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Why Word Print Preview Shows the First Page on the Right
Question details
The user is trying to understand why opening print preview in a two-page view causes the first page to appear on the right, leaving a blank space on the left.
- Product
- Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Reviewing document layout in Print Preview mode with multiple pages displayed side by side.
- Observed behavior
- The first page is displayed on the right side instead of the left, simulating a book layout spread.
Before modifying your page setup, confirm whether your final document needs to be printed double-sided and bound, as this layout mimics standard physical book formatting.
Disable Mirror Margins and Odd/Even Pages
Changing your document margins back to 'Normal' will remove the book-style formatting and display page one on the left in print preview.
When settings like 'Mirror Margins' or 'Different Odd and Even Pages' are enabled, Word simulates a bound book. In traditional publishing, the very first page of a book (the recto) is always on the right-hand side, with the back of the cover on the left. Disabling these settings returns the preview to a standard sequential view.
Navigate to the 'Layout' or 'Page Layout' tab on the top ribbon menu and click on the 'Margins' button.
Click on 'Custom Margins' at the bottom of the dropdown list to open the Page Setup dialog box.
Under the 'Pages' section, click the 'Multiple pages' dropdown menu and change the selection from 'Mirror margins' to 'Normal'.
Switch to the 'Layout' tab within the same Page Setup window. Uncheck the box labeled 'Different odd and even' if it is selected.
Click 'OK' to apply your changes. Press 'Ctrl + P' to open Print Preview and verify that the first page now aligns to the left.
Fix Print Previews and Margins Easily with WPS Writer
WPS Writer offers an intuitive Page Setup interface to easily manage mirror margins, headers, and two-page print previews for flawless document formatting and binding.
- 1. Open Page Layout: Launch WPS Writer, open your document, and navigate to the Page Layout tab on the ribbon.
- 2. Access Margins: Click the Margins icon and select Custom Margins at the bottom to open the setup window.
- 3. Adjust Settings: In the Page Setup dialog, change the 'Multiple pages' option from 'Mirror margins' to 'Normal'.
- 4. Verify Changes: Click OK, then open Print Preview to see your pages displayed in a standard left-to-right sequence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a bug that the first page shows on the right side?
No, this is an intentional feature. When a document is configured for duplex printing with mirror margins, the software automatically places the first page on the right to simulate how physical bound pages will open.
How do I view pages side-by-side without changing my printing margins?
If you need to keep mirror margins for printing but want to read pages sequentially while editing, go to the 'View' tab and select 'Multiple Pages' or 'Side to Side'. Your Print Preview will still retain the book layout, but your editing view will be standardized.
Why are my headers and footers different on the left and right pages?
This occurs when 'Different Odd and Even Pages' is checked in your layout settings. It is typically used so page numbers can be placed on the outside edges of a bound book. Disabling this setting in the Page Setup menu will make all headers uniform.
