Default Print Settings

Why double-sided, black?

We took a survey of hundreds of Cal Poly students to find out what they would prefer with regards to print default settings.

More than 80% answered that they preferred double-sided, black-and-white print defaults.

Printing from Library computers defaults to double-sided, black-and-white prints.

Changing PC default settings

  1. After you click "Print" from within your document
  2. Click on "Printer Properties" in the Print window
  3. Adjust the "Duplex" options for 1 or 2 sided prints
  4. Select "Output Color" of either Black or Color

Changing MacOS default settings

screenshot of print dialog box showing sides and binding

To change to one-sided or two-sided

  1. In the Print window, pull down the "Copies & Pages" menu
  2. Select "Layout"
  3. Next to "Two Sided"
    • Select "Off" for one-sided printing
    • Select "Long Edge Binding" for two-sided portrait printing
screenshot of print dialog box showing color choices

To change to color or black

  1. In the Print window, pull down the "Copies & Pages" menu
  2. Select "Printer Features"
  3. Next to "Output Color"
    • Select "Color" or "Black"

If you need help, go to the Learning Commons desk or the PolyConnect lab for assistance.