Inkjet printers usually obtain ink from two replaceable inkjet cartridges, one with black ink and one with the three primary colors, red, yellow and blue. Many of the newer printers use inkjet cartridges that contain a small microchip and electronic contacts that communicate with the printer. This allows the printer to be aware of the amount of ink and other pertinent information.

Because the price of OEM cartridges can be fairly high, the sale of compatible cartridges has increased. Compatible, non-OEM cartridges can be less expensive and sometimes hold more ink. Refill kits have also become highly popular because they can be significantly cheaper. Refill kits allow you to fill a used cartridge with new ink, allowing it to work as a new cartridge would.