How to Print Double Sided on Word (Easy Steps)

What You’ll Need

A computer with Microsoft Word installed (desktop or web version)
A printer that supports duplex printing (most modern inkjet and laser printers do)
Your document open in Word

Step-by-Step

Open your document in Microsoft Word. Make sure it’s the final version—double-sided printing can be a waste of paper if you later edit.
Click File > Print (or press Ctrl+P on Windows, Cmd+P on Mac). This opens the Print dialog.
Select your printer from the drop-down at the top of the Print dialog. Ensure it’s the correct one, especially if you have multiple printers installed.
Look for the duplex option. Under the printer name, you’ll see a drop-down that usually says “Print One Sided.” Click it and select “Print on Both Sides” (or “Duplex Printing”). If you don’t see this option, your printer may not support automatic duplexing—skip to Step 7.
Choose the flip direction. Some printers ask “Flip on Long Edge” or “Flip on Short Edge.” For standard portrait documents, choose “Flip on Long Edge” (this is like a book). For landscape documents or if you want to flip like a notepad, choose “Flip on Short Edge.”
Click Print. Word will send the job to the printer, and it should automatically print on both sides.
If no duplex option exists, you’ll need to do it manually. First, print only the odd pages: go to Print, click “Print All Pages” and choose “Print Odd Pages” (or “Only Print Odd Pages”). Click Print.
Flip the paper and print even pages. After the odd pages print, take the stack, flip it (usually along the long edge), and put it back into the paper tray. Then go to Print again, select “Print Even Pages,” and click Print. The pages will now be double-sided.

Common Mistakes

Choosing the wrong flip edge—this results in pages that are upside down or back-to-front. For portrait documents, always use “Flip on Long Edge” unless you know your printer needs the other.
Not checking the paper orientation when manually flipping. If you put the paper in the wrong way, the even pages may print on the same side or upside down.
Printing all pages at once instead of odd/even when your printer doesn’t support duplexing—this wastes paper.
Ignoring the printer’s own settings. Some printers have a duplex mode in their own software that may override Word’s settings. Check the printer’s control panel or its driver settings.

Tips

Test with a single page first to verify the flip direction and alignment before printing a large document.
Use “Print on Both Sides” in the printer’s own settings if Word doesn’t show it—sometimes the option is only in the printer driver.
For manual duplexing, print a small test (like pages 1-3) to learn how your printer feeds paper. Different printers have different paper paths (some flip, some don’t).
If your printer has a “duplex” button on its control panel, you can often enable it there, and Word will just send the print job normally.

Troubleshooting

If the duplex option is grayed out or missing, your printer may not support automatic duplexing. Check your printer’s manual or look for “Duplex” in the printer’s own settings. If it does support it but Word isn’t showing the option, update your printer driver or use the printer’s software to print the document.

If pages come out in the wrong order, you may have selected the wrong flip direction. Try the other option (long edge vs. short edge).

If pages are blank on one side, you may have accidentally printed all pages twice—check the print settings to ensure you’re not printing “Print All Pages” when you meant “Print Odd Pages.”

If the paper jams, it’s often because the paper is too thick or the tray is overloaded. Remove some paper and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn’t my printer have a double-sided option?

Not all printers support duplex printing. Check your printer’s manual or look for “duplex” in its specifications. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to use the manual odd/even method.

How do I print double-sided on a Mac?

In Word for Mac, press Cmd+P, then look for a “Copies & Pages” drop-down, select “Layout,” and check “Two-Sided.” If you don’t see it, your printer may not support it.

What does “flip on long edge” mean?

It means the pages flip like a book—the binding is on the left side. This is standard for portrait documents. “Flip on short edge” flips like a notepad, which is better for landscape.

Can I print double-sided on the free web version of Word?

Yes, but the options may be limited. You’ll still see the Print dialog with the duplex option if your printer supports it. If not, you can’t manually print odd/even pages in the web version, so you’d need to use the desktop app.

Why are my even pages upside down?

This happens when you choose the wrong flip direction. For portrait documents, select “Flip on Long Edge.” If you chose “Flip on Short Edge,” the pages will be upside down.

How do I save paper without printing double-sided?

You can also reduce margins, print multiple pages per sheet (under “Pages per Sheet” in Print settings), or use the “Print on Both Sides” option if available.

Sources: Microsoft Support. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.