A printer without automatic duplex can still print on both sides. It prints one side first, then you flip and reload the stack for the second side. The challenge is orientation, because every printer feeds paper a little differently.
Does this affect you?
Use this if your printer lacks automatic two-sided printing but you want double-sided pages for documents, handouts, or drafts.
Manual duplex printing on Windows
Most printer drivers include a manual duplex option.
- Open the print dialog with Ctrl + P and choose Printer Properties or Preferences.
- Look under Layout, Finishing, or Paper/Quality for Print on Both Sides (Manually) or Manual Duplex.
- Print the first side when prompted.
- Remove the stack without reordering it and flip it exactly as the prompt says.
- Reload the stack and continue printing the second side.
Manual duplex printing on Mac
macOS usually prints odd and even pages in two passes.
- Open the print dialog with Command + P and click Show Details.
- Open Paper Handling.
- Set Pages to Print to Odd only and print.
- Flip the stack top-to-bottom without reordering it, then reload.
- Print again with Pages to Print set to Even only.
If orientation or order is wrong
Manual duplex often needs one small test for your exact printer.
- If the back side is upside down, the flip direction was wrong. Mark a sheet top edge and test again.
- If page order is wrong, try reversing page order on one of the two passes.
- Always test with a two-page document before printing something long.
More control
Slightly heavier paper can help
Thin 20 lb paper may curl after the first pass. 24 lb paper can feed more reliably on the second pass.
Let ink dry
On inkjets, wait a minute or two before reloading the first side so wet ink does not smear or mark rollers.
Check for duplex accessories
Some business printers support add-on duplex units. If you print both sides often, the accessory may save time.
Sources
- Microsoft Support – Print on Both Sides of the Paper (2025)
- Apple Support – Print Two-Sided Documents on Mac (2025)
- HP Support – Manual Duplex Printing Instructions (2025)