"Flip on long edge" and "Flip on short edge" indicate the orientation of the pages when turning, which impacts the readability and organization of the material printed. The settings are required in printing documents like booklets and brochures. The long edge and short edge are referents to the longer and shorter sides of a rectangular piece of paper, respectively. Check below for more details about these two types of printing papers. The points below will help you answer the flip on short edge vs long edge better. We will also enlighten you on how to choose between short-edge and long-edge flip.
Flip on the Long Edge
This refers to turning a page over by spinning it along the longer side of the page, like flipping a book along the spine. The page will print two-sided, and the pages will flip along the long edge. Side Swelling is also what it is frequently referred to as, with the top and bottom edges of the file staying constant while the left and right sides exchange positions. This is usually used when pages are printed in portrait orientation. With the long edge reversed the PDF book’s spine becomes relatively longer, allowing the printed file to be flipped naturally, just like a traditional book.
Flip on the Short Edge
It involves turning the page along the short edge, as one opens a notepad or calendar. Double-sided paper will be printed and turned over the short side. Alternatively called portrait flipping, neither the left and right sides of the paper are changed nor are the top and bottom, which switch sides. This is utilized most frequently when printing in landscape orientation. A PDF book flipped along the short edge has a shorter spine in bookbinding, with users flipping the printed page at the top or bottom edge.
Different Printing Effect
To better understand the difference, see the following printing effects:
- Flip on the long edge (portrait orientation): The bound papers are read left to right like a book.
- Flip along the short edge (portrait orientation): The second page text is typically inverted. The bound papers are read from top to bottom.
- Flip along the long edge (landscape orientation)
- Flip on the short edge (landscape orientation)
Usage Scenarios
- Flip on the long edge: Select this mode when printing documents in portrait orientation, like reports, essays, or books. It allows the text to be correctly oriented while flipping pages effortlessly and maintaining consistency so that there is a natural flow of reading. When creating horizontal books, reports, or marketing materials, long-edge flipping makes the content appear more professional, polished, and visually appealing, enhancing readability and overall presentation quality.
- Short edge flip: It is optimum for landscape-text documents such as charts, diagrams, or slides for presentations. It enables better utilization of horizontal room and maintains the layout in place with the turn of pages. It generally turns out to be the easiest way when documents are portrait-like common paper-size letters, articles, or vertically presented images. Substances like brochures, handbooks, calendars, or notebooks, and short edge flips appear bigger.
In simple terms, flipping on the long edge results in a portrait-oriented print, while flipping on the short edge produces a landscape-format document.
Potential Issues
Selecting the wrong flip option can cause misaligned text or upside-down pages. For example, flipping along the short edge of a portrait document may result in the second page being upside down, making it challenging to read.
How to Choose between Short-edge and Long-edge Flip?
Keep the following points in mind when selecting between long edge and short edge:
- Document orientation: Identify if your document is in portrait or landscape orientation.
- Flow of reading: Consider how you would like the reader to move through the pages.
- Type of material: Consider what type of document you are printing (e.g., book, brochure, calendar).
How to Flip on Long Edge or Short Edge on PDF Agile?
PDF Agile is a versatile, web-based PDF editor that lets you print double-sided, flip pages on either edge, and fit multiple pages per sheet—all without sign-ups or watermarks, ensuring a seamless, user-friendly experience for efficient and hassle-free document management.
The following steps will guide you on how to flip on the long edge or short edge using PDF Agile:
1. Launch the PDF file using the PDF Agile recommended viewer.
2. Navigate to "Print" and select the printer connected to your device.
3. Click "Print on both sides" from "Page Sizing and Handling"
4. If you want to print in portrait, pick "Flip on Long Edge". If you want to print in landscape, pick "Flip on Short Edge."
5. Start printing by clicking on "Print"
How to Flip on Long Edge or Short Edge on Windows?
1. Launch Settings and click on Devices. And then, open "Printers & Scanners."
2. Select your printer. Next, click "Print."
3. Click "Manage," then “Printer Properties.” Adjust the settings and Click "Ok" to save the settings.
How to Flip on Long Edge or Short Edge on Mac?
1. Go to “Printers & Scanners.” Select your printer.
2. Click on "Options & Supplies."
3. Check if there are similar options under the "Driver" tab.
FAQs
Q: What Do 'Flip on Short Edge' and 'Flip on Long Edge' mean?
Flip on short edge in double-sided printing, refers to turning pages along the shorter edge of the sheet. It is suitable for landscape pages, and promotes avoiding the back page being upside down. Flip on Long Edge, on the other hand, involves flipping pages on the longer sheet edge. It is most suitable for portrait documents, to achieve a traditional book-like page flip.
Q: When Should I Use 'Flip on Short Edge'?
Best for: Landscape documents, brochures, and calendars.
Effect: Flips pages horizontally like a notebook.
Q: When should I use 'flip on a long edge'?
Best for: Portrait documents, books, and reports.
Effect: Turn pages vertically like a standard book.
Q: How to choose between short and long edges?
- Document orientation: Landscape: utilize short edge, portrait: utilize long edge.
- Reading style: In booklet-style turns, utilize a long edge.
- Binding style: In spiral-bound or top-bound prints, a short edge can be used.
Conclusion
The information above would have enlightened you on the flip between short edge vs long edge. Choosing between Flip on Short Edge and Flip on Long Edge depends on your document type and reading preference. Short edge suits landscape layouts, while long edge works best for traditional portrait documents. You should always test a sample print to ensure proper alignment.
