Abstract: A printing apparatus of the present invention includes a print head having a plurality of nozzles, from which ink droplets are ejected, a light detection unit that has a light emitting element and a light receiving element and determines the active or inactive state of the nozzles based on whether or not the light beam is intercepted by ink droplets, and a carriage that moves the print head relative to the light detection unit. The light beam emitted from the light emitting element has an optical axis that is inclined at a predetermined angle to a nozzle array. At least part of the plurality of nozzles are inspected while the print head is moving relative to the light detection unit at a fixed speed.