In Windows XP or Mac OS X, how can I print double-sided or 2-up (two pages per sheet)?
The exact setting for printing double-sided sheets or two pages on one side of a sheet of paper (2-up) will vary depending on your printer. However, you can follow the general instructions below to locate the appropriate setting. The instructions are written for printing from a web browser, but you can use them in a word processing program as well.
Windows XP
Printing two pages per sheet (2-up)
- From your browser's
Filemenu, selectPrint....In Internet Explorer 7, click the down arrow to the right of the "Print" icon (which contains an image of a printer) and select
Print.... - Click the
PreferencesorProperties...button.
- Look for a setting such as
2 upor "Pages Per Sheet:" (if you see this setting, select2).The exact wording of the setting varies from printer to printer, and not all printers provide this option.
Note: This is not the same as printing double-sided (i.e., one page on each side, front and back). The 2-up/2 pages per sheet option shrinks the pages you want to print so they both fit on the same side of the paper.
Printing double-sided
- From your browser's
Filemenu, selectPrint....In Internet Explorer 7, click the down arrow to the right of the "Print" icon (which contains an image of a printer) and select
Print.... - Click the
PreferencesorProperties...button.
- Look for a checkbox, radio button, or a section heading labeled
Print on Both Sides.You might have a choice about the orientation of the page (for example,
Flip on Long EdgeorFlip on Short Edge). When you click one of the choices, you may see an illustration that shows how the pages will be oriented. If you are printing 2-up, choosingFlip on Short Edge(or similar option) may provide more convenient page turns, but if you are putting the pages in an 8 1/2"x11" binder, you might preferFlip on Long Edge.
Mac OS X
The following instructions apply to Mac OS X version 10.3 (Panther) and 10.4 (Tiger).
Printing two pages per sheet (2-up)
- From your browser's
Filemenu, selectPrint....
- Click the pull-down menu that says
Copies & Pagesand selectLayout.
- Next to "Pages per Sheet:", select
2.
Note: This is not the same as printing double-sided (i.e., one page on each side, front and back). The 2-up/2 pages per sheet option shrinks the pages you want to print so they both fit on the same side of the paper.
Printing double-sided
- From your browser's
Filemenu, selectPrint....
- Click the pull-down menu that says
Copies & Pagesand selectLayout.
- Next to "Two Sided Printing", select the appropriate radio button
(
Long-Edge BindingorShort Edge Binding, depending on the orientation you want for your pages). When you select one of these options, the illustration will show you how the pages will be oriented. If you are printing 2-up, choosingShort Edge Bindingmay provide more convenient page turns, but if you're putting the pages in an 8 1/2" x 11" binder, you might preferLong Edge Binding.
Last modified on January 17, 2007.






