How to print on both sides

In 2024, paper waste will be a major concern for most sustainability-conscious companies. Despite so much progress, we still rely heavily on printed materials, which contributes to deforestation and a larger ecological footprint.

Double-sided printing provides a simple solution to cut paper use in half, offering benefits such as:

Reduced impact on the environment
Cost savings
Efficient storage
Professional appearance

However, many have difficulty implementing duplex printing effectively. In this guide, I’ll help you answer frequently asked questions and provide step-by-step instructions for different printer models and operating systems. Ultimately, you’re ready to print more sustainably, economically and efficiently, regardless of your printer model.

Also check out the best home printers And best printers for small businesses.

Print on both sides with an HP printer (Windows)

PK printers provide an easy way to print on both sides of the paper. This is how you set it up:

where you can access all printing options.
In the print dialog box, select your HP printer, then click ‘Printer Properties’, ‘Preferences’ or ‘Printer Settings’. The exact wording may vary depending on your version of Windows, but look for an option that gives you access to more detailed printer settings.
In the printer properties, look for the option for duplex printing. This could be under a tab called ‘Layout’, ‘Features’ or ‘Finishing’. Again, the exact location may vary depending on your printer model.
Find the “Print on Both Sides” drop-down menu. Here you have two options:
1. Select ‘Flip on Long Edge’ if you want your document to read like a book.
2. Choose “Flip on Short Edge” if you want the book to look more like a tablet or notebook.
Once you have made your selection, click “OK” to save your settings and then click “Print” to start your printing job.

If your HP printer Doesn’t have automatic double-sided printing, don’t worry! You can still print double-sided manually. Here’s how:

Print all odd numbered pages first.
Once this is done, turn the stack over and place it back in the input tray.
1. For bottom-loading trays, load the pages with the print side up and the top edge toward the printer.
2. For top-loading, load the pages with the print side down and the top edge toward the printer.
Now print all even numbered pages.

Remember, when you’re done and want to switch back to single-sided printing, simply go back into the printer properties and change the settings again.

HP’s duplex printing feature has saved me countless sheets of paper over the years, especially when printing long documents or multiple copies.

Print on both sides with a Brother printer (Windows)

Brother printers offer both automatic and manual options for duplex printing. Here’s how to use them:

Before you begin, make sure you are using the correct paper. Brother recommends using A4, Letter, Legal, or Folio size paper for automatic duplex printing. Also use normal or thin paper; bond paper is not recommended.
Open your document and select File > Print to open the print dialog box.
In the print dialog box, click “Properties” or “Preferences” to open more detailed printer settings.
Look for the ‘Double-Sided/Booklet’ dropdown. You have two main options:
1. “2 Sided”: Automatically prints on both sides of the paper.
2. “Booklet”: Prints your document as a booklet, which you can fold in the middle.
Click the “Double-Sided Settings” button for more options:
1. You can choose from four types of double-sided binding orientations, for both portrait and landscape orientation.
2. If you check “Binding Offset”, you can specify the binding offset in inches or millimeters.
Once you have made your selections, click “OK” and then “Print” to start your printing job.

For manual duplex printing on a Brother printer that does not have an automatic option:

Print all odd numbered pages first.
Once they are done, place the printed pages back in the tray. Make sure you place them in the correct direction. This usually means placing them upside down, but check your printer’s manual to be sure.
Now print all even numbered pages.

I’ve used Brother printers in a variety of office environments and have always appreciated their reliable duplex printing. The booklet option is especially useful for creating professional-looking documents for presentations or reports.

Duplex Printing with a Xerox Printer (Windows)

Xerox has been at the forefront of office printing technology for decades and their approach to duplex printing is no exception. Here’s how to set this up on most Xerox printers:

Open your document and select File > Print to open the print dialog box.
In the print dialog box, look for an option called “Printer Properties” or something similar. Click to access more detailed printer settings.
In the printer properties window, look for an option labeled “Duplex Printing” or “Duplex Printing.” This can often be found under a tab called ‘Paper/Output’ or ‘Layout/Watermark’.
Select the double-sided printing option. You may have choices such as:
1. “Duplex Printing”
2. “Double-sided, flip over short side”
3. “Double sided, turn over long side”
Choose the option that best suits your document. Long Edge Flip is best for documents that read like a book, while Short Edge Flip works well for documents that fold like a notebook.
Once you’ve made your selection, click “OK” to save your settings and then click “Print” to start your print job.

Many Xerox printers, especially in the VersaLink® and AltaLink® families, have duplex printing enabled by default to encourage paper savings. If you want to print single-sided, you must change this setting.

For Xerox printers without automatic duplexing, you can still manually print on both sides:

Print all odd numbered pages first.
Then turn the stack over and place it back in the paper tray. The orientation depends on your specific printer model, so check your user manual.
Finally, print all even-numbered pages.

I have found Xerox’s duplex printing to be fast, reliable and of high quality. The default duplex printing setting on many models is a great feature that encourages more environmentally friendly printing practices.

How to Print Both Sides on a Mac

Apple has made double-sided printing easy Mac computers. Here’s how to do it:

Open your document and go to File > Print. This will open the Print dialog box.
In the Print dialog box, look for a section labeled “Double-sided” or “Double-sided.” If you don’t see it right away, you may need to click “View Details” to expand the printing options.
In the ‘Double-sided’ drop-down menu, you typically have three options:
1. Off: for single-sided printing
2. Long edge binding: for documents that read like a book
3. Short edge binding: for documents that fold up like a notepad
Select the option that best suits your document.
Once you have made your selection, click “Print” to start your printing job.

If you don’t see the ‘Duplex’ option, your printer may not support automatic duplex printing. In this case, you can still manually print on both sides:

In the Print dialog box, go to the “Paper Handling” section.
Check the box for “Odd Only” under Pages to Print.
Click “Print” to print all odd-numbered pages.
Once printed, turn the stack over and place it back in the paper tray. The correct orientation depends on your specific printer, so check your printer’s manual if you’re unsure.
Go back to File > Print and this time select “Even Only” under Pages to Print.
Click “Print” to print all even-numbered pages.

As an experienced Mac user, I’ve always appreciated how intuitive Apple makes these processes. The ability to save these settings as a preset is especially useful if you often switch between single-sided and double-sided printing.

Packing

Printing on both sides of the paper has become increasingly accessible and user-friendly. Whichever printer you use, the process is generally simple and can be accomplished with just a few clicks.

Double-sided printing offers numerous advantages. It’s not just about saving paper (although that’s a big plus for both your wallet and the environment). It also makes documents easier to handle, reduces storage space and can give your printouts a more professional look.

Looking ahead, we can expect further improvements in duplex printing technology. This may include:

Even faster double-sided printing speeds
Improved paper handling to reduce paper jams in duplex mode
More options for double-sided printing on specialty paper
Integration with smart home systems for voice-controlled double-sided printing

But if you are having trouble printing on both sides, don’t hesitate to consult your printer’s manual or contact the manufacturer’s support team. With a little patience and troubleshooting, you’ll be printing like a pro in no time.

Remember, every double-sided print job is a small step towards a more sustainable future.

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