Printing Problems

How to Print Two-Sided Mail Merge Name Tags Without a Duplex Printer

Camila Milosovich Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to print lanyard name tags with identical merged information on both sides, but their printer lacks an automatic duplex printing feature.

Product: Word Processing Software
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating event lanyard badges using a mail merge with 8 or more fields, requiring the same details to appear on both the front and back of the tag.
Observed behavior: There is no built-in native function to automatically generate aligned duplex mail merge layouts, and the printer cannot automatically print on both sides.

Before you start

Prepare your data source in a spreadsheet and ensure you have plenty of blank test paper to verify the front-to-back alignment before printing on expensive name tag stock.

Solution 1Recommended

Manually Align Layouts and Flip Pages

Create two identical sets of merged labels in your document and manually flip the paper to print the reverse side.

Since word processors do not natively generate mirrored duplex merges, you can duplicate your layout manually. This requires exact alignment so the back prints precisely behind the front.

Set up the front layout

Open a new document and set up your label or table layout to match the dimensions of your name tag stock. Insert your 8+ merge fields into the cells for the front side.

Duplicate for the back side

Create an identical page layout for the back side on the very next page. Ensure the columns and margins align perfectly with the front page.

Execute the merge

Complete the mail merge to a new document. You will now have alternating pages of fronts and backs.

Print odd pages (Fronts)

Go to File > Print. In the print settings, choose to print only the 'Odd Pages'. Wait for the batch to finish printing.

Flip paper and print even pages (Backs)

Carefully flip the printed stack and reinsert it into the printer's feed tray. Go to File > Print again and choose 'Even Pages' to print the reverse side.

Printer Feed Orientation: Every printer feeds paper differently. Draw an arrow on a test sheet to learn exactly how you must flip the paper (long edge vs. short edge) to print correctly on the reverse side.

Solution 2

Print Two Badges and Insert Back-to-Back

Bypass duplex printing completely by printing two identical single-sided badges and placing them back-to-back in the lanyard holder.

Solution 3

Use a Third-Party Merge Add-in

Utilize a third-party add-in like Merge Tools to automate the creation of duplex merged layouts.

Mail Merge in WPS Office

Easily Create and Print Mail Merge Name Tags with WPS Writer

WPS Writer offers a powerful and intuitive Mail Merge feature fully compatible with Microsoft Word documents and Excel data sources. You can easily design precise table layouts for name tags, insert multiple fields, and manually control single or double-sided printing.

1. Access the Mail Merge tool: Open WPS Writer, go to the 'References' tab on the top ribbon, and click 'Mail Merge'.
2. Import your data: Click 'Open Data Source' and select the spreadsheet containing your event attendees' details.
3. Design the layout: Use 'Insert Merge Field' to place your 8+ data points into the document layout. Duplicate the layout on the next page if you plan to manually print double-sided.
4. Generate the tags: Click 'Merge to New Document' to generate the final pages for printing and manual flipping.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) and Excel (.xlsx) formats.Intuitive Mail Merge wizard to easily insert multiple data fields.Customizable page and table layouts for perfect front-to-back alignment.Free and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I ensure my labels align perfectly when manually flipping the paper?

Perform a test print on standard copy paper first. Hold the printed page up against a bright window or light source to check if the front and back outlines align perfectly. Adjust the margins or table cell dimensions in your layout until they match exactly.

Which way should I flip the paper for double-sided manual printing?

This depends on your specific printer model's feed tray. Typically, you need to flip the paper along the long edge without rotating it. Always run a single test page marked with a pencil to determine your printer's specific orientation rules.

Can I just duplicate the records in my Excel data source?

Yes, duplicating every row in your Excel spreadsheet will generate two identical labels for each person during the merge. You can then print single-sided and simply place the two cut tags back-to-back in the lanyard sleeve.

Are there built-in duplex mail merge tools for automatic mirroring?

Natively, most word processors do not have a one-click 'duplex mail merge' button for automatically generating mirrored layouts. You must manually duplicate the layout across pages or rely on third-party macros and add-ins.

Document & File Issues