For ordinary portrait pages that should read like a book, choose Flip on Long Edge. For a landscape page that should turn upward like a calendar, choose Flip on Short Edge. The setting controls the edge the sheet turns around; check your printer’s diagram or preview because labels and options vary by driver.
What the duplex setting changes
Two-sided printing puts content on both faces of a sheet. The binding or flip-edge option determines how the back is oriented when you turn the sheet. It is not simply a portrait-versus-landscape switch: choose the edge that matches how you want to turn the finished pages. Xerox describes its two-sided layout options as determining “how the printed pages turn” in its Phaser 6510 duplex instructions.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Which edge should you choose?
| Document and intended turn | Usual setting | Expected result |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait pages read like a book | Flip on Long Edge, Long-Edge binding, or Long Edge | Turn the page from a long side; the reverse should be upright for book-like reading. |
| Landscape pages turn upward like a calendar or tablet | Flip on Short Edge, Short-Edge binding, or Short Edge | Turn the sheet over its short edge, usually the top edge, so the back reads upright in the intended landscape direction. |
These are common choices, not rules for every layout. If the document has rotated pages, unusual binding, or booklet imposition, follow the driver’s illustration and inspect the preview. Some drivers offer different edge or position combinations for portrait and landscape. HP maps long edge to a book layout and short edge to a tablet layout in its two-sided printing guidance; Brother likewise documents orientation-specific options in its duplex printing instructions.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Set the flip edge in the print dialog
- Open the application’s Print dialog and select the printer you intend to use.
- Find the duplex controls. Look for Two-Sided, Duplex, Layout, Features, or Finishing. The exact location and wording depend on the application, operating system, printer, and driver.
- Set the page orientation to match the document, then select the long or short edge for the desired turn.
- Check the diagram or preview. Confirm that the pictured back page is upright when turned the way you intend to bind or read the sheet.
- Print one test sheet if the layout is unfamiliar, then check both sides before sending a larger job.
If your printer requires manual duplexing
Automatic duplexing prints both sides through the printer’s duplex mechanism. Manual duplexing instead prints one set of pages and prompts you to reload the stack for the other side. Follow the on-screen prompt and the instructions for your exact printer model: the required stack orientation and feed direction can differ. Brother’s guidance for covered models describes the print-and-reinsert workflow and warns that manual duplexing may cause jams or poor print quality. Its supported paper sizes and types are also model-specific; check the manual for your printer rather than assuming every stock is suitable. HP similarly cautions against duplexing certain media on the printers covered by its guidance.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- BEST FOR HOME OFFICES & SMALL TEAMS – Engineered for consistent, premium print quality, the Brother HL-L2460DW Monochrome (Black & White) Laser Printer produces documents that are clear, crisp, and easy to review and share, all at an affordable price
- COMPACT, CONNECTED, EXCEPTIONALLY EFFICIENT– Connect with built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz), Ethernet, or to a single computer via USB interface. Prints at speeds up to 36ppm(2), plus automatic duplex printing saves time and reduces paper waste
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Manage your wireless printer remotely and print from your mobile device anytime, from almost anywhere. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(3)
- VERSATILE PAPER HANDLING – Tackle high-volume black & white printing with the 250-sheet capacity paper tray.(4) The manual feed slot enables printing on envelopes and specialty paper
- BROTHER IS AT YOUR SIDE – Backed by Brother with a 1-year limited warranty and free online, call, or live chat support for the life of your printer
Rank #3
- FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – Perfect for offices and small businesses printing black & white documents and reports.
- KEY FEATURES – Fast print speeds, auto 2-sided printing, smart-guided buttons,150-sheet input tray and USB cable included.
- BUILT FOR SPEED – Quickly finish multipage print projects with the fastest in-class two-sided printing speed.
- AWARD-WINNING DESIGN – Save space without sacrificing performance with a compact design.
- EXCEPTIONAL LASER QUALITY – Rely on consistent, quality prints page after page.
Rank #2
- BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES – Engineered for extraordinary productivity, the Brother DCP-L2640DW Monochrome (Black & White) 3-in-1 combines laser printer, scanner, copier in one compact footprint and delivers high-quality black & white prints
- FAST PRINTER WITH EFFICIENT SCANNING – Produces documents quickly with print speeds up to 36 ppm(2) and scan speeds up to 23.6/7.9 ipm(3) (black/color). A 50-page auto document feeder(4) allows for convenient, time saving multi-page scanning and copying
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTION OPTIONS – Easily navigate the changing demands of your business with secure multi-device connectivity via built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz) and Ethernet. Or connect locally to a single computer via USB interface
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Print, scan, and manage your wireless printer anytime, from almost anywhere from your mobile device. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(5)
- CHOOSE BROTHER GENUINE TONER – When it’s time to replace your toner, be sure to choose Brother Genuine TN830 or TN830XL replacement toner. And with Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service, you’ll never worry about running out of toner again and you’ll enjoy savings of up to 50%(6) on Brother Genuine Toner. Get started with Refresh today with a Free Trial(1)
#1 Best Overall
- BEST FOR HOME OFFICES & SMALL TEAMS – Engineered for consistent, premium print quality, the Brother HL-L2460DW Monochrome (Black & White) Laser Printer produces documents that are clear, crisp, and easy to review and share, all at an affordable price
- COMPACT, CONNECTED, EXCEPTIONALLY EFFICIENT– Connect with built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz), Ethernet, or to a single computer via USB interface. Prints at speeds up to 36ppm(2), plus automatic duplex printing saves time and reduces paper waste
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Manage your wireless printer remotely and print from your mobile device anytime, from almost anywhere. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(3)
- VERSATILE PAPER HANDLING – Tackle high-volume black & white printing with the 250-sheet capacity paper tray.(4) The manual feed slot enables printing on envelopes and specialty paper
- BROTHER IS AT YOUR SIDE – Backed by Brother with a 1-year limited warranty and free online, call, or live chat support for the life of your printer
Fix an upside-down reverse side
- If the whole back side is upside down, return to the duplex binding control and switch the selected edge. Check the page-orientation setting as well.
- If only some pages are rotated, inspect the document’s page layout or application-level rotation and test a page pair before printing the full job.
- If a manual-duplex stack prints on the wrong face or in the wrong order, stop and use the exact model’s reload instructions; do not guess the feed direction.
- If the menu does not match these labels, use its binding illustration or consult the printer’s instructions. Menus and behavior are not identical across models.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
