How do you print on both sides of the paper with a printer?
Duplex printing, which is the term used to define printing on both sides of the paper, is one of the more common print jobs consumers use in the printer/copier industry.
However, it is not always easy to figure out how to do it. And there are two types of duplex printing whose steps will be different depending on which one you use.
We’ve been a local Texas printer company since the 1980s and have a staff that includes over 200 years of combined experience in the industry.
Our goal in creating content is to use this expertise to openly answer the most pressing questions you have about your printer.
In this article, we’ll be tackling the topic of duplex printing, including a description of what it is, the different types of duplex printing, steps on how to do it and the benefits of duplex printing.
Printing on both sides of the paper could look a bit different depending on what type of machine you have. Since we partner with Xerox, we will be using the steps in the instructions section to duplex print from a Xerox machine.
However, the steps we will provide to execute duplex printing should be similar no matter what machine you have.
What Is Duplex Printing?
As mentioned in the introduction, duplex printing, or double-sided printing, is the action of printing contents on both sides of the paper.
It differs from simplex printing, or single-sided printing, which is where printing is conducted on only one side of the paper.
There are two different types of duplex printing: Automatic duplex printing and manual duplex printing. Let’s look at the differences between the two in the next section.
Auto Duplex Printing vs. Manual Duplex Printing
Auto duplex printing is exactly what it sounds like: It’s the default setting that you can turn on, if your machine is capable, to automatically print on both sides of the paper.
This contrasts with manual duplex printing, which achieves the same result as automatic duplex printing but requires you to physically flip the paper to print on both sides.
As you can imagine, the steps to complete each type of duplex printing. We’ll go over the steps for both automatic and manual duplex printing in the next section:
Here’s How You Print on Both Sides of the Paper (Auto Duplex)
As mentioned previously, we will be using Xerox machines as an example of how to execute duplex printing. But most manufacturers sell duplex printers and the steps to print on both sides shouldn’t be drastically different than Xerox’s.
Most Xerox machines are duplex printers, including their VersaLink Family of machines, AltaLink Family and their assortment of digital and inkjet presses.
To enable auto duplex printing, you first need to select “2-sided printing” in the program you’re printing from (i.e. Microsoft, Apple). You can typically do this in the “Printing Preferences” window.
From there, you simply choose the “2-Sided Printing” option and click “OK.” To see a visual representation of what this looks like, see the image below:
Here’s How You Print on Both Sides of the Paper (Manual Duplex)
If your machine does not automatically print double-sided, you can still do it manually. Check your machine’s user manual for specific instructions or print one page and put it back in the paper tray on the other side to print the second page.
Pro Tip: Make sure to put the printed page by itself and not on other paper in the tray if using manual duplex printing, as this can lead to paper jams.
Manual duplex printing can get tricky because you need to know which way the paper is feeding into your printer and your pages could end up either printed on the same side of the page or upside down.
If you’re a workgroup that constantly utilizes double-sided printing, it would probably be best to invest in an automatic duplex printer so you don’t have to do it manually every time.
Although manual duplex printing can be done, it takes more time and could become a point of frustration if you’re constantly doing it.
It should be noted that you will not be able to duplex print on certain types of paper, such as heavier cardstock paper. Make sure to check your printer’s paper specifications if you’re unsure of which media or stocks are able to print on both sides.
What Are the Benefits of Duplex Printing?
There’s a multitude of benefits to printing on both sides of the paper, including:
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Saves on paper.
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Lowers your paper and ink costs
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Easier to manage your documents since less paper is being used
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Using less paper is good for the environment
The cost savings are the most significant benefit of using duplex printing, as the cost of paper can add up over time depending on how much you are using the printer.
The environmental impact of printing on both sides of the paper also stands out, as Arizona State University found in a study conducted in 2011 where they saved more than 725 trees by switching to duplex printing.
There are not too many cons to duplex printing other than the fact that you need to have a printer that includes duplex as a feature. You can usually find a duplex printer by looking at the model number of the machine.
If the model number has a “D” in it, that means it can print on both sides. An example of this is the Xerox VersaLink C405DN or the Canon imageClass MF452dw.
Need a Printer for Duplex Printing?
Printing on both sides of the paper is one of the most fundamental tasks you can complete on your printer, and nowadays the number of options available on the market is vast.
Most printer brands will sell machines with automatic duplex printing, or at the very least, you will be able to print double-sided manually.
Now, how do you find the right duplex printer for you?
There’s a lot to consider and so many machines to look at. You need to consider, among other things:
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Your current monthly print volume
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The number of employees that will be using the machine
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The accessories you need included upon purchase
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The space you need for the machine to fully operate
There’s a lot to consider, and we have a free Guide to Purchasing or Leasing a Printer for Your Business if you would like to see a comprehensive resource detailing how to get your ideal machine the first time.
But if you’re needing a duplex printer quickly and want to inquire about a machine, we offer estimates on printers that will tell you how much you can expect to pay based on your printing needs.
We specifically sell Xerox machines, and as a printer/copier company for 40 years, have the requisite expertise and progressive mindset to help you achieve your goals for a new printer.
If you’re interested in seeing how much a new duplex printer will cost you, request a quote and one of our team members will get back to you with the pertinent next steps.
Or, check out our product configurator. You can easily search for a specific printer, filter your search by specifications like print speed and price point, and configure your machine by adding accessories.
