1. Introduction
The Canon Pixma iP1800 is an inkjet printer designed for both document and photo printing. It features patented print head technology for high-resolution output and supports borderless printing for various photo sizes. This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your printer.
Key features include:
- Maximum 4800 x 1200 color dpi resolution with microscopic 2-picoliter ink droplets.
- Capable of printing borderless photos up to 8.5" x 11".
- ChromaLife100 system for producing long-lasting photos when used with genuine Canon inks and photo papers.
- Utilizes pigment black ink for crisp, sharp text documents.
2. Setup
2.1 Unpacking and Contents
Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Ensure the following items are present:
- Canon PIXMA iP1800 Photo Printer
- Fine Cartridges: PG-30 Black and CL-31 Color
- Power Cord
- Easy Setup Instructions
- Document Kit: Setup Software and User's Guide CD-ROM
- Quick Start Guide
2.2 Physical Connection
Place the printer on a stable, flat surface. Connect the power cord to the printer and then to a wall outlet. Connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable (not always included, may need to be purchased separately).

Figure 2.2.1: Front view of the Canon Pixma iP1800 printer with the top cover open, showing the internal components for ink cartridge installation and paper loading.

Figure 2.2.2: Rear view of the Canon Pixma iP1800 printer, highlighting the power input and USB 2.0 port for connecting to a computer.
2.3 Ink Cartridge Installation
- Ensure the printer is powered on.
- Open the printer's top cover. The print head carriage will move to the replacement position.
- Gently press down on the empty cartridge to release it, then lift it out.
- Unpack a new genuine Canon PG-30 (Black) or CL-31 (Color) cartridge, remove protective tape.
- Insert the new cartridge firmly into its corresponding slot until it clicks.
- Close the printer's top cover. The printer will perform an initialization process.
2.4 Software Installation
Insert the Setup Software and User's Guide CD-ROM into your computer's CD/DVD drive. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the printer drivers and utility software. If your computer does not have a CD/DVD drive, drivers can typically be downloaded from the official Canon support website.
2.5 Loading Paper
Open the paper support and pull out the extension. Load paper into the sheet feeder with the print side facing up. Adjust the paper guides to fit the width of the paper. The maximum input sheet capacity is 100 sheets.
3. Operating the Printer
3.1 Basic Printing
To print a document or photo, open the file on your computer and select "Print" from the application's menu. Choose the Canon Pixma iP1800 as your printer. Adjust print settings such as paper size, media type, and print quality as needed before confirming the print job.
3.2 Supported Media
The printer supports various media types and sizes, including:
- Print Media: Envelopes, Glossy photo paper, Plain paper.
- Supported Media Sizes: 4 x 6 inches, 8.5 x 11 inches (Letter).
- Maximum Media Size: 8.5 inches x 11 inches.
3.3 Borderless Printing
The iP1800 supports borderless printing for photos up to 8.5" x 11". To enable this feature, select the borderless option in your printer driver settings before printing. This is ideal for photographs where a full-bleed print is desired.
3.4 Print Speed
Approximate print speeds are:
- Monochrome (Black & White): Up to 20 pages per minute (ppm).
- Color: Up to 7.8 pages per minute (ppm).
- Borderless 4" x 6" Photo: Approximately 70 seconds.
4. Maintenance
4.1 Replacing Ink Cartridges
When an ink cartridge runs low or is empty, an indicator light on the printer or a message on your computer will alert you. To replace a cartridge:
- Ensure the printer is powered on.
- Open the printer's top cover. The print head carriage will move to the replacement position.
- Gently press down on the empty cartridge to release it, then lift it out.
- Unpack a new genuine Canon PG-30 (Black) or CL-31 (Color) cartridge, remove protective tape.
- Insert the new cartridge firmly into its corresponding slot until it clicks.
- Close the printer's top cover. The printer will perform an initialization process.
Always use genuine Canon ink cartridges for optimal print quality and printer longevity.
4.2 Cleaning the Printer
- Exterior Cleaning: Wipe the exterior of the printer with a soft, damp, lint-free cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Print Head Cleaning: If print quality degrades (e.g., streaks, missing colors), perform a print head cleaning from your computer's printer utility software. Refer to the User's Guide CD-ROM for detailed instructions on print head cleaning and alignment.
4.3 Paper Jam Resolution
If a paper jam occurs, turn off the printer and carefully open all covers to access the paper path. Gently pull out any jammed paper in the direction of the paper path. Avoid tearing the paper, as small pieces can remain inside and cause further issues. Close all covers and turn the printer back on.
5. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter. For more detailed troubleshooting, refer to the User's Guide CD-ROM or the Canon support website.
5.1 Printer Not Printing
- Ensure the printer is powered on and connected correctly to your computer via USB.
- Check if the printer has paper loaded and ink cartridges are installed correctly.
- Verify that the correct printer is selected in your computer's print dialog.
- Check the printer's status on your computer. It might be paused or offline.
- Restart both the printer and your computer.
5.2 Poor Print Quality
- Check ink levels and replace any low or empty cartridges.
- Perform a print head cleaning and alignment using the printer utility software.
- Ensure you are using the correct paper type for your print settings.
- Use genuine Canon ink and paper for best results.
5.3 Error Lights/Messages
Refer to the User's Guide CD-ROM for a comprehensive list of error codes and corresponding solutions. Common error indicators relate to paper jams, out-of-ink conditions, or incorrect cartridge installation.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Name | iP1800 |
| Item Model Number | 1855B002 |
| Printing Technology | Inkjet |
| Printer Output | Color |
| Maximum Color Print Resolution | 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Maximum Black and White Print Resolution | 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Max Print Speed (Monochrome) | 20 ppm |
| Max Print Speed (Color) | 7.8 ppm |
| Initial Page Print Time | 7.8 Seconds |
| Ink Color | Color (uses PG-30 Black and CL-31 Color cartridges) |
| Printer Ink Type | Pigment (for black) |
| Max Input Sheet Capacity | 100 sheets |
| Supported Media Sizes | 4 x 6 inches, 8.5 x 11 inches |
| Maximum Media Size | 8.5 inches x 11 inches |
| Print Media | Envelopes, Glossy photo paper, Plain paper |
| Connectivity Technology | USB (Hardware Interface: USB 2.0) |
| Dual-sided Printing (Duplex) | No |
| Power Consumption | 7 Watts |
| Product Dimensions (L x W x H) | 17.4 x 9.3 x 6 inches |
| Item Weight | 7.3 pounds |
| Included Components | Power Cord, Print Cartridges (PG-30 Black, CL-31 Color) |
7. Warranty Information
The Canon Pixma iP1800 Photo Inkjet Printer comes with a Limited Warranty. Specific terms and conditions, including the duration and coverage details, are provided in the warranty documentation included with your product. Please refer to the "Document Kit: Setup Software and User's Guide CD-ROM" for complete warranty information or visit the official Canon website.
8. Customer Support
For further assistance, technical support, or to download the latest drivers and software, please visit the official Canon support website. The "User's Guide CD-ROM" also contains comprehensive information and detailed instructions for various operations and troubleshooting scenarios.
Canon Official Website: www.usa.canon.com/support
When contacting support, please have your printer's model name (iP1800) and serial number ready.





