Double the Speed, Double the Efficiency: How to Print Double Sided on Brother MFC-L3710CW

Are you tired of wasting paper and time with single-sided printing? The Brother MFC-L3710CW offers a convenient and eco-friendly solution: double-sided printing. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the simple steps of mastering double-sided printing on your Brother MFC-L3710CW, maximizing your efficiency and reducing your environmental impact.

Understanding Double-Sided Printing

Double-sided printing, also known as duplex printing, allows you to print on both sides of a sheet of paper. This not only saves paper but also reduces your printing costs and minimizes waste. The Brother MFC-L3710CW comes equipped with an automatic duplexer, making the process effortless.

Printing Double-Sided Directly from Your Computer

Step 1: Accessing the Print Settings

• Open the document you want to print.
• Click on the “File” menu and select “Print.”
• A print dialog box will appear.

Step 2: Selecting the Duplex Option

• Locate the “Page Layout” or “Layout” tab within the print dialog box.
• Look for the “Duplex” or “Two-Sided” option. You might find it under “Finishing Options” or “Paper Handling.”
• Select the “Duplex” option.

Step 3: Choosing the Binding Orientation

• The duplex option will likely include settings for the binding orientation:
• Long Edge Binding: The pages are flipped along the longer edge, suitable for documents like reports or books.
• Short Edge Binding: The pages are flipped along the shorter edge, suitable for documents like brochures or flyers.
• Choose the binding orientation that suits your document.

Step 4: Confirm and Print

• Review your print settings to ensure everything is correct.
• Click on the “Print” button to start the printing process.

Printing Double-Sided from the Brother MFC-L3710CW Control Panel

Step 1: Loading Paper

• Open the paper tray and ensure you have enough paper loaded.
• The paper tray should be set to the correct paper size for your document.

Step 2: Accessing the Menu

• Press the “Menu” button on the control panel of your Brother MFC-L3710CW.
• Use the navigation buttons to scroll through the menu options.

Step 3: Selecting the Duplex Option

• Navigate to the “Print Settings” menu.
• Locate the “Duplex” option.
• Select the “Duplex” option and choose the desired binding orientation (Long Edge or Short Edge).

Step 4: Confirm and Print

• Review your print settings to ensure they are correct.
• Press the “Start” button to begin printing.

Troubleshooting Common Double-Sided Printing Issues

Paper Jams

• Causes: Paper jams can occur if the paper is not properly loaded, if the paper is too thick or too thin, or if the paper path is obstructed.
• Solutions: Clear any paper jams by following the instructions in your Brother MFC-L3710CW user manual. Make sure the paper is loaded correctly and that the paper path is clear.

Printing on the Wrong Side

• Causes: If the document is printed on the wrong side of the paper, this could be due to incorrect paper settings or a problem with the duplexer.
• Solutions: Check your paper settings in the print dialog box or on the control panel. Ensure the paper size and type are correct. If the problem persists, contact Brother support for assistance.

Uneven Printing

• Causes: Uneven printing can occur if the paper is not properly aligned or if the duplexer is not functioning correctly.
• Solutions: Make sure the paper is loaded correctly and that it is not bent or creased. If the problem persists, contact Brother support for assistance.

Advanced Double-Sided Printing Tips

Printing Multiple Documents

• To print multiple documents double-sided, simply select the “Duplex” option in the print settings for each document.
• You can also combine multiple documents into one PDF file and print it double-sided.

Printing on Different Paper Types

• The Brother MFC-L3710CW can handle a variety of paper types, including different weights and finishes.
• Ensure you select the correct paper type in the print settings for optimal results.

Using Custom Paper Sizes

• If you need to print on a custom paper size, make sure to set the correct dimensions in the print settings.
• You may need to adjust the binding orientation accordingly.

The Final Word: Embracing Efficiency and Sustainability

Mastering double-sided printing on your Brother MFC-L3710CW is a simple yet impactful step towards efficient and sustainable printing practices. By reducing paper consumption, you can save money, reduce waste, and contribute to a greener planet.

Information You Need to Know

Q1: Can I print double-sided on different paper types?

A: Yes, the Brother MFC-L3710CW allows you to print double-sided on different paper types, including different weights and finishes. Just ensure you select the correct paper type in the print settings for optimal results.

Q2: What if my document has a different number of pages on each side?

A: The Brother MFC-L3710CW automatically adjusts to the number of pages on each side. It will print the appropriate number of pages on each side, ensuring a balanced and well-formatted document.

Q3: Can I print double-sided on legal-sized paper?

A: Yes, the Brother MFC-L3710CW supports double-sided printing on legal-sized paper. Just ensure that the paper tray is set to the correct paper size in the print settings.

Q4: What if I don’t see the “Duplex” option in my print settings?

A: If you don’t see the “Duplex” option in your print settings, it could be because your printer driver is outdated or not properly installed. Update your printer driver to the latest version from the Brother website.

Q5: Can I print double-sided on both sides of the paper?

A: While the Brother MFC-L3710CW can print on both sides of the paper, the “Duplex” option only prints on the front and back of the same sheet. It does not allow you to print on both sides of the same sheet, such as for creating a booklet.