A dot matrix printer utilizes an inking roller for supplying ink to the surface of the printer platen and has guide means adjacent the platen to separate the print paper from the platen. The guide means includes an elongated slot or window for access to the platen by the print wires. The print wire support means is spring loaded in a direction toward the platen and utilizes a solenoid to move the support means away from the platen. A pair of rollers is engageable with the paper and positioned between the platen and the print element carriage to form a predetermined space between the paper and the end of the print wire when the carriage is moved toward the platen.