How to Display Book View with Page 1 on the Right in MS Word
Question details
The user wants to view their document in a book-style layout where the first page appears alone on the right, and subsequent pages are displayed as facing-page spreads.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Formatting and reviewing a document intended to be printed or published as a book.
- Observed behavior
- By default, Microsoft Word's Print Layout view places multiple pages side-by-side but positions Page 1 on the left side, failing to represent a true book layout.
Make sure your document is long enough to span multiple pages, as you will need at least three pages to fully verify that the facing-page spread is working correctly.
Use Print Preview Edit Mode for True Book Layout
Configure mirror margins and use the hidden Print Preview Edit Mode tool to see Page 1 on the right while retaining the ability to edit the document.
Standard Print Layout view in Word maximizes screen space by displaying pages from left to right, which forces Page 1 to the left side. To achieve a realistic book spread, you must configure the document margins and utilize a specific preview mode.
Open your Word document, navigate to the 'Layout' tab, click on 'Margins', and select 'Mirrored'. Alternatively, you can double-click the header area and check 'Different Odd & Even Pages' in the Header & Footer tab.
Click the down arrow at the end of the Quick Access Toolbar (top left of the screen) and select 'More Commands'. Change the 'Choose commands from' dropdown to 'All Commands', scroll down to find 'Print Preview Edit Mode', click 'Add', and then click 'OK'.
Click the newly added 'Print Preview Edit Mode' icon on your Quick Access Toolbar. Your document will now display facing pages with Page 1 correctly positioned on the right.
By default, this mode acts as a zoom tool. To type and edit text while in this book layout, uncheck or turn off the 'Magnifier' tool located in the Print Preview tab.
Create and View Book Layouts Seamlessly in WPS Writer
WPS Writer offers an intuitive layout tab and multiple-page viewing options, making it simple to format books, adjust margins, and preview your document exactly as it will print.
- 1. Open your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open the .docx file you wish to format as a book.
- 2. Set Page Margins: Navigate to the 'Page Layout' tab, click 'Margins', and select 'Mirrored' to automatically prepare your document for dual-sided book formatting.
- 3. Enable Multiple Pages View: Go to the 'View' tab and click on 'Multiple Pages' to see your facing pages side-by-side, giving you a clear overview of your book's layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Page 1 always show on the left in Word's Print Layout?
In standard Print Layout view, Word renders pages continuously starting from the left side of your screen to maximize editing real estate. It does not factor in the physical binding of a book, even if mirror margins are enabled.
Can I edit my document while viewing facing pages?
Yes. By adding the 'Print Preview Edit Mode' command to your Quick Access Toolbar and ensuring the 'Magnifier' tool is turned off, you can type, delete, and format text directly within the book layout.
How do I print my document as a folded book?
To print a booklet, go to File > Print, click on Page Setup, and under the Margins tab, change the 'Multiple pages' dropdown from 'Normal' to 'Book fold'. Word will automatically arrange the pages so they can be folded into a booklet.
