Photocopy With A Printer – A Simple Guide

Many modern printers can effectively handle making copious amounts of photocopies, effectively removing the need to head to a copy shop. Making photocopies using a printer is relatively easy and straightforward. First, ensure the printer has a scanner attached to it or that it’s a multifunctional device with scanning capabilities. Next, open the lid of the scanner and place the item that needs to be copied face down on the glass plate. After that, adjust the settings of the printer according to your needs and press the ‘Scan’ button. Once the scan is complete, open the output tray and place a stack of blank paper on it. Finally, select the ‘Print’ option from the menu, and watch your copies print out.

Now, this is not the same as scanning a photo from a printer to a computer. That’s a different article. So, for a more detailed walkthrough, keep reading.

What Printers Can Make Photocopies?

Only printers with a dedicated photocopy function can handle making photocopies. In most cases, you will want to choose a multifunction or all-in-one printer, otherwise known as an MFP. However, some traditional printers can handle simple photocopy jobs. To make photocopying even simpler for you, you can make any printer wireless, as shown in this guide.

Each printer features a unique interface and process to go about making photocopies. We have assembled some universal tips and guidelines to follow to get you up and running. Printing a poster-sized image using a regular printer from home is also easy.

Check Your Printer’s Specs

Before you make photocopies with a printer, you will want to ensure that the printer itself is up to the task. Check your printer’s instructions for any mention of a photocopier feature. If you have lost the instruction manual, we recommend making a quick Google search. To restate, multifunction and all-in-one printers typically have a photocopying function, whereas traditional laser and inkjet printers do not. However, this is not a universal rule, as some standard printers can make photocopies.

Follow the Photocopy Process

Multi-function printers will usually, though not always, include a dedicated interface for making photocopies. Find this interface and power it on, navigating your specific menu to allow for making photocopies. Again, thousands of printers are out there, and the specific instructions will differ from model to model. **If you are having difficulty accessing the photocopy feature of your printer, check out some YouTube tutorials or Google your specific make and model. **

Make the Copies

Now it is time to actually make some photocopies. The process will vary depending on your actual printer, but it will normally start by placing the document you need to be copied on the printer’s platen. The platen is a flat glass surface that allows for scans, faxes, and photocopies. Once that has been achieved, head into your photocopy interface and set the number of copies you wish to make. Close the lid of your printer and push start. In a few moments, your copies should be ready to go.

If Your Printer Cannot Make Photocopies

If your printer cannot handle photocopies, like the HP OfficeJet 3830, you can always simply set the printer to make a multitude of duplicate copies of a particular document. This will achieve a similar result.

Consequently, photocopies do use up ink, so make sure you know how to dispose of printer cartridges once they’re empty.

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