“Flip on long edge” and “flip on short edge” describe the edge around which you turn the sheet. Choose the physical binding edge after deciding whether the page is portrait or landscape. Long edge is not always a left-hand book binding.

For an ordinary portrait report read by turning pages sideways, choose long-edge binding. For a landscape document read the same way, the side edge is short, so choose short-edge binding.

The four common combinations

Page orientation How you want to turn the page Physical edge Duplex choice
Portrait Sideways, like a book Left or right long side Long edge
Portrait Upward, over the top Top short side Short edge
Landscape Sideways, like a book Left or right short side Short edge
Landscape Upward, over the top Top long side Long edge

This table follows the geometry shown in Brother’s driver binding options . A driver may name the specific side, such as Short Edge (Top) or Long Edge (Left), rather than presenting only two choices.

Why the back page appears upside down

First check how you are turning the sheet. A back side prepared for a top flip will look wrong if you turn it around a side edge, and vice versa. Compare the intended binding with the orientation of the final printed page, not only the orientation you remember selecting in the document editor.

Also check whether the application or driver has rotated the page to fit the selected paper. A landscape source page and a portrait paper setting can introduce another decision beyond the duplex edge.

Before printing a long document, use a two-page proof containing clearly labeled page tops. Turn it around the edge you intend to bind. This is a suggested check for your setup, not a claim that we tested a particular printer.

Missing duplex options and manual feeding

Adobe explains that the printer driver controls duplex options. If the option is absent in the PDF print dialog, check the printer’s properties and documentation rather than assuming the PDF cannot be printed on both sides. Adobe Reader printing guidance

Manual two-sided printing adds a separate paper-reinsertion question. Follow the printer’s instructions; the table above does not specify which way every paper tray feeds or delivers sheets.

Booklets are another operation

A folded booklet needs page ordering and placement as well as two-sided printing. Adobe’s booklet function arranges pages for folding and binding. Selecting short edge alone does not turn ordinary sequential pages into a booklet. Adobe booklet instructions

This reference was checked against manufacturer documentation on October 12, 2026. It covers binding orientation, not printer speed, ink performance or scanning capability. Driver wording and available features remain model-specific.

Sources