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Printing is a basic and necessary function for both office and personal purposes. However, it can become quite a hassle when dealing with bulky documents and numerous pages. The best way to resolve this issue is to use two-sided printing, which saves both time and paper. In this article, we will discuss the methods and steps to turn on two-sided printing on Mac.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To enable two-sided printing on Mac, you only need a few things:
- A Mac computer with OS X version 10.7 or later
- A printer that supports duplex printing
- Enough paper to complete the printing job
What Requires Your Focus?
Turning on two-sided printing on Mac is a straightforward process, and it does not require any particular skills. However, it does necessitate a certain level of focus and attention to ensure a smooth and effective printing experience. You must ensure that you have the correct settings in place and confirm that your printer is appropriately connected and configured to your computer.
Different Methods to Turn on Two-Sided Printing on Mac
Method 1: Via Printer Software
A common way to enable double-sided printing on Mac is to use the printer software. This method is effective if your printer provides software that includes device settings. You can access and configure printer settings through the Print dialog box on the document you want to print.
- Open the document that you want to print and click the File menu at the top left of your screen.
- Choose Print from the drop-down menu or press Command + P on your keyboard.
- On the Print dialog box, select your printer from the Printer drop-down menu.
- Next, click on the Copies & Pages drop-down, and then select Layout.
- On the Layout panel, click the two-sided option and select Long-Edge binding or Short-Edge binding. This choice determines which edge of the paper the printer uses to print on.
- You can also choose to print only one side of the page by selecting Off, print on both sides by choosing Long-Edge or Short-Edge binding, or choose the appropriate binding type for booklet printing.
- Click Print when you have finished modifying the settings.
Pros:
- The settings can be adjusted and modified through the printer software, which provides flexibility and customization options.
- Allows users to select between single-sided or double-sided printing according to their preference.
Cons:
- Might require some technical knowledge in printer software usage and settings modification.
- May not be suitable for users with limited or no access to printer software.
Method 2: Via System Preferences
Another way to activate duplex printing on Mac is through the system preferences method. This approach applies to printers that do not have built-in duplexing capabilities. It is a suitable option for those who wish to conserve paper and promote sustainability.
- Click on the Apple icon in the upper-left corner of your Mac’s screen, and select System Preferences.
- Choose Printers & Scanners from the available options.
- Select the printer that you want to use for double-sided printing from the list on the left-hand side of the screen.
- Click on the Options & Supplies button.
- Under the Driver tab, check the box next to Duplex Unit (if it exists).
- Save the settings and exit the System Preferences window.
- Open the document that you want to print and click the File menu option at the top left of your screen.
- Select Print or press Command + P to open the Print dialog box.
- Change the print options to two-sided by selecting Layout from the drop-down menu and choosing Long-Edge or Short-Edge binding.
- Click Print to start printing your document.
Pros:
- The Duplex Unit checkbox is user-friendly and easy to locate within the driver settings.
- Saves paper and promotes sustainability with two-sided printing.
Cons:
- This method requires users to configure the duplex printing feature in the printer driver.
- Not all printers may have the Duplex Unit option, which limits its availability and usage.
Method 3: Through Preview App
You can also turn on two-sided printing on Mac by using the Preview app. The Preview app provides a quick and easy way to preview your documents, make any necessary adjustments, and print them out, including duplex printing.
- Open the document that you want to print in the Preview app.
- Click on the File menu option at the top-left of your screen.
- Select Print from the drop-down menu or press Command+P.
- On the Print dialog box, click on Show Details to display additional printing settings.
- Under the Layout section, select Two-Sided from the available options, choose either Long-Edge binding or Short-Edge binding.
- Configure your print settings, and choose Print when you’re done.
Pros:
- Preview app is pre-installed on Mac, and it provides users with an easy and free way to preview and adjust their documents before printing.
- Quick and straightforward access to two-sided printing through the software.
Cons:
- The Preview app feature may not be able to print some documents, which could reduce its convenience in specific situations.
- Users may need to adjust some settings to obtain optimal printing results.
Method 4: Via AirPrint
If you have an AirPrint-compatible printer, you can also activate duplex printing by setting your printer preferences to double-sided printing. It is a simple and standard method used by many Mac users.
- Open the document that you want to print and select Print from the File menu option or press Command+P to trigger the Print dialog box.
- Select your printer from the available options, and then choose Show Details.
- The duplex printing option with either Long-Edge or Short-Edge binding will appear under Layout.
- Select the appropriate binding option and then click Print when you’re ready.
Pros:
- The AirPrint-enabled printer feature is automatic, reliable, and compatible with many printers.
- Quick and approachable method for duplex printing on most AirPrint-compatible printers.
Cons:
- Printing can be challenging if there are any technical difficulties with the AirPrint system.
- The duplex printing feature may not function correctly if you don’t have an AirPrint-enabled printer.
Method 5: Through CUPS
CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) is another method used to activate the double-sided printing feature on Mac. CUPS is a built-in feature in Mac, which makes it a popular and accessible method used by many Mac users.
- Open your browser and enter the following URL: http://localhost:631/printers
- Select your printer, then click the Administration button on the top of the page.
- Enter your login credentials when prompted, then click the Continue button.
- Click the Set Default Options button to configure your printer settings, and enable Duplex Printing in the Two-sided Printing option.
- Save all settings and exit the Printing dialog box.
- Open the document that you want to print and select Print from the File menu or press Command+P.
- Select your printer and configure your print options, including Two-Sided Printing and the desired binding option.
- Click Print when you’re ready to print your document.
Pros:
- CUPS is a built-in feature in Mac, so there’s no need to download or install any software to use it.
- Makes duplex printing features accessible to any printer without special requirements or configurations.
Cons:
- The configuration process for CUPS may require top-level access privileges, which could pose security risks.
- The setup process for printers may require more technical knowledge than other methods.
Why Can’t I Turn on Two-Sided Printing on Mac?
There may be several reasons why you cannot activate double-sided printing on Mac. Below are some potential issues and their fixes:
- You may not have a duplex-capable printer. The solution is to buy a compatible duplex printer.
- Duplex printing may not be enabled in your printer settings. You need to configure your printer settings to enable duplex printing.
- The printer driver may need to be updated. Head to the printer’s manufacturer website, download and install the latest printer drivers.
- Software bugs and errors can cause the double-sided printing feature to malfunction. In this case, you can try restarting your printer, resetting your Mac’s printing system, or reinstalling the printer software.
Implications and Recommendations
Two-sided printing offers numerous benefits and implications. It saves paper, reduces printing cost, and promotes sustainability. Below are some recommendations to optimize your two-sided printing experience:
- Use the right paper weight to ensure the paper runs smoothly through the printer.
- Print in Draft mode to save ink and reduce printing cost.
- Print double-sided in booklet format to conserve paper, which means folding the paper in half with two printed pages on each side of the folded line.
5 FAQs about Two-Sided Printing on Mac
Q1: Is two-sided printing ecological?
A1: Yes, double-sided printing encourages environmental protection and sustainability by reducing waste and conserving resources.
Q2: Can I duplex print a PDF file?
A2: Yes, you can duplex print a PDF file as long as the file is not password-protected or restricted.
Q3: Why is duplex printing not working on my Mac?
A3: This may be caused by various reasons, including printer settings, printer driver, software bug, connectivity issues, and so on.
Q4: What should I do if my printer doesn’t have duplexing capabilities?
A4: You can configure the printer driver settings or use the ‘Via System Preferences’ method to enable duplex printing on your printer.
Q5: Can I duplex print wirelessly?
A5: Yes, you can. If your printer is compatible with AirPrint, ask an IT expert to help you set up the printer’s wireless connection to your Mac.
Final Words
Enabling double-sided printing on Mac is simple and environmentally friendly. This article has outlined several methods to make duplex printing available, so you don’t have to waste paper and money. Choose a method that works best for you, and enjoy the convenience of two-sided printing.