The easiest way to check is to open a Microsoft Word document. Press “Print” and look for a box to check that specifies “double-sided,” “2-sided” or “duplex” printing. Be sure to check the preferences or settings in the Print menu. Although duplex printing relies on the printer, larger corporate printers are more likely to support this type of printing, because it reduces waste and can be done quickly. Smaller, at-home ink jet printers are less likely to have the option.
Go through the steps in your “Application” folder or “My Computer” to add a device. Add the printer that supports 2-sided printing. If you can set your computer up with a copier or scanner that does 2-sided copies, it may also be able to print double-sided sheets from Microsoft Word.
Check the box or choose “double-sided printing” from the drop down menu of your printer settings each time you print a long document.
In manual duplex printing, Microsoft Word prints every other page on the first side of the sheet, and then you reinsert the paper to print even numbered pages on the back side of the paper.
This manual duplex printing requires you to know how your paper feeder functions. Many printers require the pages to be faced up to print 2-sided and others need them to be faced down. They may also need to be re-ordered. Do several sample pages so that you understand how your printer feed operates before you reinsert the odd-numbered pages.
