Using section breaks for duplex printing

[Fred R.]

Using Word 2003 SP 3 at work. Am trying to format a 68+pg manual. I am
trying to set up the manual so the Table of Contents and the beginning of
each Chapter will force a new piece of paper when printing duplex, without
deliberately adding a visible blank pages in the document. I tried adding a
Section Break (Odd) at the end of the cover page and the end of each
chapter. Even though the page count jumps to the next odd page, it fails to
switch to a new piece of paper when printing. Not smart enough to add all
the wizbang styling...am able to add headers and footers and change the
font.

Thanks for the assist.
Fred R.

 

[DeanH]

I tend to stay away from the Section Break (Odd) and (Even) as they never
seem to do what they are supposed to. As you say they deal with the page
numbers but do not instigate a print. I have the visible blank page to ensure
my printing comes out perfect.
Hopefully someone else may pop in here with the solution that has alluded me
for many years.
All the best
DeanH

 

[Stefan Blom]

For duplexing to work properly with restarted page numbers, you must enable
"Different odd and even" or "Mirror margins" (or both of these options) in
File | Page Setup.

 

[DeanH]

Hi Stefan.
I do use "Different Odd and Even" and/or "Mirror Margins" when setting up a
duplex document. Page numbers are fine, I tend to have continuous numbering
throughout the document and not restarting at sections, no problem. But when
it comes to printing, the Odd Section Break does not physically insert a
blank page (whether I have Header/Footers setup or not). So the new section
prints on the even page but with the correct page number (i.e. skipped one).
All the best
DeanH

 

[DeanH]

Sorry, amendment.
If I have a Header/Footer setup, which is more often than not, the Odd Break
does not print the H/F on the slotted in blank page. Hence I tend not to use
Odd Breaks as I want the whole document to print with H/Fs.
Ciao

 

[Stefan Blom]

That is strange. If you look in the Page Setup dialog box, does it still say
"Odd page" for "Section start" (Layout tab)?

Can you reproduce the issue with a different printer?

 

[Stefan Blom]

So everything seems to be working OK, then?

 

[Fred R.]

Holy smokes (that was too easy)! According to Print Preview the mirror
margins worked perfectly with the Section Break (Odd). It inserted a blank
"even" page (no header or footer, either) behind every odd paged section so
the new section would print on a new piece of paper. I will try printing it
to see what happens when I get to work.

Thanks.

 

[Stefan Blom]

It's easy once you know about it, but far from obvious if you haven't
encountered it before!

I'm glad I could help.