Printing on both sides of a sheet of paper, known as duplex printing, is a simple way to save paper and create professional-looking documents. If you are using Microsoft Word and want to print a document double-sided, the process is straightforward once you know where to find the right settings. Whether you are using a home printer, an office machine or preparing a file for a print shop, understanding how to enable two-sided printing in Word can save time, money and effort.
In this guide, we will show you how to print double-sided in Word on both Windows and Mac, explain how to do it manually if your printer does not support automatic duplexing and highlight a few helpful tips to ensure everything lines up correctly.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Before you print, check whether your printer supports automatic duplex printing. You can usually find this information in your printer’s specifications or by checking its preferences from the Print menu. Many newer printers from brands like HP, Epson, Canon and Brother include this function by default, particularly if they are designed for office use.
If your printer does not support duplex printing, you can still print two-sided manually by reloading the pages. Word gives you options for both methods so you can choose the best fit for your setup.
How to Print Double-Sided Automatically in Word (Windows)
To print on both sides of the paper using a Windows PC, open your Word document and click on File, then select Print. In the print settings area, look for the option that says, “Print One Sided.” Click the dropdown menu and select “Print on Both Sides.” Some printers may offer the option to flip pages on the long edge or short edge depending on how you want the layout to look. Once you choose your setting, click Print to start the job.
How to Print Double-Sided Automatically in Word (Mac)
On a Mac, the process is very similar. Open your document in Word, go to File then Print. In the print dialogue, click on the dropdown that may say “Copies & Pages” and choose “Layout.” From there, you can select “Two-Sided” and choose the type of binding from “Long-edge binding” or “Short-edge binding.” Once set, click Print.
How to Print Double-Sided Manually in Word
If your printer does not support automatic duplex printing, Word still makes it possible to print two-sided by prompting you to manually flip the pages. On Windows, go to File, then Print, and under Settings, choose “Manually Print on Both Sides.” When you click Print, your printer will print all the odd-numbered pages first. Once that is done, Word will prompt you to flip the pages and reload them to print the even-numbered pages on the reverse.
Make sure to follow the instructions exactly and always test with a small batch first so you understand how your printer feeds and flips paper. Some printers require you to turn pages over and reinsert them in a certain direction.
Best Practices for Double-Sided Printing
Double-sided printing can be especially useful for long documents, booklets or anything that will be stapled or bound. If you are formatting a document for professional presentation, consider your margins and whether you need mirror margins for facing pages. You can find this setting in the Layout tab under Margins by choosing “Mirror Margins.”
Using draft mode for printing tests can save ink and help you avoid wasting paper while checking alignment. Also, avoid printing large files double-sided without a trial run, especially when using manual duplex, as one mistake in page order could affect the entire print job.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
Sometimes, documents print upside down or out of order when duplex settings are not correctly configured. If this happens, check whether you selected the wrong flip edge. For portrait documents, use long-edge binding. For landscape layouts, short-edge binding may be more appropriate.
If your printer regularly jams during manual duplexing, try using thicker or higher quality paper to reduce curling or misfeeds. Also, ensure your printer rollers are clean and the paper tray is properly aligned.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to print two-sided in Word is a quick skill that can lead to smarter printing and more professional results. Whether your printer supports duplex printing automatically or not, Microsoft Word gives you the tools to manage both methods efficiently. Once you get used to the settings and understand your printer’s behaviour, double-sided printing becomes second nature.