How to Print a PDF on One Side Instead of Double-Sided
Question details
The user needs to print a PDF document on one side of the paper only, but the document consistently prints double-sided.
- Product
- PDF Reader
- Device & OS
- Windows and macOS
- Scenario
- Printing a PDF document requiring single-sided output.
- Observed behavior
- The PDF prints duplex by default, and the PDF reader relies on the operating system's printer settings to control sidedness.
Ensure your printer is turned on, connected to your computer, and verify that the printer's physical hardware does not force duplex printing natively before altering software settings.
Disable Double-Sided Printing in Windows System Properties
Modify your printer's system properties through the print dialog to ensure single-sided printing is selected.
Many PDF readers pass the printing request directly to the Windows print spooler. To force single-sided printing, you must adjust the printer preferences directly within the system dialog.
Open your PDF document and go to 'File' > 'Print', or press Ctrl + P on your keyboard.
Select your printer from the dropdown menu, then click on the 'Properties', 'Preferences', or 'Printer Setup' button located next to the printer name.
In the printer properties window, locate the 'Print on Both Sides', 'Duplex', or 'Two-Sided' option. This is typically found under the 'Layout' or 'Finishing' tab. Set this option to 'Off' or 'None'.
Click 'OK' to save your new preferences, then click 'Print' to generate your single-sided document.
Turn Off Two-Sided Printing on macOS
Use the macOS print dialog to disable the two-sided layout option and save it as a preset.
Use WPS Office to Print and Manage Your PDFs Easily
WPS Office includes a powerful built-in PDF reader that makes adjusting print settings, such as forcing single-sided printing, incredibly straightforward and fast. You can manage all your document printing needs without wrestling with complex system settings.
- 1. Open PDF in WPS: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document you wish to print.
- 2. Open Print Interface: Click the 'Print' icon on the top toolbar or press Ctrl+P to bring up the print settings window.
- 3. Configure Print Sides: In the print dialog box, verify the printer properties and ensure the duplex or double-sided printing option is unchecked.
- 4. Execute Print: Click the 'Print' button to easily print your document on a single side of the page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my printer keep defaulting to double-sided printing?
Many modern printers default to double-sided (duplex) printing to save paper and reduce environmental impact. This default is usually set at the operating system or printer driver level rather than within the PDF reader itself.
Can I permanently set my printer to print single-sided on Windows?
Yes. Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners. Click on your printer, select 'Manage', and then 'Printing preferences'. Turn off the 'Print on both sides' option and apply the changes. This will make single-sided printing the default for all applications.
What if the two-sided option is grayed out on my Mac?
If the two-sided option is unavailable or grayed out, it may mean your printer does not support automatic duplex printing, or the printer driver is installed incorrectly. Try updating your printer drivers or re-adding the printer in your Mac's 'Printers & Scanners' settings.
Does WPS Office allow me to save print presets?
Yes, when printing from WPS Office, you can access your system's printer properties to configure your preferred settings (like single-sided printing) and save them as a preset if your underlying printer driver supports that feature.
