How to Set the Correct Binding Edge When Printing a PDF
Question details
The user needs to know how to correctly configure the binding edge for double-sided PDF printing so that the pages do not print upside down on the reverse side.
- Product
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Printing a double-sided PDF document that contains landscape pages or full-page images.
- Observed behavior
- The document flips incorrectly when printed because simply rotating the view on the screen does not alter the actual page orientation or the printer's duplex binding edge settings.
Ensure your printer supports duplex (double-sided) printing and check that you have enough paper loaded. It is highly recommended to print a two-page test run first to verify the binding edge before printing the entire document.
Permanently Rotate PDF Pages and Configure Print Settings
Use a PDF editor to permanently change the page orientation instead of just modifying the screen view, and then select the appropriate binding edge in the printer dialog.
Features like 'Rotate View' in basic PDF readers only change how the document appears on your monitor. To fix printing issues, you must permanently alter the page orientation in the file's properties and save it before sending it to the printer.
Open your PDF in a professional PDF editor (such as WPS Office or Acrobat Pro). Navigate to the page management tools and use the 'Rotate Pages' feature to permanently rotate the actual pages, rather than just changing the view.
Click 'File' > 'Save As' to save the changes to a new PDF file. This ensures the new page orientation is permanently applied to the document properties.
Open your newly saved PDF document and press Ctrl+P (or Cmd+P on Mac) to open the Print dialog box.
Locate the 'Print on both sides' or 'Two-sided printing' options. Choose 'Flip on long edge' for standard portrait book-style binding, or 'Flip on short edge' for landscape/calendar-style binding.
Select to print only pages 1 and 2, then click 'Print'. Check the output to confirm the binding edge is correct before proceeding with the rest of the document.
Set Binding Edges and Rotate PDFs Perfectly with WPS Office
WPS Office features a robust, built-in PDF editor that allows you to permanently rotate pages, manage document layouts, and configure advanced printing settings like duplex binding edges with ease.
- 1. Open your PDF: Launch WPS Office, open your PDF document, and navigate to the 'Page' tab on the top ribbon.
- 2. Rotate pages permanently: Select the landscape pages or images you want to adjust and click 'Rotate' to permanently change their orientation.
- 3. Access the Print dialog: Click the 'Menu' button in the top left corner and select 'Print' (or use the Ctrl+P shortcut).
- 4. Configure duplex settings: Check the box for 'Print on both sides of paper' and select your desired binding edge (Long Edge or Short Edge).
- 5. Print the document: Click 'Print' to send the document to your printer with the perfectly configured binding settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PDF print upside down on the back page?
This usually happens when the wrong binding edge is selected in the print settings. If you are printing a portrait document, select 'Flip on long edge'. For landscape documents, select 'Flip on short edge' to ensure the back page prints right-side up.
What is the difference between 'Rotate View' and rotating pages?
'Rotate View' only temporarily changes how the document appears on your screen for easier reading. Rotating pages in a PDF editor alters the actual file's orientation properties permanently, which is necessary to change how the document is printed.
How do I know whether to choose long-edge or short-edge binding?
Long-edge binding is used for standard books, magazines, and binders where you turn pages from left to right. Short-edge binding is typically used for calendars, clipboards, or legal pads where you flip pages over the top.
Can I change the binding edge if my printer doesn't support automatic duplex printing?
Yes. If your printer only supports manual duplex printing, you will need to print the odd pages first, then manually flip the paper and reinsert it to print the even pages. Your printer software will usually provide an on-screen prompt showing you exactly how to orient and flip the paper based on the binding edge you selected.
