set of cartridges sooner than expected.
How to Check If Your Canon Printer Has Color Ink?
If you are buying a printer online or in a store, you can check the product specifications or box contents listed by the manufacturer. Most Canon product pages will tell you:
- If the printer supports color printing
- What cartridges are included
- The cartridge model numbers (such as Canon 245/246 or Canon GI-21 for MegaTank)
You can also ask the store staff or read user reviews to confirm if color ink is included.
Are Canon MegaTank Printers an Exception?
Canon’s MegaTank printers (for example, PIXMA G3260, G6020) are part of a new generation of inkjet printers that use refillable ink tanks instead of cartridges. These printers also come with color ink bottles (cyan, magenta, yellow) and black ink bottles in the box.
The MegaTank series is especially cost-effective for those who do high-volume printing. The included ink bottles can print thousands of pages, making them a great choice for home offices, classrooms, or small businesses.
Tips Before You Start Printing
If you recently bought a Canon printer and it comes with color ink, here are a few tips to make the most of it:
- Install the ink properly by following the setup guide. Most printers have a touchscreen or LED display to guide you.
- Use genuine Canon ink for the best performance and print quality.
- Perform a print head alignment during the initial setup to avoid misprints.
- Keep the ink nozzles clean by running maintenance cycles through the printer settings.
Conclusion
So, does a Canon printer come with color ink? The answer is yes—if the model is a color inkjet printer, Canon includes color ink in the box, usually in the form of starter cartridges or ink bottles. Whether you choose a budget-friendly Canon PIXMA printer or a high-efficiency MegaTank model, you can expect to start printing in color right after setup.
Before making a purchase, always check the model’s features and what’s included. If color printing is essential for your needs—like for photos, marketing materials, or school projects—Canon has many great options that come ready with color ink.
By understanding what to expect, you can make a smart decision and enjoy hassle-free printing from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canon printers use dye ink?
Yes, many Canon inkjet printers use dye-based ink for color printing, especially in models designed for photo printing. Some models also use a combination of dye and pigment inks.
How do I know if my printer has color ink?
You can check the printer’s specifications or open the cartridge compartment to see if it has color cartridges. The product manual or display screen often shows ink levels as well.
Can you use Canon printer without color ink?
Some Canon printers may stop printing if a color cartridge is empty, even if you’re printing in black. However, certain models allow you to print in grayscale using only the black ink.
Do you get ink when you buy a printer?
Yes, Canon printers typically come with starter ink cartridges or ink bottles in the box. These are meant to help you complete the initial setup and begin printing.
Is it OK to use non Canon ink cartridges?
You can use third-party ink, but it may affect print quality and can void your warranty. Canon recommends using genuine cartridges for the best results and printer health.
