How to print both sides

In 2024, paper waste is a major concern for most sustainability-conscious businesses. Despite so many advancements, we still rely heavily on printed materials, contributing to deforestation and increased carbon footprints.

Double-sided printing offers a simple solution to reduce paper consumption by half, providing benefits like:

Reduced environmental impact
Cost savings
Efficient storage
Professional appearance

However, many struggle with implementing double-sided printing effectively. In this guide, I’ll help you answer common questions and provide step-by-step instructions for different printer models and operating systems. By the end, you’ll be ready to print more sustainably, economically, and efficiently — regardless of your printer model.

Also check out the best home printers and best small business printers.

How to print both sides with an HP printer (Windows)

HP printers offer a straightforward way to print on both sides of the paper. Here’s how to set it up:

where you can access all the printing options.
In the print dialog box, select your HP printer, and then click “Printer Properties,” “Preferences,” or “Printer Setup.” The exact wording may vary depending on your version of Windows, but look for an option that will let you access more detailed printer settings.
Once in the printer properties, look for the option for a two-sided print job. This might be under a tab labeled “Layout,” “Features,” or “Finishing.” Again, the exact location can vary depending on your printer model.
Find the “Print on Both Sides” drop-down menu. Here, you’ll 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 it to read more like a tablet or notepad.
After making your selection, click “OK” to save your settings, and then click “Print” to start your print job.

If your HP printer doesn’t have automatic duplex printing, don’t worry! You can still print on both sides manually. Here’s how:

First, print all the odd-numbered pages.
Once those are done, flip the stack over and put it back in the input tray.
1. For bottom-loading trays, place the pages print-side up with the top edge towards the printer.
2. For top-loading trays, place the pages print-side down with the top edge towards the printer.
Now print all the even-numbered pages.

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

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

How to print both sides with a Brother printer (Windows)

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

Before you start, make sure you’re using the right paper. Brother recommends using A4, Letter, Legal, or Folio sized paper for automatic 2-sided printing. Also, stick to regular or thin paper – bond paper isn’t recommended.
Open your document and select File > Print to open the print dialog box.
In the print dialog, click on “Properties” or “Preferences” to access more detailed printer settings.
Look for a “2-sided/Booklet” dropdown box. You’ll have two main options:
1. “2-sided”: This will print on both sides of the paper automatically.
2. “Booklet”: This will print your document as a booklet, which you can fold down the middle.
Click the “2-sided Settings” button for more options:
1. You can choose from four types of 2-sided binding directions for both portrait and landscape orientations.
2. If you check “Binding Offset,” you can specify the offset for binding in inches or millimeters.
Once you’ve made your selections, click “OK” and then “Print” to start your print job.

For manual duplex printing on a Brother printer that doesn’t have automatic capability:

Print all the odd-numbered pages first.
Once they’re done, put the printed pages back in the tray. Make sure to orient them correctly – this usually means putting them in upside down, but check your printer’s manual to be sure.
Now print all the even-numbered pages.

I’ve used Brother printers in several office settings and I’ve always appreciated their reliable duplex printing. The booklet option is particularly useful for creating professional-looking documents for presentations or reports.

How to print both sides with a Xerox printer (Windows)

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

Open your document and select File > Print to bring up the print dialog box.
In the print dialog, look for an option called “Printer Properties” or something similar. Click on this to access more detailed printer settings.
In the printer properties window, look for an option labeled “2-Sided Print” or “Duplex Printing.” This is often found under a tab called “Paper/Output” or “Layout/Watermark.”
Select the 2-sided printing option. You may have choices like:
1. “2-Sided Print”
2. “2-Sided, Flip on Short Edge”
3. “2-Sided, Flip on Long Edge”
Choose the option that best suits your document. “Flip on Long Edge” is best for documents that read like a book, while “Flip on Short Edge” works well for documents that flip up like a notepad.
After making your selection, click “OK” to save your settings, then “Print” to start your print job.

Many Xerox printers, especially in their VersaLink® and AltaLink® families, have duplex printing set as the default to encourage paper saving. If you need to print single-sided, you’ll need to change this setting.

For Xerox printers without automatic duplex capability, you can still print double-sided manually:

First, print all odd-numbered pages.
Then, flip the stack over and reinsert it into the paper tray. The orientation will depend on your specific printer model, so consult your user manual.
Finally, print all even-numbered pages.

I’ve found Xerox’s duplex printing to be fast, reliable, and of high quality. The default duplex 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 straightforward on Mac computers. Here’s how to do it:

With your document open, go to File > Print. This will open the Print dialog box.
In the Print dialog, look for a section called “Two-Sided” or “Double-sided.” If you don’t see it immediately, you might need to click on “Show Details” to expand the print options.
From the “Two-Sided” dropdown menu, you’ll 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 flip up like a notepad
Select the option that best suits your document.
Once you’ve made your selection, click “Print” to start your print job.

If you don’t see the “Two-Sided” option, it might mean your printer doesn’t support automatic duplex printing. In this case, you can still print double-sided manually:

In the Print dialog, 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 they’re printed, flip the stack over and put it back in the paper tray. The correct orientation will depend 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 a long-time Mac user, I’ve always appreciated how intuitive Apple makes these processes. The ability to save these settings as a preset is particularly useful if you frequently switch between single and double-sided printing.

Wrapping it up

Printing on both sides of the paper has become increasingly accessible and user-friendly. No matter which printer you’re using, the process is generally straightforward and can be accomplished with just a few clicks.

Double-sided printing offers numerous benefits. It’s not just about saving paper (though 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 prints a more professional look.

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

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

But for now, if you encounter any issues while trying to print double-sided, don’t hesitate to consult your printer’s manual or reach out to 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.

We list the best small business printers.

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