Trouble printing double sided on 5.5"x8.5" paper

[Addabob]

Trying to print double-sided on 5.5"x8.5" paper, but it always prints single sided even with double-sided turned on.  I can print the same document double-sided on 8.5"x11" without issue.

This also happens on my LaserJet Pro  3201dw, so not sure what the issue might be.  I have searched high and low here on the support page and other internet resources to no avail....

Any/all suggestions to get this to work are welcomed.  Thanks all!!

[Raj_05]

Hi @Addabob,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

Printing double-sided on 5.5"x8.5" paper can be a bit tricky, especially if it works fine with standard 8.5"x11" paper. Here are some steps and suggestions to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

Check Printer Settings:

• Verify Paper Size: Ensure that your printer settings are configured for 5.5"x8.5" paper. Go to the printer properties or settings on your computer and confirm that this paper size is selected.
• Update Printer Driver: Sometimes, outdated drivers can cause issues. Ensure that you have the latest printer driver installed for your LaserJet Pro 3201dw. Check the HP website for updates.

Printer Settings for Duplex Printing:

• Manual vs. Automatic Duplexing: Ensure that the printer's duplex settings are correctly configured. Some printers may require you to manually set up duplexing for custom paper sizes.
• Software Settings: Check the print dialog in your application. Ensure that double-sided (duplex) printing is enabled and that it is set to print on both sides.

Printer Configuration:

• Paper Tray: Make sure the paper tray is set up correctly for the 5.5"x8.5" paper size. Some printers have different settings or options for various paper sizes.
• Paper Size Compatibility: Verify that your printer model supports double-sided printing on custom paper sizes. Not all printers handle non-standard sizes well.

Document Layout:

• Page Setup: Ensure that your document is properly set up for 5.5"x8.5" paper. Sometimes, issues with printing can stem from the document settings rather than the printer settings.

Try Different Applications:

• Different Software: Test printing double-sided from different applications (e.g., Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Word) to rule out any software-specific issues.

Restart and Reset:

• Restart Printer and Computer: Sometimes, restarting the printer and computer can resolve temporary issues.
• Reset Printer Settings: As a last resort, try resetting your printer to factory settings and reconfigure it.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4

HP Support 

[Addabob]

Hey Aiden4 -

Sorry for the delayed reply.

I wanted to have a chance to try your suggestions and didn't get to until this last Sunday.

I attempted your suggestions on both of my HP color LasetJet printers (3201dw and 254dw).  I have not been successful in getting either one to do the duplex on the smaller paper.  Both do 8.5x11 flawlessly...  

I will keep playing with it to see if I can figure anything out, and to make sure I followed your instructions correctly.

Thanks!

[Repairatrooper]

What a pain, usually HP will post information on what sizes can be duplexed. Not all sizes are supported due to the mechanics of printers. Spacing of feed rollers may not allow for half sheet scanning. None of my usual resources provide a solid answer. Does the driver actually allow you to select duplex when you have the shorter paper installed? If not, there is a good chance that the print engine in the product does not support duplex and the driver blocks that option to prevent jamming or damage.