Multifunction Printers
A multifunction printer (MFP), or all-in-one, combines printing with scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing in one device. They are popular because one machine covers most home and small-office needs. The extra functions add their own setup and maintenance, especially around the scanner and the automatic document feeder.
Last reviewed: October 2026
How the printing mechanism works
The print engine is usually inkjet or laser, so the printing side behaves like those types. On top of that, a scanner (a flatbed, often with an automatic document feeder) captures pages as images for copying, scanning, or faxing.
Copying is essentially a scan sent straight to the print engine, while scan-to-email or scan-to-folder sends the captured image to a network destination.
Suitable tasks and limitations
MFPs suit anyone who needs more than printing: copying forms, scanning documents to keep or send, and occasional faxing. The automatic document feeder makes multi-page scans and copies quick.
Limitations mirror the underlying print type, plus more parts that can need attention — the scanner glass, feeder rollers, and network destinations for scanning.
Setup and connection choices
Beyond the print connection, set up scan destinations: scan-to-computer via the OS scan tools, and scan-to-email or scan-to-folder with the correct server details, folder path, and credentials.
Network connections (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) make scanning to shared destinations easier; add the device on each computer for both print and scan.
Paper, media, and consumable considerations
Printing media follows the inkjet or laser guidance for your model. For the feeder, load same-size, similar-weight originals, remove staples, and flatten folds to avoid misfeeds.
Consumables are the print supplies plus general upkeep of the scanner glass and feeder.
Common problems and practical checks
Common MFP issues are a scanner not detected, scan-to-email/folder failures, streaky scans, and feeder misfeeds. For streaks, clean the glass and the feeder scanning strip first.
If scan destinations fail, re-enter the server or folder settings and confirm credentials and permissions. For feeder jams, load properly and clean the rollers.
Safe routine maintenance
Keep the scanner glass and ADF strip clean, maintain the print supplies as for the underlying type, and clear stored scan/fax data periodically for privacy.
Follow the manual for cleaning the feeder; replace worn feeder rollers through the proper procedure rather than forcing misfeeding originals.