Canon's imageCLASS color lasers use a small number of cartridge families, each in a standard and an "H" high-yield version. Once you know which family your printer belongs to, buying is straightforward. Here is the map.
Key takeaways
- What does the H mean in Canon 045H? H is Canon's high-yield version. The 045H prints about twice the pages of the 045 in the same printers, at a lower cost per page.
- Which Canon cartridge does the imageCLASS MF743Cdw use? The MF741Cdw, MF743Cdw and MF745Cdw use Canon 055 (standard) or 055H (high-yield) cartridges in black, cyan, magenta and yellow.
- Are Canon and HP cartridges interchangeable? No. Even where the printers share engine parts, the cartridges are keyed and chipped for one brand. Use the cartridge number Canon prints on the label.
Color families
| Family | Printers | Standard yield (black / color) | High-yield (black / color) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon 045 / 045H | Color imageCLASS LBP611Cn, LBP612Cdw, MF632Cdw, MF634Cdw | 1,400 / 1,300 | 2,800 / 2,200 |
| Canon 046 / 046H | Color imageCLASS LBP654Cdw, MF731Cdw, MF733Cdw, MF735Cdw | 2,200 / 2,300 | 6,300 / 5,000 |
| Canon 054 / 054H | Color imageCLASS LBP622Cdw, MF641Cw, MF642Cdw, MF644Cdw | 1,500 / 1,200 | 3,100 / 2,300 |
| Canon 055 / 055H | Color imageCLASS LBP664Cdw, MF741Cdw, MF743Cdw, MF745Cdw | 2,300 / 2,100 | 7,600 / 5,900 |
| Canon 069 / 069H | Color imageCLASS MF751Cdw, MF753Cdw, LBP674Cdw | see product pages | see product pages |
Mono families
Mono imageCLASS printers use one black cartridge, again in standard and H versions where available: Canon 137 (MF212w, MF216n, MF227dw, MF229dw and relatives), 128 (MF4400/D500 series), 126 (LBP6200/6230), 125 (LBP6000/6030, MF3010), 120 (D1100 series), 121 (D1600 series), 051/051H (LBP162dw, MF264dw, MF267dw, MF269dw), 052/052H (LBP214dw, LBP215dw, MF424dw, MF426dw, MF429dw), 057/057H (LBP226dw, LBP227dw, MF445dw, MF448dw, MF449dw), 070/070H, 071/071H, 039/039H and 041/041H for the larger LBP models. The exact printer lists are on each product page and in the family guides.
Standard or H?
Canon's H cartridges are the same size and fit as the standard ones with more toner inside. They are 30–45% cheaper per page at typical prices. For a printer that prints more than half a standard cartridge per month, the H version is the better buy; for a lightly used home printer the standard cartridge avoids toner sitting for years.
How Canon color printers use cartridges
Like HP, Canon's color lasers use black on every page and the three colors only for color content. Black empties first. Canon printers allow black-only printing when a color cartridge is out (check the "continue printing" setting), so a missing color does not stop the office.
Packs
We stock every color family as singles, CMY 3-packs and CMYK 4-packs, and the mono families as black 2-packs. Packs are the same factory-sealed Canon originals sold individually.
Installation
Open the front cover; on color models the cartridges sit in a row on a tray. Lift the empty cartridge out by its handle, rock the new one gently, remove the protective cover and sealing tape, and slide it into the keyed slot until it clicks. Close the cover; the printer resets the level when it reads the new chip. If the old level persists, open and close the cover once more.
Genuine Canon only
Canon's chip and toner formulation are tuned to the drum inside each cartridge; the drum is part of the cartridge on these models, which is why print quality resets with every new original. Compatibles reuse the shell with a worn drum or a new drum of unknown quality. Everything at GS TONER is an original Canon cartridge, factory sealed, with free US shipping.
Frequently asked questions
What does the H mean in Canon 045H?
H is Canon's high-yield version. The 045H prints about twice the pages of the 045 in the same printers, at a lower cost per page.
Which Canon cartridge does the imageCLASS MF743Cdw use?
The MF741Cdw, MF743Cdw and MF745Cdw use Canon 055 (standard) or 055H (high-yield) cartridges in black, cyan, magenta and yellow.
Are Canon and HP cartridges interchangeable?
No. Even where the printers share engine parts, the cartridges are keyed and chipped for one brand. Use the cartridge number Canon prints on the label.
