Google Docs and other text editors can print double-sided documents, a printing technique that utilizes both sides of a paper. This method helps reduce printing expenses and paper consumption.
However, figuring out how to print front and back on Google Docs may not be as straightforward as you initially thought, leading many people to struggle with their printing needs. Fortunately, there is an option to print on both sides of the paper within Google Docs.
For duplex printers, click “File” > “Print” > “More Settings,” then select the “Two-sided” category checkbox.
To print using a manual printer, go to “File” > “Print.” Next, choose “Custom” under the “Pages” section. Then, input the odd pages and choose “Print.” Reload the paper and repeat the process for the even-numbered pages.
Read on to learn more about how to print double-sided on Google Docs.
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How To Print Double-Sided on Google Docs
Generally, there are two ways to print your Google document double-sided, depending on your printer type: Duplex printers or manual printers.
Let’s take a look at each method below.
Method 1: Double-Sided Printing on Google Docs with Duplex Printers
The first approach is to use duplex printers, which can automatically print on both sides of the page using different stacking techniques.
Here’s how to print double-sided on Google Docs using duplex printers:
- Scroll to the menu bar on your Google Docs document and click the “File” tab.
- Choose “Print” from the drop-down list that appears.
- Alternatively, you can also click on the “Printer” icon located on the top toolbar or use the “Ctrl + P” shortcut (Windows) or “Cmd + P” shortcut (Mac).
- Once the “Print” menu opens, select “More Settings.”
- Tick the check box that says “Print on both sides” under the “Two-sided” section in the “More Settings” menu. Enabling this option ensures that Google Docs supports double-sided printing.
- Next, choose between the two double-sided printing alternatives, “Flip on short edge” and “Flip on long edge.”
Note: To avoid confusion, select “Flip on short edge” to print your document in landscape format. Choose the “Flip on long edge” option to print your document in portrait format.
- Once you’ve selected your preferred format, click “Print” to start the printing process.
Method 2: Double-Sided Printing on Google Docs with Manual Printers
The second approach is for manual printers, also known as conventional printers, that do not have automatic double-sided printing capabilities. These printers require manually stacking the paper to print on both sides.
To print double-sided on Google Docs using a manual printer, follow the steps outlined below:
- Open the Google Docs document you want to print and select “File.”
- From the list of options, choose “Print.” Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + P” (on Windows) or “Cmd + P” (on Mac).
- If you prefer a one-button solution, click the “Printer” icon in the top toolbar.
- After that, click on the “Pages” option.
- Select “Custom” from the drop-down menu.
- A blank field will appear under the “Custom” section. Since you’ll be printing on both sides of the page, start by entering the odd page numbers and separating them with commas.
- Click “Print” after entering all the odd page numbers. This will print every odd-numbered page in your Google Docs document.
- Once you’ve printed all the odd-numbered pages, flip the stack of paper in your printer.
- To print the even-numbered pages, follow steps 2 through 5 again. Ensure to enter all the even page numbers separated by commas in the blank field under the “Custom” category.
- To print the remaining pages of your Google Docs document, select “Print” once again.
Why Use Double-Sided Print in Google Docs
A book or magazine is typically a two-sided printed item. Can you imagine a 500-page book with only one-sided printing? It would require significant paper, making it extremely challenging to carry around.
Many lengthy publications, such as user guides for products, books, novels, brochures, long-form dramas, and movie scripts, are often printed double-sided. That’s why it is convenient for you to learn the duplex printing method.
Additionally, there are several benefits to learning how to make Google Docs print front and back, such as:
- Reduces printing expenses when you print double-sided.
- Results in a lighter final product and requires only half the number of sheets compared to single-sided printing.
- Allows for cost savings that can be allocated to other essential tools and accessories in the workplace.
- Eliminates the hassle of storing large quantities of sheets at home.
- Reduces paper usage making double-sided printing more environmentally friendly while conserving trees and contributing to paper conservation efforts.
Things To Note When Printing Double-Sided on Google Docs
When printing double-sided documents on Google Docs, there are several things to keep in mind:
- Ensure your computer is connected to the printer before double-sided printing on Google Docs.
- Carefully select the even and odd pages to print on both sides when using a manual printer.
- Align the pages correctly to avoid uneven margins or content cutoff. Preview the document before printing to verify the alignment.
- Remember that certain features may not be available if your computer is not connected to a printer, so there’s no need to stress over it.
- Consider how you want the page numbering to appear in your double-sided print. Decide whether you want page numbers on both sides or only one side of the paper.
- Pay close attention to the formatting of your document. Check for headers, footers, or content that may need adjustment to fit properly on both sides of the paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Can’t I Print Double-Sided on Google Docs?
Google Docs has no double-sided printing option available by default unless your device is connected to a functional printer. The “More options” option will appear if your printer supports duplex printing.
How Do You Print Double-Sided on Google Docs Mac?
You can print double-sided documents if your printer has the necessary features to print on both sides of the page. To do this on your Mac, follow these steps:
- Open the document you want to print and select “File” from the menu.
- Choose “Print” from the options.
- In the print settings, locate the “Double-sided” or “Duplex” display menu.
- Select “On” or “Off” from the menu to enable or disable double-sided printing.
- If you’re printing a document you want to bind, such as a book or a report, you can choose how to arrange the document on the printed page.
- One of the options is “On (Short Edge),” which means that the paper will be set up so that when you bind it, the binding will be on the top of the page.
- Once you’ve selected your preferred options, click “Print” to start the printing process.
Final Thoughts
It is clear that printing double-sided using Google Docs is not the most straightforward process, but it is still possible to print your documents if you know how to do it.
Whether you have a duplex printer or a manual one, you can easily print on both sides of the page with Google Docs. Depending on the type of printer you have — choose one of the two methods mentioned above to ensure your printing needs are met.
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