How to Fix Microsoft Publisher Double-Sided Printing on the Wrong Edge
Question details
Microsoft Publisher flips double-sided (duplex) prints on the short edge even when the long-edge setting is selected.
- Product
- Microsoft Publisher
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Printing a document double-sided directly from Microsoft Publisher.
- Observed behavior
- The printed document flips on the wrong edge (short edge) despite the long-edge binding option being selected. However, exporting to PDF and printing works perfectly.
Verify that your printer hardware supports automatic duplex printing and ensure that the paper is loaded correctly in the tray before modifying software settings.
Reinstall the Manufacturer Printer Driver
Incorrect duplex flipping is usually caused by an outdated, corrupted, or generic printer driver rather than the Microsoft Publisher software itself.
When Publisher sends complex layout instructions to the printer, generic Windows drivers may misinterpret the duplex binding edge. Installing the official, full-feature driver package from your printer manufacturer ensures proper communication.
Press the Windows key, type 'Printers & scanners', and hit Enter. Select your printer from the list and click 'Remove device'.
Visit the official support website of your printer's manufacturer (e.g., HP, Canon, Epson) and enter your specific printer model.
Download the latest full-feature printer driver and software package for Windows. Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
Open your Microsoft Publisher document, go to File > Print, select 'Print on Both Sides - Flip pages on long edge', and print a test page.
Run an In-Place Office Repair
If the duplex printing issue started immediately after a Windows update, repairing the Microsoft Office installation can fix underlying print spooler communication errors.
Use the PDF Export Workaround
Use this reliable workaround to print your document correctly while you wait to troubleshoot or update the printer driver.
Create and Print Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
If you are frustrated by Microsoft Publisher's printing errors, consider trying WPS Office. As a free, lightweight, and highly compatible Office alternative, WPS Office provides robust page layout tools and a highly reliable built-in PDF print engine to ensure your duplex documents print perfectly on any device.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS website to download the free WPS Office suite.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the lightweight installer and set up the software in just a few minutes.
- 3. Open and print: Open your document layouts in WPS Writer or WPS Presentation and print reliably using the native print dialog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between flipping on the long edge and the short edge?
Flipping on the long edge binds the pages like a traditional book or magazine, which is ideal for portrait-oriented documents. Flipping on the short edge binds the pages at the top, typically used for calendars, notepads, or landscape-oriented documents.
Why does exporting to PDF fix the double-sided printing issue in Publisher?
PDF readers use their own dedicated rendering engines to communicate with your printer. If Microsoft Publisher's specific print commands misinterpret the printer driver's duplex settings, converting the layout to a standardized PDF bypasses Publisher's print process entirely.
How do I force my Windows printer to default to long-edge binding?
Navigate to Windows 'Printers & scanners', select your printer, and click 'Printing preferences'. Under the 'Layout' or 'Finishing' tab, locate the 'Print on Both Sides' or 'Duplex' option and set it to 'Flip on long edge'. Click 'Apply' and 'OK' to save this as your default setting.
