Ever stared at a bunch of single-sided printed pages and thought to yourself, “There should be a better way to do this”? Well, there actually is a better way, and it is called duplex printing.
But what exactly is duplex printing, and why should you implement it on your next printing project? If these questions are bothering you, you are in the right place.
Now, let’s dive into this printing innovation and learn why it’s a smart choice for everyday printing needs.
What Is Duplex Printing?
Duplex printing is simply a double-sided printing technique enabling users to print on both sides of a paper, thus called “double-sided printing.”
Compared to the typical single-sided printing that most people know – where content is printed on one side of a paper – duplex printing makes use of both sides. This significantly decreases paper consumption and makes documents more compact.
The process of duplex printing can either be automatic or manual. To use automatic duplex printing, your printer must support it. The printer must be able to automatically flip the paper and print on the second side without the intervention of a user.
Meanwhile, manual duplex printing requires someone to manually re-insert the paper to print on the other side after the content has been printed on the initial side.
The duplex printing feature is available on all operating systems, including the macOS. If you are a Mac user wanting to know how to print double-sided on Mac, follow these steps:
- In Word, you can print double-sided by navigating to the File menu > clicking Print > selecting Copies & Pages and then Layout > choosing Two-Sided > Long-Edge binding > clicking Print.
Similarly, you can print double-sided PDFs, Google Docs, and more.
Please note that you can also print double-sided on Windows and Linux. Just check the printing instructions of the OS of your choice.
Why You Should Use Duplex Printing?
Using duplex printing, also known as double-sided printing, provides many compelling benefits for individuals and businesses. Below are some major reasons you should consider adopting the duplex printing technique.
It is beneficial for the environment
One of the primary reasons for utilizing duplex printing is due to the fact that it is eco-friendly. By printing on both sides of a paper, you reduce paper consumption. Hence, the need for additional resources in paper production is also reduced.
As a result, it contributes to a more sustainable environment as you lower your carbon footprint.
Also read: Top 5 Best Eco Friendly Printer Paper Options
It saves money
As expected, by using duplex printing, you reduce the amount of paper needed, leading to a reduced cost in paper purchases. It also decreases expenses related to shipping, storage, and disposal of paper waste.
It is visually better than one-sided printing
Duplex printed documents mostly look professional and polished. In addition to that, they are often easier to read, especially when it involves lengthy reports, academic papers, or presentations.
Hence, printing on both sides of the paper gives your documents a more organized and cohesive look.
It is convenient
Printing on both sides of a paper is very convenient, especially when creating booklets, brochures, or long-text documents. To give more detail, this technique simplifies the printing process for such materials and enables easier document management.
It saves space
Documents printed using the duplex printing method are usually more compact. They occupy less physical storage space since they use less paper.
This makes them excellent for filing, archiving, or organizing documents. Moreover, this space efficiency can be valuable in areas with limited storage space.
It prevents paper wastage
Duplex printing minimizes paper waste since it requires less paper usage. This can be beneficial for society and aid in promoting the world’s effort to reduce waste.
It is durable
Since both sides of the paper are used, duplex-printed documents are less prone to wear and tear. This can be beneficial for documents that will be frequently handled, like instruction manuals or reference materials.
It promotes consistency
Duplex printing aids in maintaining consistency in your documents. When you print on both sides, you’re less likely to skip pages or print pages out of order unintentionally.
This ensures that your documents are complete and in the correct sequence.
It is convenient for users
Double-sided printing offers a more user-friendly and compact format for documents intended for reading, such as booklets or educational materials. This is because it reduces thickness since it uses less paper.
Conclusion
Duplex printing or double-sided printing is a solution with a significant impact on the environment and your budget.
By utilizing both sides of a sheet of paper, you do not just reduce paper consumption; you also contribute to creating a more sustainable and eco-friendly world. Besides that, the cost savings, convenience, and professional touch duplex printing add to your documents, making it an ideal choice for individuals and business owners.
Therefore, when you want to print, consider duplex printing.
