photocopying

Making paper copies

Photocopying is making copies of documents or images using a machine that scans the original and reproduces it on paper.

The term covers both the process and the activity: I spent the morning photocopying contracts.

Though digital scanning has reduced its dominance, photocopying remains standard for quick paper duplicates in offices and libraries.

technology

xerography

Dry electrostatic copying process

electrophotographyImaging via charged photoconductors
photostatPhotographic document copy
mimeographingStencil-based document reproduction

lithography · digital · laser · inkjet · LED · thermal

equipment

xerox

Duplicate via machine

copierMachine reproducing documents
machinePower-driven working device
tonerImaging powder or facial astringent

cartridge · drum · platen · glass · feeder · tray · sorter · finisher · scanner · multifunction

process

duplicating

Creating exact copies

copyingReproducing something exactly
reproducingCreating copies or offspring
scanningSystematic visual examination

collating · enlarging · reducing · stapling · binding · laminating · feeding · jamming · queue · batch

output

duplicate

Exact replica of original

facsimileExact reproduction of original
reproductionCopying or procreation
printoutPhysical copy from device

document · page · collation · original · master · hardcopy

Categories

copierscopier, duplicator, reproducer, multifunction printer, xerography
servicescleaning services, streaming, delivery services, salon, bellhop
printingprinting press, letterpress, printing, lithographers, offset printing
reproductionreproduction, birth, baby, egg, sperm
computer labscomputer labs, computers, desktops, workstations, desktop computers
drudgerychores, housework, grunt work, busywork, drudgery

Opposites

document reproduction method

photocopyingscanning

Systematic visual examination

digitizing · printing · faxing · handwriting · digital archiving

originality of creation

photocopyingoriginal composition

Freshly created artistic piece

authoring · creating · originating · drafting · writing

Family

copy, photo, photocopy, photocopier, photocopied, photocopies, photocopiers, photocopiable

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G