How to print both sides

Double the speed, half the paper wastage

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In 2024, paper waste is a major concern for most sustainability-conscious businesses. Despite so many advancements, we still rely heavily on printed materials, contributing to deforestation and increased carbon footprints.

Double-sided printing offers a simple solution to reduce paper consumption by half, providing benefits like:

However, many struggle with implementing double-sided printing effectively. In this guide, I’ll help you answer common questions and provide step-by-step instructions for different printer models andoperating systems. By the end, you’ll be ready to print more sustainably, economically, and efficiently — regardless of your printer model.

Also check out thebest home printersandbest small business printers.

How to print both sides with an HP printer (Windows)

HPprinters offer a straightforward way to print on both sides of the paper. Here’s how to set it up:

If yourHP printerdoesn’t have automatic duplex printing, don’t worry! You can still print on both sides manually. Here’s how:

Remember, when you’re done and want to switch back to single-sided printing, just go back into the printer properties and change the settings back.

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HP’s duplex printing feature has saved me countless sheets of paper over the years, especially when printing long documents or multiple copies.

How to print both sides with a Brother printer (Windows)

Brother printers offer both automatic and manual options for double-sided printing. Here’s how to use them:

For manual duplex printing on aBrother printerthat doesn’t have automatic capability:

I’ve used Brother printers in several office settings and I’ve always appreciated their reliable duplex printing. The booklet option is particularly useful for creating professional-looking documents for presentations or reports.

How to print both sides with a Xerox printer (Windows)

Xerox has been at the forefront of office printing technology for decades, and their approach to double-sided printing is no exception. Here’s how to set it up on most Xerox printers:

Many Xerox printers, especially in their VersaLink® and AltaLink® families, have duplex printing set as the default to encourage paper saving. If you need to print single-sided, you’ll need to change this setting.

For Xerox printers without automatic duplex capability, you can still print double-sided manually:

I’ve found Xerox’s duplex printing to be fast, reliable, and of high quality. The default duplex setting on many models is a great feature that encourages more environmentally friendly printing practices.

How to print both sides on a Mac

Applehas made double-sided printing straightforward onMac computers. Here’s how to do it:

If you don’t see the “Two-Sided” option, it might mean your printer doesn’t support automatic duplex printing. In this case, you can still print double-sided manually:

As a long-time Mac user, I’ve always appreciated how intuitive Apple makes these processes. The ability to save these settings as a preset is particularly useful if you frequently switch between single and double-sided printing.

Wrapping it up

Printing on both sides of the paper has become increasingly accessible and user-friendly. No matter which printer you’re using, the process is generally straightforward and can be accomplished with just a few clicks.

Double-sided printing offers numerous benefits. It’s not just about saving paper (though that’s a big plus for both your wallet and the environment). It also makes documents easier to handle, reduces storage space, and can give your prints a more professional look.

Looking ahead, we can expect to see further improvements in duplex printing technology. This might include:

But for now, if you encounter any issues while trying to print double-sided, don’t hesitate to consult your printer’s manual or reach out to the manufacturer’s support team. With a little patience and troubleshooting, you’ll be printing like a pro in no time.

Remember, every double-sided print job is a small step towards a more sustainable future.

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Ritoban Mukherjee is a freelance tech and innovations journalist from West Bengal, India. His work focuses on reviews, guides, and features about consumer and business software, such as AI website builders and CRM platforms, among other things. He has been published on Tom’s Guide, TechRadar, Creative Bloq, IT Pro Portal, Gizmodo, Medium, Quartz, and Mental Floss.

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