An Idiot's Guide to Using Copy Machines

Copy machines have been known to confuse and perplex, and with good reason; they are some of the most technologically fickle pieces of equipment known to man. They are, however, extraordinarily useful, and are great to reproduce any item, document, photograph, whathaveyou. Some copiers even have more complicated features and can be more daunting for the new office worker.

1. On: If the copier is off, you will have to turn it on. Some copiers require a password or awake mode, from a power conserving sleep. Usually pressing the Copy button will wake it up.

2. Paper: Having paper in the copy machine tray is necessary to operating your copier. If you are using a smaller copier, then it is probably on the front end of the machine. Standard copier paper is 8 ½ x 11 inches, so if you want to copy an address on an envelope, or if you have a larger paper size, you will have to resize the paper tray accordingly.

3. The document you want to copy should be placed under the lid of the copier, and on a glass panel. On the glass panel are lines that will dictate the length and width of the document you want to copy. Figure out how it aligns with the guiding lines. Close the lid.

4. Choose how many copies: On the control panel, where the buttons and maybe a small LCD screen are, you should be able to choose how many copies you desire. Using arrows or a type pad, after you do this the next step is sizing.

5. Sizing: If you want to enlarge or reduce the size of your copied document, you can do so by finding the corresponding button. Remember that it will copy on the paper you have inserted. If you are copying an ID or passport, you may want a larger copy, but if the document is blown up too big, it may be foggy or impossible to read. On the screen of your office copiers you may be able to see a digital readout of the document you want copied on the paper.

6. Special Features: Double sided copying, copying two copies on the same page, collate, holes punched, and stapling options are all extra and you should ask someone at work or consult a copy machine instruction manual to learn exactly how to use these features.

7. Copy: Choose black and white or color if you're working with color copiers. Press the start button on your office copiers, and watch the copies slide onto the tray. Usually the button is green and the tray is on the side or bottom of the color copiers.

This isn't rocket science, but it can be trick if you're a novice. If my article leaves you confused, don't be afraid to ask someone how to work your office copiers.