Printing double-sided, also known as duplex printing, is a simple way to reduce paper use, lower costs, and minimise waste. Whether you're printing documents at home or in the office, learning how to print on both sides of a sheet of paper helps you print smarter and save resources.

Before printing double-sided, first check whether your printer supports duplex printing. Not every machine is made equal—some can automatically print on both sides of a sheet of paper, while others require a bit of manual gymnastics. The easiest way? Look at your printer model specs online or check the physical control panel.

If you're using Windows, head to your Control Panel, open “Devices and Printers,” right-click your printer, and select “Printer Properties.” Under the “Device Settings” tab, you might spot something like “Automatic Duplex Unit.” That’s your green light to start printing double-sided with minimal effort.

Manual duplex printing? Still possible—just a little more hands-on. You'll often find this option under your software's print menu. Whether you're using a trusty inkjet or a beefy HP LaserJet, knowing the machine's capabilities avoids paper wastage. Need a printer upgrade?

Check out printers with automatic duplex features here.

Once you know your printer’s duplex personality, it’s time to get printing. If your printer can automatically print double-sided, choose the “2-sided” or “print on both sides” option in your software’s print settings. Whether you're printing documents from Microsoft Word, a PDF page, or a web browser, this option is usually under “Layout” or “Finishing.”

Using Google Docs? Click File > Print > More settings, then tick the “Print on both sides” box. Easy. If you're stuck with a manual printer, you'll need to first print the odd pages, flip the stack, and run the even ones. Just don’t sneeze in between, or your print job will look like modern art.

Tip: Do a test with just one sheet of paper to see how your printer feeds and flips. Whether you're using a photocopier or a humble desktop printer, adjusting your page layout and choosing the right print option can help you save paper and streamline your workflow.

Printing double-sided is a small step that makes a big difference. It helps save paper, reduce waste, and cut costs—all without extra effort. Whether your printer supports automatic duplex or manual setup, using both sides of a sheet is the smarter choice.

At Viking, we’re passionate about workplace solutions that balance efficiency with sustainability. If you're looking to reduce paper usage while staying productive, we're here to help. From printers to supplies, we support every step of your print job—so you can work better and greener every day.