To make a folded booklet in desktop Word, use the Book fold layout. It arranges pages in the order needed for folding and binding. Set it before adding content when possible, because existing images and tables may need adjustment after the layout changes.
Set up Book fold in Word for Windows
- Open a new document or a copy of the one you want to turn into a booklet.
- Choose Layout > Margins > Custom Margins.
- On the Margins tab, set Multiple pages to Book fold. Word changes the orientation to Landscape automatically.
- Choose how many Sheets per booklet you want if the document is long. Increase the Gutter to leave space at the fold for binding.
- On the Paper tab, select the actual paper size you will load in the printer. Each finished booklet page will be half the paper’s width. Select OK.
Word now displays the document in booklet layout. Add or review your text, images, tables, and page numbers, then save the file. These steps follow Microsoft’s booklet setup guide.
Set up Book fold on Mac
In desktop Word for Mac, choose Layout > Margins > Custom Margins and select Book fold under Multiple pages. Set the gutter and paper size, then check the document after Word reformats it. Microsoft also recommends checking the two-sided and booklet options when you print on Mac.
Print and check the booklet
Open File > Print and check the preview, printer paper size, and two-sided printing settings. A booklet needs printing on both sides in the correct orientation; if your printer lacks automatic duplex printing, use its manual two-sided workflow. Print a short test copy, fold it, and verify page order and margins before printing multiple copies.
Print on both sides in the right direction
- Automatic duplex printer: In File > Print, choose the two-sided option that flips on the short edge. Flipping on the long edge prints the back of each sheet upside down.
- No duplex: Choose Manually Print on Both Sides. Word prints one side, then asks you to reload the stack so it can print the other. Check your printer’s paper-feed direction before you reload.
- Mac: In the print dialog, select Booklet under Two-sided when the printer supports automatic two-sided printing.
If the booklet prints incorrectly
- Back pages are upside down: Switch the flip setting to the short edge, or reload the paper the other way for manual duplex.
- Pages are out of order: Confirm Book fold is still selected in Custom Margins. Do not rearrange the pages yourself; Word handles the order.
- Text runs into the fold: Increase the Gutter value.
Frequently asked questions
Is Book fold the same as printing two pages per sheet?
No. Book fold also puts pages in the order needed to fold sheets into a booklet. Simply choosing two pages per sheet can leave the pages in the wrong order.
Why did my pictures move?
Changing to Book fold changes page dimensions and text flow. Review images and tables after applying it, especially if the document was already written.
Can I make several small booklets from a long document?
Yes. Use Sheets per booklet to divide a long document into smaller sections that you can bind together.
If you want a full-size book with mirrored margins rather than a folded booklet, see how to print a book in Word.
Matt has been writing about Microsoft Windows and other Microsoft products since the days of Windows XP. He spends much of his time writing for sites like WindowBrain.com