How to print double-sided
Where the duplex setting hides on Windows, Mac, and what to do if your printer doesn't auto-duplex.
Quinn Yoo
February 14, 2026
Mac
File → Print. Look for 'Two-Sided' checkbox or 'Layout' options. Pick 'Long-Edge Binding' for portrait documents.
If 'Two-Sided' is greyed out, your printer doesn't support automatic duplex. See manual method below.
Windows
File → Print. Click 'Properties' or 'Printer Properties'. Look for 'Duplex Printing' or 'Print on Both Sides'.
Some apps (especially older ones) hide the option in 'Advanced'. Browse all the tabs.
Manual duplex (no auto-duplex printer)
Print odd pages only first (File → Print → Pages: Odd Only).
Take the printed stack out, flip, reinsert. Print even pages (Pages: Even Only). Order may need to be reversed depending on printer.
Test with a 4-page document before doing it on something important.
People also ask
Can I save the setting permanently?+
Yes — most printer drivers let you set defaults. On Mac: System Settings → Printers → Default settings.
Why are my pages printing in the wrong order?+
Manual duplex feed direction varies by printer. Test once and remember which way to flip.
Does double-sided save much paper?+
Cuts paper usage roughly in half. Over a year of regular printing, real money and trees.