Startseite » Microsoft Word EN » Duplex Printing in Word – Print Double-Sided with Ease

Duplex Printing in Word – Print Double-Sided with Ease

Duplex printing in Word refers to printing on both sides of the paper, also known as double-sided printing. It’s an efficient way to save paper, reduce bulk, and lower printing costs—all without compromising on document quality. In this guide, you’ll learn how to activate duplex printing in Word step-by-step, along with keyboard shortcuts for Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu to streamline the process. Let’s dive into the world of smarter printing! 🔁

What Is Duplex Printing and Why Use It?

Duplex printing allows your printer to automatically or manually print on both sides of a page. This is perfect for:

  • Reports 📄
  • E-books 📘
  • Manuscripts ✍️
  • Presentation handouts 📊

Benefits of duplex printing:

✅ Advantage🔍 Description
🌿 Environmentally friendlyCuts paper usage by up to 50%
💰 Cost-effectiveReduces ink and paper costs
📚 Professional appearanceIdeal for polished, double-sided documents
🧳 Saves spaceThinner document stacks, easier to bind/carry

How to Enable Duplex Printing in Word – Windows 🪟

Here’s how to double-side print in Microsoft Word on Windows:

Steps:

  1. Open your Word document.
  2. Click File > Print.
  3. Under Settings, choose:
    • Print on Both Sides (automatic duplex)
    • Or Manually Print on Both Sides if your printer doesn’t support auto-duplex.

Keyboard Shortcut (Windows):

Ctrl + P

This opens the print dialog instantly. From here, use the Tab key to navigate to the duplex options.

Tip: Not seeing the duplex option? Make sure your printer driver supports duplexing and it’s enabled in Device Settings.

How to Use Duplex Printing in Word – macOS 🍏

Steps:

  1. Open the Word document.
  2. Press Cmd + P to open the print dialog.
  3. Click Show Details (if not already expanded).
  4. Look for Two-Sided in the dialog.
  5. Select:
    • Long-edge binding (like a book)
    • Or Short-edge binding (like a notepad)

Keyboard Shortcut (Mac):

Cmd + P

macOS typically supports duplex by default if your printer does.

Note: If the Two-Sided option is grayed out, check System Preferences > Printers & Scanners > Options & Supplies to enable duplexing.

How to Duplex Print in Word – Ubuntu/Linux 🐧

Microsoft Word isn’t native on Ubuntu, but you can print duplex using LibreOffice Writer or Word Online.

LibreOffice (Ubuntu):

  1. Open the document in LibreOffice Writer.
  2. Click File > Print or press Ctrl + P.
  3. In the Print dialog, click the General tab.
  4. Enable Duplex printing from the drop-down:
    • Long Edge
    • Short Edge

Word Online (Ubuntu-friendly browsers):

  1. Open office.com → log in and open your document.
  2. Press Ctrl + P.
  3. In the browser print dialog, select More Settings.
  4. Enable Print on both sides (if supported by printer).

Troubleshooting Duplex Printing in Word 🛠️

❓ Problem💡 Solution
Duplex option missingCheck if your printer supports duplex & update drivers
Manual duplex is inconvenientInvest in a printer with auto-duplex capability
Grayed out option on macOSEnable duplex in printer preferences under Options & Supplies
Blank back page issueAvoid inserting manual page breaks before blank pages
Only one-sided printing appearsUse default printer settings that allow duplex

Tips for Better Duplex Printing Results 🔍

  • Use heavier paper (≥ 90 gsm) to avoid ink bleeding.
  • Adjust margins so text doesn’t get cut when flipping pages.
  • For booklets, choose “Book fold” under Page Layout settings.
  • Preview before printing: Ctrl + P or Cmd + P and click Print Preview.
  • Label pages clearly to avoid mix-ups when manually duplexing.

FAQs – Duplex Printing in Word

How do I know if my printer supports duplex printing?
Check your printer’s manual or go to Devices and Printers > Printer Properties > Device Settings on Windows.

Can I manually print double-sided without a duplex printer?
Yes! Select “Manually Print on Both Sides” and follow the prompts to flip pages.

Why is my Word document printing only on one side?
Your printer’s duplex setting may be disabled. Re-enable it in the print dialog or printer preferences.

How to flip on short vs long edge?

  • Long Edge: Book-style reading
  • Short Edge: Flip like a calendar

Is duplex printing available in Word Online?
Yes, depending on the browser and printer used. Use the browser’s print dialog for duplex settings.

Can I set duplex as a default in Word?
Yes! Set it in Printer Properties > Printing Preferences > Default Settings.

Conclusion – Smarter Printing Starts with Duplex ✅

Duplex printing in Word is a small but mighty feature that boosts efficiency, reduces waste, and presents your documents more professionally. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, setting up double-sided printing takes just a few clicks or keystrokes.

Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.

https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/

Advertisment