Should Thesis Be Printed Double Sided?

Quick Fix: Set your printer to double-sided (duplex) printing and use 1.5-inch left, 1-inch top/bottom/right margins.

What's Happening

When printing a thesis, universities and journals often demand very specific formatting—including exact margin sizes and whether pages should print on one or both sides. Printing double-sided (duplex) saves paper and looks polished, but if margins or page numbering aren’t set correctly, it can throw everything off. (Alignment issues? Nightmare fuel for thesis binders.) As of 2026, most academic guidelines still recommend single-sided printing for final thesis submissions, especially for dissertations, to avoid complications during binding and review.

Misaligned margins—especially "mirror margins" for binding—can shift your content unpredictably and mess up page numbers. If you're using soft binding (that thermal glue kind), double-sided printing may weaken the spine over time. Always check your university’s latest formatting guide before hitting print.

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Check University Requirements: Visit your institution’s thesis submission portal to confirm margin and printing rules. Most PhD programs in the U.S. still require single-sided printing for final copies, while drafts may allow double-sided.
2. Set Margins (Word 365, 2026):
   • Open your thesis in Microsoft Word.
   • Go to Layout → Margins → Custom Margins.
   • Set Left: 1.5", Top/Bottom/Right: 1".
   • Check Mirror Margins only if binding requires it (rare for final copies).
3. Enable Double-Sided Printing (Printer Settings):
   • Open File → Print.
   • Under Printer Properties (or Preferences), look for Duplex Printing.
   • Select Long-edge binding (standard for most books).
   • If your printer lacks duplex, manually flip pages and print odd/even pages separately.
4. Review Page Numbers: After printing, check that page numbers appear in the outer corners, not the gutter. Use Insert → Page Number → Bottom of Page → Plain Number 2 in Word to ensure proper alignment.
5. Use 100–120 g/m² Paper: For a professional finish, use 100 g/m² standard paper for drafts and 120 g/m² for final copies. Thicker paper prevents show-through and holds binding better. Avoid colored or textured paper unless approved.

If This Didn't Work

Still seeing alignment problems? Here’s what to do next:

• Export to PDF First: Print from a PDF to avoid formatting shifts. In Word, go to File → Export → Create PDF/XPS. Print the PDF using Adobe Acrobat’s Print → Booklet setting for duplex.
• Adjust Printer Drivers: Outdated drivers cause duplex errors. Update via Device Manager → Printers → [Your Printer] → Update Driver (Windows) or System Preferences → Printers & Scanners → Options & Supplies (Mac).
• Manual Flipping: If duplex fails, print odd-numbered pages first, flip the stack, and print even pages. Label the stack with a sticky note to avoid reordering.

Prevention Tips

Want to avoid printing disasters entirely? Here’s how:

• Create a Template: Save a Word template with your university’s margin settings (1.5" left, 1" others) and page numbering style. Reuse it for future assignments.
• Test Print: Print the first 10 pages double-sided on scrap paper to check alignment. Adjust printer settings before committing to 200+ pages.
• Use Binding Covers: If binding is required, order a soft-bound cover (thermal glue) with a clear front insert. These cost $5–$15 and are available at university bookstores or online (e.g., Staples).
• Check Emissions: As of 2026, many universities require EPA-certified inks for environmental compliance. Use soy-based toner if printing large volumes.

Note: Always confirm with your advisor or library before printing. Rules vary by institution and program.