How do I print double-sided when my printer does not have a duplex unit?

Applies To

  • Operating Systems: Windows, macOS
  • Hardware: Printers without an automatic duplexing unit.
  • Related Articles:
    • KA-01047 (opening the Devices and Printers folder)
    • KA-01587 (automatic duplex printing, if your printer does have a duplex unit)

Description

If you need to print a two-sided document and your printer doesn't have an automatic duplexing unit, follow the manual process for your operating system below.

Solution

Windows

  1. Open the document you want to print, then press Ctrl+P (or select File > Print).

  2. Open the printer's own settings from the print dialog — look for a Printer Properties, Preferences, or similar button or link.

    Note: Depending on the application, you may see a simplified Windows print dialog first, without direct access to the printer's own settings. If so, look for a More settings option — selecting this usually opens the full printer driver settings.
  3. Click the Main tab.

  4. Click the drop-down menu next to 2-Sided Printing.

    2-Sided Printing drop-down menu on the Main tab of Windows printer preferences

  5. Select either Manual (Long-edge binding) or Manual (Short-edge binding).

    Long-Edge binding orientation example
    Short-Edge binding orientation example

    What each 2-Sided Printing option does:

    OptionWhat It Does
    OffPrints on one side.
    Manual (Long-edge binding)Prints on both sides of the paper manually, to bind along the long edge.
    Manual (Short-edge binding)Prints on both sides of the paper manually, to bind along the short edge.
    Note: Available settings differ depending on the product model.
  6. Click OK.
  7. Print your document.

  8. Once the first side prints, a message box appears.

    Message prompting to reload paper for 2-sided printing
  9. Remove the printed page from the output tray.
  10. Turn the page over so the printed side faces down.
  11. Reload it into the paper feeder or tray, printed side down.

  12. Click Resume.

    Resume button to continue 2-sided printing
  13. The second side then prints.
Tip: The steps above apply this setting to the document you're currently printing. If you want manual 2-sided printing to be the default for every print job from this printer, set it via the Devices and Printers folder instead — right-click your printer icon, select Printing Preferences, then follow the same Main tab steps above. See KA-01047 if you need help opening this folder.

macOS

  1. Click File > Print.
  2. If shown, click Show Details.

  3. From the Pages to Print drop-down, select Odd Pages Only.

    Odd Pages Only option in macOS print dialog
  4. Click Print.
  5. Once these pages print, reload them into the paper feeder or tray, printed side down.
  6. Click File > Print again.
  7. If shown, click Show Details.

  8. From the Pages to Print drop-down, select Even Pages Only.

    Even Pages Only option in macOS print dialog
  9. Click Print.