Best →

How to Make a Printer Not Print Double-Sided

Written by:

Updated January 6, 2023

Our posts contain affiliate links. Sometimes, not always, we may make $$ when you make a purchase through these links. No Ads. Ever. Learn More

Table of Contents_

Why Make Double-Sided Prints?
Why Avoid Double-Sided Prints?
How to Make Your Printer Avoid Double-Sided Prints
Change the Settings
Perform a Factory Reset

If you are new to the world of printing, you may wonder how to make a printer not print double-sided. Some of the best printers around, after all, print on both sides of a piece of paper by default. So why would you want to print on just one side of a piece of paper, and what are your options to get it done? Keep reading to find out.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Printing double-sided onto a sheet of paper is a great way to conserve paper, as this allows for twice the information.
However, these print jobs do not suit the aesthetics of all consumers, leading many to opt out of two-sided printing.
Check the settings page or dialog box for two-sided printing options or perform a full factory reset to restore single-side printing or disallow duplex printing.

Why Make Double-Sided Prints?

Before learning how to scan from a printer to a computer, you may want to bone up on double-sided prints. Simply put, using both sides of a piece of paper helps save money, particularly if you are looking for the best duplex printer. You only use half the paper, in other words, which is true even while using an auto-duplex printer.

Insider Tip

You should perform a test print ahead of time to see if your printer is using both sides of a sheet of paper. Then, adjust the settings accordingly.

Another reason to print double-sided is for simple aesthetics. Books are double-sided, as are instruction manuals and many other items. So users looking to mimic their preferred periodicals may opt-in to this feature, even if you are still learning what printer port is perfect for wireless use.

Why Avoid Double-Sided Prints?

What is the main reason to avoid double-sided prints? The look is not correct for your needs and conserving paper is not your top priority. Double-sided prints are extraordinarily useful in a number of scenarios, but the method is not for everyone.

How to Make Your Printer Avoid Double-Sided Prints

In the vast majority of cases, double-sided prints are an option that must be manually selected. In other words, your printer will likely print on just the front side of the paper unless otherwise specified. Still, some printers use double-sided printing as a default, and it is possible to accidentally readjust some settings parameters. In those cases, here are your options.

Change the Settings

Your first stop is the settings page via the printer itself, firmware software, or an affiliated smartphone app. Look for printing options and ensure they are set to print on a single side of the paper. Each printer is different, as is each item of firmware software, so navigate the settings tab until you find what you are looking for.

STAT: Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat let you print double-sided if your printer supports that feature. (source)

Perform a Factory Reset

If that doesn’t work, perform a full factory reset via the driver software or the dedicated settings page. This should alleviate the issue.

Double-Sided Prints FAQs

Why has the duplex printing feature stopped working?

If this feature has stopped working, look for a drop-down menu on long-edge binding or an automatic duplex printing settings tab on the printing preferences page. When in doubt, check the printer manual from your printer’s manufacturer.

How do I print double-sided on a Mac?

This process differs depending on your print driver and various printer options. Look for a drop-down menu and follow the prompts.

Why and how do I print on both sides of the paper?

Double-sided printing is great for preserving paper from the paper tray or for creating unique print jobs. Refresh your printer driver and printer properties to try it out.

References:

Lawrence Bonk

Lawrence Bonk is a copywriter with a decade of experience in the tech space, with columns appearing in Engadget, Huffington Post and CBS, among others. He has a cat named Cinnamon.