---
title: How to Reduce Office Copier and Printer Paper Jams
description: A few simple habits and smart choices can dramatically reduce office copier jams and keep you productive. We also include links from manufacturers about properly clearing jams.
image: https://blog.rjyoung.com/hubfs/Leasing_Copier.png
---
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# How to Reduce Office Copier and Printer Paper Jams
Posted on February 11, 2026
Paper jams keep you from important work. The good news? A few simple habits and smart choices can dramatically reduce jams to keep you and your team productive.
### **Buy The Highest Quality Paper Within Your Budget**
Higher-quality paper typically results in fewer jams because it’s made with consistent thickness and cut accuracy. Heavier paper, such as 24-pound, is also generally more jam resistant. Be sure your machine can handle heavier paper and don’t mix different weights in the same trays.
### **How You Handle Paper Matters**
 Paper handling is one of the most overlooked causes of jams. **Did you know paper packages often have arrows showing loading direction?** It’s a small detail that helps.
- **Fan the sheets before loading** to prevent pages from sticking together.
- **Adjust the tray guides properly.** They should be snug, but not tight. Leave no gaps larger than about the thickness of a credit card.
- **Don’t overload the tray.** Overfilling increases the risk of misfeeds and jams.
### **Paper Storage Plays a Part**
Humidity can cause paper to absorb moisture, curl, and stick; three major contributors to jams. Don’t open paper box or reams until you’re ready to use the paper. Store your extra reams in a climate-controlled room such as near the location of the printer.
If you’re removing paper from a box, stack it flat without overhanging packages below. Reams should be aligned on top of each other, with older paper on top of new paper.
#### **Laser Paper vs. Inkjet Paper**
Laser printers use heat to fuse toner into the paper. Laser printing paper is designed to reduce heat-induced curl and potential jams.
Inkjet paper has a microporous or clay-based coating to ensure rapid drying and to keep ink near the surface for crisper details. Storing paper separately can prevent mix-ups.
### **Regular Maintenance Reduces Paper Jams**
Even great paper or handling won’t help much if the machine isn’t properly maintained. Basic upkeep reduces jams.
- **Keep it clean:** Dust and debris can build up in the paper path and on rollers—clean them based on your manual or service schedule.
- **Check rollers:** Worn rollers and separation pads can cause frequent jams and multi-feeds. Replace them periodically.
- **Update firmware:** Keep your device software current to help prevent performance and feeding issues.
**Be the Office Superhero**
[Copier, Printer, and Scanner How-To Guides](https://support.rjyoung.com/support/solutions/70000323870)
RJ Young guides and how-to videos for Ricoh, Canon, HP, Kyocera, Lexmark and Brother.
Fix Copier or Printer Jams
- [HP assistant for fixing paper jams](https://support.hp.com/us-en/help/printer/paper-jam)
- [Troubleshooting and fixing jams in Ricoh devices](https://support.rjyoung.com/support/solutions/articles/70000671463-troubleshooting-paper-jams-on-ricoh-machines)
- [Fixing jams in Canon multifunction devices](https://oip.manual.canon/USRMA-8320-zz-CS-8900-enAU/contents/devu-dev-papers_jam.html)
- [Clear paper jams in Brother devices](https://support.brother.com/g/b/productsearch.aspx?c=us&lang=en&content=faq)
- [Kyocera video how-to series](https://www.youtube.com/@kyocerashowtoseries6475)
Learn about [Managed Print Services](https://www.rjyoung.com/services/managed-print-services/) and [Unlimited Print Contracts](https://www.rjyoung.com/services/unlimited-print-flat-rate-plans/).
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