How to Print Double-Sided (Duplex) on HP Printer from Mac OS: The Easiest Way

Updated at: 09/06/2025

Printing double-sided documents from your Mac to your HP printer shouldn't be a hassle. This guide provides the simplest method, eliminating confusing settings and lengthy tutorials. Learn how to quickly enable duplex printing within your Mac's print settings, saving paper and time. No matter your HP printer model, follow these easy steps for perfectly printed, double-sided documents every time. Let's get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare for Printing

    • Load enough paper into the tray, avoiding envelopes, photo paper, glossy paper, or transparencies. Use paper between 16 and 28 pounds (60-105 gsm).
    Prepare paper: Load enough paper into the tray, avoiding envelopes, photo paper, glossy paper, or transparencies. Use paper between 16 and 28 pounds (60-105 gsm).
    Prepare for Printing

  2. Access Print Settings

    • Open your document on your Mac, click 'File', then 'Print'.
    • Click 'Show Details'.
    Click 'Show Details'. Click 'Show Details'.
    Access Print Settings

  3. Print Double-Sided (Automatic Duplex)

    • If 'Two-sided' setting is available (automatic duplex printing), check the box to enable it. Select the appropriate binding option (Long edge for booklet, Short edge for tablet).
    • Click 'Print'.
    Click 'Print'. Click 'Print'.
    Print Double-Sided (Automatic Duplex)

  4. Print Double-Sided (Manual Duplex - Odd Pages)

    • If 'Two-sided' setting is unavailable:
    • In the 'Print options' menu, select 'Paper handling', then 'Odd only' from 'Pages to print'.
    • 'Reverse' if the input tray is at the front, 'Automatic' if at the rear. Print the odd pages.
    Select page order: 'Reverse' if the input tray is at the front, 'Automatic' if at the rear. Print the odd pages. Select page order: 'Reverse' if the input tray is at the front, 'Automatic' if at the rear. Print the odd pages. Select page order: 'Reverse' if the input tray is at the front, 'Automatic' if at the rear. Print the odd pages.
    Print Double-Sided (Manual Duplex - Odd Pages)

  5. Reload and Print Even Pages

    • Remove unprinted paper. Remove printed pages, tap to align, and reload into the input tray, print-side up if front tray, print-side down if rear tray. Orient top edge in for booklet, bottom for tablet.
    • 'Normal' if front tray, 'Automatic' if rear tray. Print the even pages.
    Return to print settings, select 'Even only' from 'Pages to print'. Select page order: 'Normal' if front tray, 'Automatic' if rear tray. Print the even pages. Return to print settings, select 'Even only' from 'Pages to print'. Select page order: 'Normal' if front tray, 'Automatic' if rear tray. Print the even pages.
    Reload and Print Even Pages
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Tips

  • Avoid paper jams by not printing on both sides of unsuitable materials.
  • Check paper weight on the packaging.
  • To return to one-sided printing, uncheck 'Two-sided' or select 'All pages' in 'Paper handling'.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Paper Tray Selection

Reason: Using the wrong paper tray (e.g., a tray designed for photos instead of regular paper) can lead to paper jams or misaligned printing during duplex printing.
Solution: Ensure you are using the correct paper tray specified in your HP printer's manual for duplex printing.

2. Driver Settings Not Configured for Duplex

Reason: The print driver settings might not be correctly configured for double-sided printing, resulting in single-sided output.
Solution: Check your print driver settings and explicitly select the 'Duplex' or 'Two-sided' option before printing.

3. Paper Jams Due to Incorrect Paper Type

Reason: Using an incompatible paper type or weight can cause paper jams during the duplex process.
Solution: Use paper that is compatible with your HP printer's specifications for duplex printing, often indicated in the printer manual.

FAQs

My HP printer doesn't have a duplex setting. Can I still print double-sided?
Yes, even if your printer lacks a built-in duplex option, you can still print double-sided. You'll need to manually print the odd-numbered pages, then reload the stack and print the even-numbered pages. Your Mac's print settings will allow you to select page ranges.
My double-sided print is coming out misaligned or offset. What should I do?
This often happens due to paper type or printer settings. Ensure you're using the correct paper weight recommended for your printer. Also, check your printer's driver settings for any adjustments related to paper handling or duplex printing. Sometimes a simple printer restart can also resolve minor alignment issues.