How do I print on both sides of the paper?

In the print dialog (Ctrl+P), look for 'Print on both sides' or 'Duplex' option. Enable it and choose either 'Flip on long edge' (like a book) or 'Flip on short edge' (like a notepad). If your printer doesn't support automatic duplex, you'll need to manually flip the pages.

What does 'Flip on long edge' vs 'short edge' mean?

Long edge (book style): Pages flip like a book, reading top-to-bottom on both sides. Use for reports, booklets, documents. Short edge (calendar style): Pages flip like a notepad, with the back page upside down relative to front. Use for calendars, notepads, landscape documents.

Why can't I find the double-sided printing option?

Your printer may not support automatic duplex. Check your printer's specifications. If it doesn't have automatic duplex, you can still print double-sided manually by printing odd pages first, flipping the stack, then printing even pages.

How do I print double-sided manually?

1) Print only odd pages first (select 'Odd pages only' in print options). 2) Take the printed stack and flip it over. 3) Put it back in the paper tray (orientation depends on your printer). 4) Print only even pages. 5) Your document is now double-sided.

How to Print Double-Sided (Duplex Printing)

Understanding Long Edge vs Short Edge

Flip on Long Edge

Pages flip like a book. Both sides read top-to-bottom.

Best for: Reports, essays, booklets, most documents

📖

Book-style binding

Flip on Short Edge

Pages flip like a notepad. Back is upside-down relative to front.

Best for: Calendars, notepads, landscape documents

📆

Calendar-style binding

🪟 Windows Instructions

From Any Application

1. Press Ctrl+P to open Print dialog
2. Select your printer
3. Click "Printer Properties" or "Preferences"
4. Look for "Print on Both Sides", "Duplex", or "2-Sided Printing"
5. Enable it and choose your binding edge
6. Click OK, then Print

Set as Default (Print Double-Sided Always)

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners
2. Click your printer
3. Click "Printing preferences"
4. Enable duplex and save

🍎 Mac Instructions

1 Press Cmd+P to open Print dialog
2 Click "Show Details" if needed
3 Look for dropdown menu (may say "Copies & Pages")
4 Select "Layout" from the dropdown
5 Find "Two-Sided" checkbox and enable it
6 Choose binding direction and click Print

Manual Double-Sided Printing

If your printer doesn't support automatic duplex, you can still print on both sides manually:

1

Print Odd Pages First

In print dialog, select "Odd pages only" or "Pages: 1,3,5,7..."
2

Flip the Stack

Take printed pages and flip them over. Keep them in the same order.
3

Reload Paper

Put the flipped stack back in the paper tray (blank side facing the direction your printer prints on)
4

Print Even Pages

Select "Even pages only" and print. Done!

Tip: Do a test with 2-3 pages first to figure out which way to flip and reload the paper for your specific printer.

Troubleshooting

Can't find duplex option?

Your printer may not support automatic duplex. Check your printer's specifications or use the manual method above.

Pages printing upside down?

You selected the wrong binding edge. Switch between "Long edge" and "Short edge" and try again.

Paper jams during duplex?

Use fresh, flat paper. Curled or damp paper jams more often. Also try reducing the stack size.

How to Print Double-Sided

Quick Answer: Enable Duplex Printing

Understanding Long Edge vs Short Edge

Flip on Long Edge

Flip on Short Edge

🪟 Windows Instructions

From Any Application

Set as Default (Print Double-Sided Always)

🍎 Mac Instructions

Manual Double-Sided Printing

Print Odd Pages First

Flip the Stack

Reload Paper

Print Even Pages

Troubleshooting

Can't find duplex option?

Pages printing upside down?

Paper jams during duplex?

Related Guides

Paper Calculator

Best Duplex Printers

Paper Jam Fix

Alignment Test

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