Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: Easily Changing Print Order.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated April 13, 2024)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365
Bob wonders if there is an easy way to switch from normal print order to reverse print order and back again. He understands it can be changed at printing time with the print settings, but he is looking for a command he can place on the Quick Access Toolbar, instead.
The easiest way to implement a macro approach would be to create two macros. One is used to set normal print order, and the other is used to set reverse print order:
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here:
Sub ForwardPrint()
Options.PrintReverse = False
End Sub
Sub ReversePrint()
Options.PrintReverse = True
End Sub
The macros are very, very simple and can be assigned to individual Quick Access Toolbar buttons. If you prefer to implement a solution that uses a single macro (so you only need to use one button), then the following may work just fine:
Sub SwapPrint()
With Options
If .PrintReverse = True Then
.PrintReverse = False
MsgBox ("Now printing in normal order")
Else
.PrintReverse = True
MsgBox ("Now printing in reverse order")
End If
End With
End Sub
This approach toggles the PrintReverse property, so it switches between normal and reverse order. The macro also displays a dialog box that indicates the current printing order.
Note:
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (12230) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Easily Changing Print Order.
Discover the Power of Microsoft Office This beginner-friendly guide reveals the expert tips and strategies you need to skyrocket your productivity and use Office 365 like a pro. Mastering software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential to be more efficient and advance your career. Simple lessons guide you through every step, providing the knowledge you need to get started. Check out Microsoft Office 365 For Beginners today!
Do you need a printout where graphics can be turned on and off? This tip provides some concrete ways you can get just ...
Discover MoreOne of the lesser-known features of Word is that it allows you to create a document for one page size and scale the ...
Discover MoreWord can be used for printing a variety of document types. You may want to use the program to print a festive banner for ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments