This blog describes how to add a new printer which is set to always print duplex or two-sided. We then assign a Tray Selector button to this new printer so that users can print duplex in a single click.

One of the few printing features that cannot be directly controlled using a Tray Selector profile is duplex or double-sided printing.

There is however a simple solution to this common problem; the following steps and instructions will illustrate how to print Duplex using Tray Selector.

Step 1 > Take note of your printer model and it’s port setting

Step 2 > Install a new 2nd printer driver that points to the same physical printer

Step 3 > Configure this new 2nd printer driver so that it prints everything duplex

Step 4 > Install the printer on the client PC (if required)

Step 5 > Create a new Tray Selector button named duplex that points to this printer

Notes:

• This example is for a network printer that is shared out from a server.
• If the printer in question is shared via a PC or server, then these steps need to be carried out on that PC or server.
• If the printer is either physically connected to your PC, or accessed directly from your PC across the network using it’s IP address, then steps 1,2,3 and 5 only need to be carried out on your PC

Step 1 Take a note of your printer model and port setting

• Within the printers folder, right click on the existing printer icon, and choose Properties and then click on thePorts tab

The dialogue box should look something like this:

In this example, the printer is an HP Laserjet 4000 and the port is called laserjet 4000t

Step 2 Install a new 2nd printer driver that points to the same physical printer

• Double click the Add Printer Icon

In this example we need to choose the option for installing a local printer, based on the settings noted in the first step.

• Select Use the following port and choose the option to match the one noted from the existing printer.

• Choose the manufacturer and printer model from the lists. Again this should match the printer model you noted at the beginning.

As this model of printer has already been installed, you will probably see the following message:

• Choose to keep the existing driver.

• Give your printer a name that will differentiate it from the existing one. In this example it’s called Duplex.

• If this printer is to be used by other users, then you need to give it a share name, again I have called this one Duplex.

Step 3 Configure this new 2nd printer driver so that it prints everything duplex

• Click on Printing Preferences

• Choose the method of duplex printing you require.

The look and position of this option will vary between different printer drivers, but basically what you are trying to achieve is that everything sent to this printer driver will print double sided and in most cases it will be flipped on long edge.

Step 4 Install the printer on the client PC (if required)

This process has created a shared network printer that prints all documents double sided.

You then need to set this up as an available printer for all users that require it.

• Do this by clicking Add Printer

• This time choose Network Printer

• If the printer has been shared out from a Windows server then you will need to choose Find printer in the directory.

• Choose Find Now