Here are some secrets of the trade known only to those who work in copy centers. These tips will help you improve results and have fewer problems when using copiers.
Steps
Step 1. Select the best paper for the job
General copies (for home use or for drafts) can be printed on 20 lb paper. It uses inkjet paper for inkjet copiers and laser paper for laser machines. You can also use multipurpose paper, as it works with different types of machines. The 24 lb paper is good for more professional and business documents. Photo or glossy paper is best for photos. The weight or thickness of the paper can be 20; 22; 24; 28; 32; 50-60 lb +.
Step 2. Verify that the package indicates the highest lightness number so that the paper is the whitest
The numbers range from 84 to 100. Many of today's papers are acid-free, but check the label to be sure.
Step 3. With your hands, gather in a pile and arrange the papers that you will use for the copies and verify that no ends are protruding, bent, have staples, are torn or loose
Smooth paper passes easily through the machine and is less likely to jam or get damaged.
Step 4. Place the copies in the top tray (usually print side or side up) or place the document on the glass (print side or side down) next to the arrow
On the sides, there are paper size guides that can help you. Fits the tray to the paper size. If the document that you are going to photocopy is small, place a white paper behind it so as not to waste extra ink or that the copy comes out with gray or white shadows.
Step 5. Choose the correct tray or drawer from which the copier will remove the paper
Most copiers can use letter size (8.5x11) legal (8.5x14) or ledger (11x17) paper. There is also a side input tray for heavy paper, such as photo, glossy or card stock. Do not put this type of paper in the lower tray, as it will jam and could damage the copier. This paper should feed slowly and after you have selected the settings for card stock, photo paper, or heavy paper. Transparent papers must also be put in this tray and have special settings on the machine. Since transparent papers (such as projection paper) are light, the machine will not recognize them unless you select the transparency settings from the copier.
Step 6. Choose the lightness and darkness by pressing a button
Newspaper clippings, black and white copies, and photos will need clarification. Light text, light colors, and pencil drawings will need to be darkened to show through.
Step 7. Use the photo settings on the copier
This will give better details.
Step 8. Check for proper settings if you want your copies to be automatically sorted, stapled, or punched out
Some copiers have settings for these functions.
Step 9. Remember that copies come out best when the original is light pastel or white; instead, copies are gray and difficult to read if the originals have deep colors (red, green, purple, blue)
Use light originals for printing on colored paper.
Step 10. Clean the glass or use proofreader on the original document before copying to avoid spots and smudges on copies
Step 11. Select the number of copies or sets you need
Step 12. Press the button to photocopy (normally, it is green)
If something goes wrong, there is usually a red button to stop the process, but it will take a few seconds for the machine to stop. If the copier needs more information, an error message will appear. If the paper is jammed, the machine will point out the area and probably instruct you to remove the jammed paper and continue.
Step 13. Change the copier settings if the copy doesn't come out the way you want
Sheets that have been ripped from a notebook (torn edges) can be moved or there may be a button to adjust the margin for a better copy.
Advice
- If a photo is very red (old or faded), you can lower the magenta color in the copy settings. The option is probably included in the hue or color saturation settings. Cold adds more blue, while warm adds more red. Special red-eye pens (look for them in a store's photo or camera area) can be used to darken the eyes in photos.
- If you want to make a copy of a newspaper or magazine article with images on the back that can appear as ghost images in your copies, you must first place your original on the copier glass. Then put something dark (or red, since copiers see red as black or dark gray) on top of the document before closing the cover. This will even wash out the back colors and prevent ghost images from appearing on your prints.
- Use correction tape, correction fluid, or white sticky paper on the areas you don't want to show up in your prints. Make sure to always glue the edges well to prevent anything from peeling off on the copier.
- Some copiers have book mode or are capable of copying multiple images onto a single sheet. Check the copy options to reduce and enlarge the size if you need it.
- The copies are as good as the original. If your original is fine, then your copies will be too. If the original is too dark, has typographical errors, or has poor quality photos, the copier will not be able to fix it. Use another document or photo. Damaged photos can be scanned and edited using computer software.
Warnings
- If you are photocopying transparencies, be sure to use ones that are specially made for photocopying. Cheaper transparencies will melt inside the copier and you will have to change the cylindrical drum. Depending on the copier, it will cost you around $ 500 to $ 3000.
- Let the concealer dry completely before taking a copy. Otherwise, the liquid will stick to the copier glass and cause smudges to appear on copies. Also, it is difficult to remove the correction fluid from the glass.
- You need to remove staples, tape, torn sheets, etc. or fix them before making copies. Any loose ends or torn edges will get caught in the machine and damage the original document. Also, staples can scratch the copier glass.
- Books, magazines, record covers, sports cards, and other items that can be purchased are often copyrighted. Please check the front and back face or bottom of the product to verify copyright information. Government forms, driver's licenses, passports, and other legal documents probably have special copying regulations. Check the laws of your country or locality. These products should not be photocopied unless the information says it is allowed. Copy centers are not allowed to print things without written or other permission from the person who created the product or item. In some circumstances, teachers, students and the media may print some sheets of the product or article. This is known as "fair use." Check all of this before photocopying.
- Photos with poses or studio photos are also copyrighted by the photographer or company (even if you bought them) and usually indicate 'do not copy' on the back. Some photographers allow you to buy the copyright so you can use the photos however you want.