What Ink Does the Canon PIXMA TS8120 Use?

Last updated: September 27, 2026. Reviewed by William Elward, founder of Castle Ink.

Quick answer: what ink does the Canon PIXMA TS8120 use?

The Canon PIXMA TS8120 uses six individual ink tanks: PGI-280 pigment black plus CLI-281 black, cyan, magenta, yellow, and photo blue. Standard, XL, and XXL sizes fit the same slots, and you replace only the color that runs out. The photo blue tank is what separates this model from the five-ink PGI-280 printers.

Cartridge options at a glance

*Approximate Canon-rated yields based on ISO/IEC test pages. Real-world results depend on coverage, photo printing, and cleaning cycles.

Common questions about Canon PIXMA TS8120 ink

Standard, XL, or XXL: which should I buy?

XXL for most people. A PGI-280XXL black is rated for about 600 pages, three times the standard tank, and the CLI-281XXL colors are rated for roughly 800 pages each, so the cost per page is the lowest of the three sizes. XL is a good middle ground if you print less. See Is XL ink actually worth it? Standard vs. XL with real numbers.

What other printers use PGI-280/CLI-281 ink?

The five-ink models are the PIXMA TR7520, TR8520, TR8620, TS6120, TS6220, TS6320, TS702, and TS9520. The six-ink models that add a photo blue tank are the PIXMA TS8320, TS9120, and TS8220. Every size of the shared colors fits all of them, so one stock of cartridges covers several printers.

Will other Canon cartridges fit the TS8120?

No. PGI-270/CLI-271 (used by the PIXMA TS8020, TS9020, and TS5020) and PGI-250/CLI-251 look similar but won't seat or be recognized. Always match the number printed on your current cartridge.

Why are there two black cartridges?

They do different jobs. The larger pigment black (PGI) prints sharp, smudge-resistant text on plain paper. The dye black (CLI) is used for photos and glossy paper, where pigment ink would sit on the surface. Both must be installed, and on plain-paper documents the pigment black does most of the work.

Are compatible or remanufactured cartridges safe for the TS8120?

Yes. Quality compatible and remanufactured cartridges print like OEM, and using them doesn't void your warranty under U.S. law. The printer may show a message about a non-genuine or refilled cartridge; choose OK or Continue and print normally. More: Compatible vs. remanufactured vs. OEM ink and Does compatible ink void your printer warranty?.

How do I replace the ink in the TS8120?

Turn the printer on and open the cover; the print head holder moves to the replacement position. Press the tab on the empty tank and lift it out. Remove the new tank from its bag, pull off the orange protective cap, insert it front end first, and press the top until it clicks. Match the color labels on the holder. The tank's lamp lights red when it's seated correctly. Walkthrough: How to replace the ink in a Canon PIXMA printer.

Why won't the TS8120 recognize a new tank?

Make sure the orange cap and any film are removed, press down on the tank until its lamp lights, and check that it's in the slot with the matching color label. If the lamp stays off, remove the tank, wipe the contacts with a dry lint-free cloth, reinstall it, and power-cycle the printer. More fixes: Printer says ink cartridge not recognized: how to fix it.

Why are TS8120 prints faded, streaky, or missing a color?

The print head is built into the printer, so a clogged nozzle won't be fixed by a new tank alone. Print a nozzle check, run a cleaning, and if gaps remain, a deep cleaning; let the printer rest a few hours if it still streaks. If lines look jagged or doubled rather than faded, align the print head. Guides: How to clean Canon printer heads, Faded or streaky prints: causes and fixes, and our print head alignment guide.

Can I keep printing when one tank is empty?

Canon printers stop when a tank runs out. On many models you can override the warning by holding Stop for about 5 seconds, but Canon cautions that printing with an empty tank can damage the built-in print head, so replace it as soon as you can. Keeping a spare pigment black on hand avoids most downtime.

What does the photo blue tank do?

Photo blue (CLI-281PB) reduces graininess in light areas such as skies and skin tones. Only six-ink models use it; five-ink models like the TS6320 don't have the slot.

Does the TS8120 work on Wi-Fi?

Yes. It connects over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and works with the Canon PRINT app. If it keeps dropping off the network, make sure your router broadcasts a 2.4 GHz band. Setup help: How to connect a printer to Wi-Fi.

TS8120 key facts

• Type: wireless photo all-in-one (print, scan, copy)
• Ink: 6 individual tanks, PGI-280 + CLI-281 BK/C/M/Y/PB (XL and XXL fit)

Shop TS8120 ink at Castle Ink

• PGI-280XXL / CLI-281XXL 6-pack with photo blue
• PGI-280XXL / CLI-281XXL black + color 4-pack
• Singles: PGI-280XXL black, CLI-281XXL black, cyan, magenta, yellow
• Browse all Canon ink cartridges

Castle Ink compatibles and remanufactured cartridges typically cost 50–70% less than Canon retail and are backed by our 1-year satisfaction guarantee. Estimate your savings with the Printer ink cost calculator.

Official Canon resources

Canon PIXMA TS8120 support, drivers, and manuals

Related guides

• How to replace the ink in a Canon PIXMA printer
• How to clean Canon printer heads
• Printer says ink cartridge not recognized: how to fix it
• Is XL ink actually worth it? Standard vs. XL with real numbers
• How to print photos at home that look like a lab print
• Why are my photo prints coming out dull?

Buy genuine Canon PGI-280XXL on Amazon: Canon PGI-280XXL on Amazon

About the author: William Elward is the founder of Castle Ink and has written about printers, ink cartridges, and printing technology for more than 20 years.