How to Fix Mirrored Pages in Duplex PDF Printing
Question details
The user needs to correct an issue where the second page of a double-sided document prints backwards or upside down.
- Product
- PDF Printer
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Printing a multipage PDF document using a double-sided (duplex) printing feature.
- Observed behavior
- When printing a multipage PDF with duplex printing enabled, the second page appears mirrored or prints in reverse order.
Before proceeding, check if this issue happens with all documents or just a specific PDF file, and verify that your printer has physical duplex printing capabilities.
Adjust Duplex Orientation Settings in Printer Driver
Duplex orientation issues are primarily controlled by the printer driver's binding edge settings, which dictate how the paper flips.
In most cases, mirrored or upside-down double-sided prints occur because the wrong binding edge is selected in the printer preferences. Adjusting the flip behavior between the long and short edge will usually resolve the orientation issue.
Open your PDF file and press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Cmd + P (Mac) to bring up the print dialog box.
Click on the 'Properties', 'Preferences', or 'Printer Setup' button located next to your selected printer name.
Navigate to the 'Layout', 'Finishing', or 'Two-Sided Printing' tab within the printer properties window.
Look for the binding options and select 'Flip on long edge' for standard portrait documents, or 'Flip on short edge' if your document is in landscape mode. Click 'OK' to save.
Update or Reinstall Your Printer Driver
Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can cause miscommunication between your PDF reader and the printer hardware.
Print PDFs Correctly with WPS Office
WPS Office features a robust built-in PDF reader that perfectly integrates with standard printer drivers, helping you avoid complex configuration errors and mirrored duplex prints.
- 1. Open the PDF Document: Launch WPS Office and open your multipage PDF file.
- 2. Access Print Settings: Click on the 'Menu' in the top-left corner and select 'Print', or use the Ctrl + P shortcut.
- 3. Configure Duplex Mode: In the print dialog, check the 'Print on both sides' option.
- 4. Set the Binding Edge: Select either 'Flip on long edge' or 'Flip on short edge' right from the WPS print menu, then click 'Print'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between flip on long edge and flip on short edge?
'Flip on long edge' is used for portrait-oriented documents where pages turn like a traditional book. 'Flip on short edge' is intended for landscape documents, where pages flip upwards like a clipboard or calendar.
Why does my printer only print mirrored pages when using specific PDF software?
This happens when the PDF software's internal print handling conflicts with your system's default printer driver. Checking the software's 'Advanced Print' dialogue or utilizing a highly compatible reader like WPS Office can bypass these application-specific conflicts.
Can a corrupted PDF file cause mirrored printing issues?
Yes, occasionally a poorly encoded or corrupted PDF can cause bizarre print anomalies including mirrored or reversed pages. You can test this by trying to print a different PDF file, or by selecting the 'Print as Image' option in your advanced print settings.
