How to Fix Even Pages Printing Upside Down in Double-Sided PDF Booklets
Question details
The user needs to correct a printing error where even pages print upside down when printing a double-sided PDF booklet.
- Product
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Printing a document as a double-sided booklet in landscape orientation.
- Observed behavior
- Odd pages print properly, but the even pages appear upside down because the duplex printer binding setting does not match the landscape document orientation.
Verify that your printer supports automatic duplex printing and check whether your PDF document is set to portrait or landscape orientation.
Change Duplex Binding from Long Edge to Short Edge
Adjusting the duplex binding option ensures the printer flips the paper correctly for landscape documents, preventing upside-down even pages.
When printing double-sided documents, the printer needs to know which edge of the paper to flip on. By default, most printers use 'Long Edge' binding, which is perfect for standard portrait documents. However, booklets are typically printed in landscape orientation. Using 'Long Edge' binding on a landscape document causes the reverse side to print upside down.
Open your PDF file and press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Cmd + P (Mac) to bring up the Print dialog box.
Select your target printer from the dropdown menu and click on the 'Properties', 'Preferences', or 'Printer Settings' button.
Navigate to the Layout or Duplex printing tab. Locate the two-sided printing options and change the binding setting from 'Long Edge' to 'Short Edge'.
Apply the settings and print a small test range, such as pages 1 to 4. Check the printed output to confirm that both odd and even pages face the right way.
Print Perfect PDF Booklets with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a highly intuitive PDF reader and editor with a dedicated booklet printing mode. It simplifies duplex settings, automatically manages page scaling, and gives you a real-time preview to guarantee your pages never print upside down.
- 1. Open your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document you wish to print as a booklet.
- 2. Access the Print Menu: Click the 'Print' icon on the top toolbar or press Ctrl + P to open the WPS Print dialog.
- 3. Select Booklet Mode: In the 'Page Sizing & Handling' section, select the 'Booklet' option. WPS will automatically arrange the pages for booklet folding.
- 4. Set Short Edge Binding: Ensure 'Print on both sides' is checked and select 'Flip on short edge' to match the landscape booklet layout.
- 5. Preview and Print: Check the built-in preview pane on the right side of the dialog to confirm orientation, then click 'Print'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Long Edge and Short Edge binding?
Long Edge binding flips the paper along its longest side, similar to a standard portrait book or magazine. Short Edge binding flips the paper along its shortest side, which is necessary for top-bound legal pads, calendars, or side-bound landscape booklets.
Can I print a booklet properly if my printer only supports manual duplexing?
Yes. When the printer finishes printing the odd pages, it will prompt you to re-insert the paper. Pay close attention to the visual instructions on your computer screen or printer tray, as you will manually need to flip the paper along the short edge before re-inserting it for the even pages.
Why does my PDF look correct on screen but print upside down?
The on-screen preview shows individual pages in their digital orientation. Physical printing relies on the printer's mechanical duplex settings. If the document is landscape but the printer uses default portrait flipping (Long Edge), the physical back page will be inverted even if the digital file is perfectly fine.
