In Windows 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.

Note: When printing in Student Technology Centers at Indiana University Bloomington or IUPUI, duplex printing does not reduce the number of pages charged against your printing quota or Jagtag balance; see Why does duplex (two-sided) printing count as two pages on my printing allotment? Printing 2-up shrinks pages so that two fit on one side of the paper; this reduces the number of pages you actually print (as opposed to simply reducing the amount of paper you use), and therefore does reduce the charge against your printing allotment.

On this page:

• Windows XP and Vista
  • Two pages per sheet (2-up)
  • Double-sided
• Mac OS X
  • Version 10.5 (Leopard) and 10.6 (Snow Leopard)
  • Versions 10.3 (Panther) and 10.4 (Tiger)

Windows XP and Vista

Two pages per sheet (2-up)

1. From your browser's File menu, select Print... .

   In Internet Explorer 7 and above, click the down arrow to the right of the Print icon (an image of a printer) and select Print... .

2. Click Preferences or Properties... .
   
   
3. Look for a setting such as 2 up or "Pages Per Sheet:" (if you see this setting, select 2).

   The exact wording of the setting varies from printer to printer, and not all printers provide this option.

Double-sided

1. From your browser's File menu, select Print... .

   In Internet Explorer 7 and above, click the down arrow to the right of the Print icon (an image of a printer) and select Print... .

2. Click Preferences or Properties... .
   
   
3. 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 Edge or Flip 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, choosing Flip on Short Edge (or similar option) may provide more convenient page turns, but if you are putting the pages in an 8 1/2" x 11" binder, you may prefer Flip on Long Edge.

Mac OS X

Version 10.5 (Leopard) and 10.6 (Snow Leopard)

1. From your browser's File menu, select Print... .

   To the right of the "Printer:" pull-down menu, you will see a button with an arrowhead. If the arrow is pointed down, click it to reveal more detailed settings for your printer.

2. Click the pull-down menu that either says Copies & Pages or has the name of the program you're using (e.g., Microsoft Word, Safari). Select Layout.
   
   
3. Choose one of the following:
   
   
   • To print two pages per sheet: Next to "Pages per Sheet:", select 2.
   • To print double-sided (i.e., one page on each side, front and back): Next to "Two Sided:", select Long-Edge Binding or Short Edge Binding, depending on the orientation you want for your pages. When you select one of these options, the illustration may show you how the pages will be oriented. If you are printing two pages per sheet, choosing Short Edge Binding may provide more convenient page turns, but if you're putting the pages in an 8 1/2" x 11" binder, you may prefer Long Edge Binding.

Versions 10.3 (Panther) and 10.4 (Tiger)

1. From your browser's File menu, select Print... .
   
   
2. Click the pull-down menu that says Copies & Pages, and select Layout.
   
   
3. Choose one of the following:
   
   
   • To print two pages per sheet: Next to "Pages per Sheet:", select 2.
   • To print double-sided (i.e., one page on each side, front and back): Next to "Two Sided Printing", select the appropriate radio button (Long-Edge Binding or Short 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, choosing Short Edge Binding may provide more convenient page turns, but if you're putting the pages in an 8 1/2" x 11" binder, you may prefer Long Edge Binding.

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