Adjust the Paper Thickness Lever on a Printer

What Is the Paper Thickness Lever?

The paper thickness lever is a small mechanical control found on many inkjet and laser printers. It adjusts the gap between the paper feed rollers and the printhead or toner transfer area to accommodate paper that is thicker than plain office paper. When set correctly, it prevents paper jams, smudging, and misfeeds when printing on envelopes, cardstock, labels, and other heavy media.

The lever is not a software setting. It is a physical switch that changes the paper path clearance. You move it by hand, usually before loading the media. The correct position depends on the thickness of the paper you are using. Many printers include a diagram or icons near the lever to show the recommended setting for each media type.

Where to Find the Lever

The lever's location varies by model. On many inkjet printers it sits near the rear or inside the paper path, often on the left or right side of the printhead carriage. On laser printers it may be inside the front cover or near the manual feed slot. Check the printer's manual or look for a small sliding or rotating switch with icons showing paper sheets or a single sheet. Some all-in-one models have the lever near the output tray.

If you are shopping for a printer and want easy access to this control, look at the best all-in-one printers listed on our site. Many of our recommendations have clearly labeled levers, but it is always wise to verify the layout before you buy.

• Look for a lever with icons of a single sheet and a stacked pile. The single sheet icon usually marks the position for thick media.
• On some models, the lever is accessible only when the front cover is open. Open the cover and inspect the paper path.
• If you cannot find it, download the manual from the manufacturer's support page. Many manuals include a diagram of the lever location.

Setting the Lever for Thick Paper

Set the lever to the thicker paper position when printing on cardstock, heavyweight letterhead, or photo paper. The lever usually has two or three positions, with a symbol indicating the thickest media. Move the lever before loading the paper, and make sure the printer driver also has the correct paper type selected. This ensures the rollers and printhead maintain the right clearance.

Some printers combine the thickness lever with a rear manual feed slot. If your printer has a dedicated photo paper tray, the lever may be integrated into that tray. Always adjust the lever before the paper feeds through the machine, not after. For a deeper look at how different media are handled, see our printer media type guide.

Setting the Lever for Envelopes

Envelopes are slightly thicker than plain paper and need the lever adjusted to the second position on most printers. Load envelopes with the flap side up and the flap on the left for most models. After adjusting the lever, select 'Envelope' as the paper type in the driver. Some printers also require the envelope to be placed in the manual feed slot.

If you are printing a batch of envelopes, test one first. A single test run lets you confirm the lever position and the envelope orientation before you waste a stack. For laser printers that handle envelopes reliably, check our recommendations for best laser printers.

Setting the Lever for Labels

Labels are tricky because they have a peel-off backing. Set the lever to the thickest position when printing on full-sheet labels. Avoid printing on individual label sheets that have been partially peeled, as the exposed adhesive can gum up the rollers. Use the lever to increase clearance and prevent the label sheet from curling or jamming.

Labels can also stick to the platen if the ink is not dry. Allow printed label sheets to dry completely before handling them, and always store them flat. If you print labels often, an inkjet printer with a straight paper path is easier to manage. Explore our best inkjet printers to find models that handle label stock well.

Preventing Jams with the Lever

The lever is your first defense against jams caused by media that is outside the normal thickness range. If you frequently print on specialized media, adjust the lever before each job and return it to the normal position for plain paper. Failing to adjust the lever can cause poor print quality, marks on the page, or a paper jam. Many ENERGY STAR certified printers include default power saving settings, but the lever is a manual control that always needs your attention.

Modern printers support a full range of print media as part of the IPP Everywhere standard from the Printer Working Group, which means the driver can specify media types for each job. However, the physical lever still needs to be set correctly, especially for heavier media like cardstock and envelopes. To understand the complete paper path, read our printer paper path guide.

In addition, mobile printing apps from the Mopria Alliance let you choose media types from your phone, but they do not move the lever for you. You still have to make the physical adjustment.

Returning the Lever to Normal

After you finish printing on thick media, slide the lever back to the standard position. Leaving it in the thick position for plain paper can cause light or fuzzy prints because the printhead is farther away. If you share the printer with others, check the lever before each job.

On some printers, the lever has a detent that clicks into each position. This gives a tactile confirmation that the lever is fully seated. If the lever feels loose, tighten any screws or clips that hold it in place. When you are done with any printer, use the EPA's recycling guidelines to dispose of paper and old equipment responsibly.

What to Pick for Your Use

Questions

Where is the paper thickness lever on my printer?

It is usually near the paper path, often inside the rear cover or beside the output tray. Look for a small switch with paper icons. If you cannot find it, check the manual or the manufacturer's support site.

Can I leave the lever in the thick position permanently?

No. Leaving it in the thick position for plain paper reduces print quality because the printhead sits farther away. Always return the lever to the normal position after using thick media.

What happens if I don't adjust the lever for envelopes?

The envelope may jam, smear, or feed incorrectly. The increase in thickness can cause the rollers to grip unevenly, leading to misfeeds. Adjust the lever to avoid these problems.

Does every printer have a thickness lever?

No. Many modern printers use a sensor that automatically adjusts the gap, while some compact models rely on the driver settings only. The lever is more common on printers that advertise support for heavy media.

Do I need to adjust the lever for photo paper?

If the photo paper is heavier than standard office paper, set the lever to the thick position. Many photo papers are thick, and using the lever prevents jams and keeps the ink from smearing.