Double-sided printing, also known as duplex printing, is a simple way to save paper and reduce bulk when printing documents. If you use a Mac, the process is generally straightforward but it can vary slightly depending on your printer model and the software you are using. Whether you are printing a university assignment, a business report or a set of meeting notes, knowing how to print on both sides of the paper can save time and resources.
In this article we will walk you through how to duplex print on a Mac, explain what to do if your printer does not support automatic duplexing and offer troubleshooting tips for common issues.
What Is Duplex Printing
Duplex printing is the process of printing on both sides of the same sheet of paper. Some printers have automatic duplexing built in which means they can flip the paper internally and print both sides without manual help. Others require manual duplexing where you print one side, then reinsert the paper to print the reverse side.
On a Mac, you can access duplex options through the standard print dialog. The key is knowing where to look and making sure your printer supports the feature.
How to Set Up Duplex Printing on Mac
To begin, open the document you want to print. Click ‘File’ in the top menu then select ‘Print’. This will open the print dialog window. From here you can choose your printer, the number of copies and the page range.
To enable duplex printing, look for a dropdown menu that says ‘Layout’, ‘Two-Sided’ or ‘Finishing’ depending on the app and printer. Select ‘Two-Sided’ or tick the box next to ‘Print on both sides of paper’.
You will usually see two duplex options: ‘Long-Edge Binding’ and ‘Short-Edge Binding’. Long-edge binding is used for portrait documents where pages flip like a book. Short-edge binding is used for landscape documents where pages flip like a calendar.
Choose the appropriate option then click ‘Print’ to send the job to your printer.
If Your Printer Does Not Support Automatic Duplex
Not all printers support automatic duplex printing. If yours does not, you can still print double-sided manually. In the print dialog on your Mac, select only the odd-numbered pages in the print range. Once those pages have printed, take them from the output tray and reinsert them into the paper feed in the correct orientation. Then print the even-numbered pages on the reverse side.
You may need to experiment with how the paper is fed back into the printer. Some printers require you to flip the pages vertically, others horizontally. It is a good idea to run a test with just a few pages to see how your machine handles it.
Check Printer Settings in System Preferences
If the duplex option does not appear in your print dialog, check your printer settings in System Settings or System Preferences. Go to ‘Printers & Scanners’ then select your printer. Click ‘Options & Supplies’ then ‘Options’. Make sure ‘Duplex Unit’ or ‘Two-Sided Printing’ is enabled. If not, tick the box and click OK.
After adjusting this setting, restart the application and try printing again. The duplex options should now appear.
Using Preview or Microsoft Word on Mac
In Apple’s Preview app, open a PDF file and go to File > Print. You will find the two-sided printing option under the ‘Layout’ section. In Microsoft Word for Mac, click File > Print then use the ‘Copies & Pages’ dropdown to find the ‘Layout’ or ‘Finishing’ settings.
Ensure your document is formatted correctly with consistent margins and spacing. Double-sided documents can look untidy if page breaks and formatting are not consistent.
Tips for Smooth Duplex Printing
Make sure your paper is correctly loaded in the tray and is not curled or damp. Use good quality paper to prevent jams and smudging. If your printer uses inkjet technology, allow the first side to dry before printing on the reverse if doing it manually.
Always check the preview before printing to ensure the content is properly aligned. If you are printing a booklet or multi-page report, double-check the binding edge to avoid upside-down or reversed pages.
Final Thoughts
Duplex printing on a Mac is easy to manage once you know where to find the settings. Whether your printer supports automatic double-sided printing or requires manual feeding, the tools built into macOS make it possible to save paper and produce professional-looking documents. With a bit of practice and the right setup, you can print on both sides confidently and efficiently.