What Ink Does the Canon PIXMA TR7020 Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: the Canon PIXMA TR7020 uses PG-260 pigment black and CL-261 tri-color, or the high-yield PG-260XL and CL-261XL. Two cartridges, and the XL versions are the only ones worth buying.
This model attracts more wrong cartridge answers than almost any Canon. If you have been told it takes PG-243/CL-244, PG-245/CL-246, PG-275/CL-276 or PG-280/CL-281, all four are wrong. Those are Canon's other two-cartridge families, and none of them are keyed for this printer. It is strictly PG-260/CL-261.
Canon PIXMA TR7020 ink at a glance
| Cartridge | Part Number | Canon SKU | Ink Type | Approx. Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black (standard) | PG-260 | 3707C001 | Pigment | Not published by Canon |
| Tri-Color (standard) | CL-261 | 3725C001 | Dye | Not published by Canon |
| Black (high yield) | PG-260XL | 3706C001 | Pigment | ~400 pages (retailer figure) |
| Tri-Color (high yield) | CL-261XL | 3724C001 | Dye | Higher than standard |
An honest note on those yields: Canon has retired the PG-260 and CL-261 product pages and no longer publishes ISO page yields for this family. The 400-page figure widely quoted for the PG-260XL comes from retailers, not Canon. We would rather flag that than present a retailer number as a manufacturer spec.
PG-260 vs PG-260XL
Buy XL. On a two-cartridge printer the standard cartridges exist so the printer can ship with something in it — they are among the least economical consumables sold. The XL holds substantially more ink for a modest price premium, and there is no XXL tier in this family, so XL is the largest size available.
The wider point about this printer: it is cheap to buy and expensive to feed. That is the trade-off of a tri-color design, where running out of one color means replacing all three. If your printing has grown since you bought it, a refillable tank printer will pay for itself quickly — our comparison of tank vs cartridge printers runs the numbers.
Castle Ink recommendation
- Canon PG-260XL Black — remanufactured high-yield, $24.99
- Canon CL-261XL Tri-Color — remanufactured high-yield, $27.99
One thing to watch when shopping: there is also a PG-260XL MICR variant in circulation. The part number is right but MICR is magnetic ink for check printing — it is not what you want for ordinary documents or photos.
About the Canon PIXMA TR7020
The TR7020 is a compact home-office all-in-one: print, scan, copy and fax, with a 20-sheet automatic document feeder, automatic duplex printing and a rear tray plus front cassette. Connectivity is Wi-Fi with AirPrint and Mopria.
Canon has discontinued both the printer and, on its own store, the PG-260 and CL-261 cartridges. The printer is still a capable machine and third-party ink remains readily available — but it is one to keep running rather than build a workflow around. The TR7020a and TR7022 are the same machine under different channel names and take identical ink.
Common problems on this model
Support code 1660 or "ink cartridge is not installed"
Reseat the cartridge until it clicks, and check the orange protective tape was fully removed — including the small strip over the vent hole, which is easy to miss.
Support code 1300 or 1303 — paper jam
1300 is a jam at the output slot; 1303 is inside the transport unit, which on this model means opening the hatch on the underside. Our paper jam guide covers the Canon codes.
Color looks wrong after replacing one cartridge
Run a printhead alignment from the maintenance menu. On a tri-color design the alignment matters more than on individual-tank printers.
"The ink may have run out" but the cartridge is new
Canon's low-ink detection can latch. Hold the Stop button for about five seconds to acknowledge and continue — the printer will keep printing with ink-level monitoring disabled for that cartridge.
FAQ
What ink does the Canon PIXMA TR7020 use?
PG-260 pigment black and CL-261 tri-color, or the high-yield PG-260XL and CL-261XL.
Does the TR7020 use PG-245 or PG-243 ink?
No. Those belong to older PIXMA MG and TS models. They are keyed differently and will not seat.
Is there a PG-260XXL?
No. XL is the largest size Canon made in this family.
Do the TR7020, TR7020a and TR7022 take the same ink?
Yes — all three use PG-260 and CL-261.
Can I print with just the black cartridge?
Only briefly and with reduced quality. Canon's two-cartridge printers need both installed for normal operation.
Shop PG-260XL and CL-261XL now
Get the PG-260XL black and CL-261XL tri-color, or find your model on our Find Ink by Printer page.
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