Forcing Single-Sided Printing

Instructions for changing a Mac printer's default option to force it to print single-sided if the feature cannot be changed normally.

Issue/Question

I need to print something single-sided, but I cannot disable the duplex option.

Resolution

 Note: Changing any other settings may result in printer errors or undesired effects.

1. Click (Spotlight Search).
2. Enter Terminal.
3. Select the  Terminal application and press return.
4. Enter the following:

   cupsctl WebInterface=yes

5. Press return.
6. In a web browser, navigate to localhost:631/printers.
7. Click the Queue Name of the printer.
8. In the Administration drop-down menu, select Set Default Options.
9. Click Finishing.
10. In the Duplex: drop-down menu, select None.
11. Click Set Default Options.

Documents will now print single-sided. If both printing methods are frequently needed, it is recommended to add another instance of the printer, leaving the Duplex option enabled.