Print on both sides, or in black and white, by default on a Mac

Why it happens

Your Mac keeps print options like two-sided and colour inside the Print window of each app, not in System Settings. Each time you print, the app starts from its default settings unless you pick a saved preset. A preset is simply a named set of choices you can reuse with one click.

How to fix it

1. Open the document and press Command-P, or choose File > Print….

   File›Print…

2. Check that your printer is chosen at the top, then set Double-sided to On. If your printer offers both, On means flipping on the long edge, like a book, and On (Short Edge) suits pages you flip upwards, like a calendar.

3. For black and white, turn off Print in Color. Some printers show a Black & White option under Printer Options instead.

4. Open the Presets pop-up and choose Save Current Settings as Preset…. Give it a clear name such as Two-sided mono and click OK.

5. Next time, press Command-P and pick your preset from Presets. Many apps also remember Last Used Settings, so your choice often sticks by itself.

Still not fixed?

1. No Double-sided option at all? Your printer may not print both sides by itself. Print one side first by setting Pages to Print to Odd Only under Paper Handling, put the stack back in the tray, then print again with Even Only.

2. If your printer does support two-sided printing but the option is missing, remove the printer and add it again in Printers & Scanners. That loads its full set of options.

   Printers & Scanners

3. Printing to the wrong printer, so your preset doesn't show? Choose the right one in the Default printer pop-up in Printers & Scanners.

   Printers & Scanners

4. If it still prints in colour or single-sided, check the printer maker's website for an update to its software. If a printer that used to print both sides stops doing it from every device, it may need a repair.