Canon PGI‑680 & CLI‑681 Ink Cartridges
The Canon PGI-680 and CLI-681 series relies on a precise five or six ink individual dye and pigment split setup structure engineered specifically for photo printing hardware. Because complex imagery and text documents utilise different colour channels unevenly, colour depletion occurs at highly irregular intervals across the individual cartridges. Switching from extra-high-yield genuine to extra-high-yield compatible cartridges saves 74% while maintaining necessary operational outputs.
Printers Compatible with Canon PGI-680 & CLI-681 Ink Cartridges
Page production capacity and performance expectations
The total number of prints you can achieve varies heavily based on the specific cartridge size and variant chosen for your system. Canon determines these output ratings by utilizing the industry-recognized ISO/IEC 24711 quality standard for color inkjet printing, which employs a continuous print test pattern until the ink is exhausted. Standard versions like the PGI-680BK provide a base level of output, whereas opting for the PGI-680XXLBK or CLI-681XXL ultra high yield options dramatically increases operational lifecycles. Creative work involving full-bleed graphics or dense photography naturally depletes specialized colors like photo blue and magenta much faster than text documents, meaning your actual page return changes depending on media type and coverage areas.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLI-681BK | Standard | Black | 1,500 | $0.012 |
| PGI-680BK | Standard | Black | 200 | $0.089 |
| CLI-681C | Standard | Cyan | 250 | $0.071 |
| CLI-681M | Standard | Magenta | 250 | $0.071 |
| CLI-681Y | Standard | Yellow | 250 | $0.068 |
| CLI-681PB | Standard | Photo | 1,660 | $0.011 |
| PGI-680XLBK | High Yield | Black | 400 | $0.071 |
| CLI-681XLBK | High Yield | Black | 3,120 | $0.009 |
| CLI-681XLC | High Yield | Cyan | 515 | $0.055 |
| CLI-681XLM | High Yield | Magenta | 515 | $0.055 |
| CLI-681XLY | High Yield | Yellow | 515 | $0.055 |
| CLI-681XLPB | High Yield | Photo | 4,710 | $0.006 |
| PGI-680XXLBK | Extra High Yield | Black | 600 | $0.053 |
| CLI-681XXLBK | Extra High Yield | Black | 6,360 | $0.005 |
| CLI-681XXLC | Extra High Yield | Cyan | 760 | $0.045 |
| CLI-681XXLM | Extra High Yield | Magenta | 760 | $0.045 |
| CLI-681XXLY | Extra High Yield | Yellow | 760 | $0.045 |
| CLI-681XXLPB | Extra High Yield | Photo | 9,140 | $0.004 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). All calculations use Genuine cartridge prices.
Genuine vs compatible cartridges
Choosing between name-brand production tanks and third-party options requires balancing upfront expenditure against exact color properties. Premium compatible options offer an excellent alternative for high-volume output, reducing maintenance expenses while maintaining high clarity on everyday documents and proofs. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. This legal safeguard ensures you can confidently manage operational costs by choosing whichever product line fits your budget. To explore this topic further, read our comprehensive overview of genuine vs compatible cartridges.
Strategic replenishment options and delivery
Managing a multi-ink environment requires careful stock planning to maintain continuous operation. Text-heavy workloads mostly deplete the large pigment black tank, whereas graphics-heavy tasks deplete the cyan, magenta, yellow, and photo blue cartridges simultaneously. Ordering bundle configurations helps avoid single-color depletion delays and lowers the combined investment per milliliter of ink. Compatible options are backed by a money-back guarantee, allowing you to trial third-party consumables without financial risk. For details on returns, please refer to our Returns policy. We dispatch directly from local regional distribution points situated in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide to ensure prompt fulfillment. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99 (conditions apply). For users looking to stock up on reliable printer consumables, browse our extensive catalogue of Canon ink cartridges.
Pro Tip
Always leave your inkjet printer connected to a live power source rather than turning it off at a main wall switch. When powered down correctly via its own control button, the printhead moves into an airtight capping station that stops the specialized PGI-680 and CLI-681 nozzles from drying out and prevents unnecessary ink consumption during automated startup maintenance cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix genuine Canon cartridges with compatible alternatives in the same printer?
Yes, this system accommodates mixed cartridge setups seamlessly. The printer treats each slot independently, letting you run a genuine PGI-680 pigment black for text alongside compatible CLI-681 color variants without experiencing hardware blockages or chip recognition errors.
Why does my printer require both PGI-680BK and CLI-681BK black cartridges?
The system uses two separate black formulas for entirely different tasks. The larger PGI-680BK contains a crisp pigment-based ink engineered explicitly for sharp text reproduction on plain office paper, while the slimmer CLI-681BK contains a dye-based ink designed to blend smoothly with other colors on glossy photographic media.
Do XXL ultra high yield cartridges require a different installation process or a larger slot?
No, all PGI-680 and CLI-681 size variants share identical physical exterior dimensions and fit into the exact same corresponding carriage slots. The physical difference lies solely within the internal chambers, where the XXL and XL versions contain more fluid and less internal plastic framing than standard cartridges.
