A method of inkjet printing includes establishing a back pressure corresponding to a desired print mode in a printhead and changing the back pressure in response to changes in print mode. A printing system for printing in a number of distinct print modes includes an inkjet pen having a printhead and a back pressure control unit having multiple back pressure settings. The back pressure is set to a first value when the printing system is operating in a first print mode to a second value when the printing system is operating in a second print mode. In another embodiment, the printing system includes structure for controlling meniscus condition in the printhead nozzles by selectively changing back pressure.