How to Use the Duplex Capability of a Printer
Many printers have the capability for duplex printing, also known as printing on both sides of a sheet of paper. Duplex printing is essential for quality assurance and ensuring that the finished document meets document design standards. It can also help save money by cutting down on paper usage, which is important for those who print frequently.
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Instructions
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Skim your printer's user manual to ensure that it has duplex capabilities.
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Ensure that the printer is on. Verify that the universal paper tray contains the appropriate paper and the paper is inserted correctly.
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Open the file you wish to print. From the "File" menu, select "Print" and then "Properties." The print driver window opens.
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Select the duplexing option, which is usually "Open to left," "2-sided," "duplexing," "Print on both sides" or something similar. You may need to click the "Advanced" button or select a different tab to view the duplexing option.
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Select the paper layout. Your choices include landscape, which may be called "flip on short edge," and portrait, which may be called "flip on long edge."
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Select any other necessary options, such as the paper tray, black and white or color and number of copies. Click "OK."
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Tips & Warnings
Most printers do not allow automatic duplexing from external paper trays. Use the universal paper tray, which is usually Tray 2.
Manually duplex by turning over the sheet of paper and reinserting it into the paper tray. This may require some trial and error to learn the proper orientation for the page you're reinserting. One trick is to mark an X on the top left corner and note where the X is once the page has gone through the printer.
Most printers cannot handle thick paper or cardstock for automatic duplexing. Follow your printer manufacturer's recommendations for paper type when duplexing.
References
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