How to Print First Page Single-Sided and the Rest Double-Sided in Word
Question details
The user wants to print the first page of a Word document single-sided using a specific printer tray, and the remaining pages double-sided using a different tray.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Printing a multi-page document that requires different paper sources and layout settings (simplex vs. duplex) for the first page versus the rest of the body.
- Observed behavior
- Word and most standard printer drivers do not natively support mixing single-sided and double-sided printing instructions within a single print job while simultaneously switching trays.
Ensure your printer is properly connected, loaded with paper in both trays, and that its driver software supports both specific tray selection and double-sided (duplex) printing.
Print the Document in Two Separate Jobs
Since Word cannot natively mix single-sided and double-sided instructions in one job, splitting the print task into two separate jobs is the most reliable workaround.
Printer drivers typically apply duplex settings to an entire print job at once. By splitting the document into two distinct print jobs, you can independently apply single-sided settings and specific tray selections to the first page, and double-sided settings to the remaining pages.
Open your document and navigate to File > Print. In the Pages box under Settings, type '1' (or '1-2' if your first physical sheet needs to be completely single-sided).
Ensure the print option is set to 'Print One Sided'. Click 'Printer Properties' beneath your selected printer, locate the Paper Source or Tray Selection tab, and choose your desired tray for the first page (e.g., Tray 2). Click OK, then click Print.
Once the first job has finished processing, return to File > Print. In the Pages box, type the remaining page range, such as '3-' (or '2-' depending on your previous step) to print the rest of the document.
Change the print setting to 'Print on Both Sides' (Duplex). Click 'Printer Properties' again, change the Paper Source to your other tray (e.g., Tray 1), click OK, and then click Print.
Use Section Breaks to Assign Trays (For Continuous Printing)
If you have an advanced enterprise printer driver that allows mixed simplex and duplex handling, you can use section breaks to route pages to different trays in a single job.
Use WPS Office to Print Mixed-Format Documents
WPS Office offers intuitive and easy-to-use print settings, allowing you to quickly split print jobs, select specific trays, and manage double-sided printing efficiently.
- 1. Open the Print Dialog: Open your document in WPS Writer and press 'Ctrl + P' to launch the Print menu.
- 2. Print the single-sided first page: In the Page range section, select 'Pages' and type '1'. Click 'Properties' to choose your specific tray, ensure duplex is turned off, and click 'OK' to print.
- 3. Print the double-sided remainder: Press 'Ctrl + P' again. Enter the remaining page range (e.g., '2-'), enable double-sided printing in Properties, switch to your second tray, and click 'OK'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I select single-sided for page 1 and double-sided for the rest in one step?
Most standard printer drivers apply duplex (double-sided) or simplex (single-sided) settings to the entire print job uniformly. They do not natively support toggling this mechanical setting mid-job, which is why splitting the task into two jobs is required.
How do I know which tray is Tray 1 and Tray 2?
Tray numbering depends on your specific printer manufacturer and model. Generally, Tray 1 is the main paper cassette, and Tray 2 or the multipurpose tray is used for letterheads, envelopes, or special paper. You can verify this in your printer's manual or by checking the Paper Source options in your Printer Properties.
Can I save these complex print settings for future use?
You cannot save a mixed single/double-sided configuration within Word itself. However, some advanced printer drivers allow you to save 'Quick Sets' or 'Presets' in the Printer Properties dialog, which can memorize multi-tray configurations.
Will adding a section break mess up my page numbering?
It might, if the new section is formatted to restart page numbering automatically. You can fix this by double-clicking the header or footer, going to Page Number Format, and selecting 'Continue from previous section'.
