Photocopy vs. Copy — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 31, 2023
A photocopy is a duplicate made using a photocopier, while a copy can be any reproduction of a document or information.
Difference Between Photocopy and Copy
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A photocopy refers specifically to a reproduced document made by a photocopying machine that uses light and toner to create an exact replica of the original paper. The term 'photocopy' implies the use of a particular technology for duplication. On the other hand, 'copy' is a more general term that encompasses any version or reproduction of an original item, which can be produced by various methods, including hand copying, printing, or digital duplication.
When you photocopy something, you are engaging a process that involves scanning and printing, typically resulting in a physical document that is a visual duplicate of the original. A copy, however, may not always be a physical object; it can refer to digital reproductions like files copied on a computer or duplications of a performance or artwork.
The act of photocopying is often associated with documents and less so with other forms of media. It's a specific action that results in a tangible copy of a flat document. Copying, conversely, has broader applications; you can copy text, music, computer data, and more, in both tangible and intangible forms.
Photocopies are used to create a direct replica without any changes, maintaining the integrity of the original's appearance. However, copies can be modified or formatted differently from the original, as the term does not necessarily imply a direct or exact replica. The intention behind making a copy can vary from preservation, dissemination, or even alteration.
The word 'photocopy' is also used as both a noun and a verb and is directly associated with the process and the outcome of photocopying. Copy can also be used as a noun and a verb but has a wider range of meanings, including imitating or reproducing something or someone in various contexts, not limited to paper documents.
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Comparison Chart
Method of Production
Uses a photocopier machine.
Can be produced by hand, machine, or digitally.
Context
Specifically for documents.
Applies to a wide range of media and information.
Physicality
Results in a tangible, physical document.
Can be either physical or digital.
Fidelity
Usually an exact visual duplicate.
Can vary, may not be an exact duplicate.
Associated Action
Scanning and printing process.
Any method of duplication or reproduction.
Compare with Definitions
Photocopy
A machine for making photocopies
The photocopy machine is out of toner.
Copy
A single specimen of a particular book, record, or other publication or issue
The record has sold more than a million copies
Photocopy
A duplicate made by a photocopier
Please make a photocopy of your passport.
Copy
An instance of duplicating text
She wrote a copy of the poem in her notebook.
Photocopy
The act of duplicating with a photocopier
Photocopying the handouts took longer than expected.
Copy
Materials for printing or publication
The editor reviewed the copy before the deadline.
Photocopy
To reproduce a document using a photocopier
I need to photocopy these forms for the meeting.
Copy
To imitate or mimic
The child liked to copy his older brother's actions.
Photocopy
A paper replica of an original document
She handed out photocopies of the agenda.
Copy
A thing made to be similar or identical to another
The problem is telling which is the original document and which the copy
Photocopy
To make a photographic reproduction of (printed or graphic material), especially by xerography.
Copy
Matter to be printed
Copy for the next issue must be submitted by the beginning of the month
Photocopy
A photographic or xerographic reproduction.
Copy
A blank booklet or notebook used for schoolwork
You need a stock of exercise copies, A4 refill pads, and maths copies
Examinees will not be allowed to take pens, copies, or water bottles inside the test centre
Photocopy
A copy made using a photocopier.
Copy
Make a similar or identical version of; reproduce
Each form had to be copied and sent to a different department
Photocopy
To make a copy using a photocopier.
Copy
Imitate the style or behaviour of
Lifestyles that were copied from Miami and Fifth Avenue
Art students copied from approved old masters
Photocopy
A photographic copy of written or printed or graphic work
Copy
Hear or understand someone speaking on a radio transmitter
This is Edwards, do you copy, over
Photocopy
Reproduce by xerography
Copy
An imitation or reproduction of an original; a duplicate
A copy of a painting.
Made two copies of the letter.
Copy
(Computers) A file that has the same data as another file
Stored on the server a copy of every document.
Copy
One example of a printed text, picture, film, or recording
An autographed copy of a novel.
Copy
Material, such as a manuscript, that is to be set in type.
Copy
The words to be printed or spoken in an advertisement.
Copy
Suitable source material for journalism
Celebrities make good copy.
Copy
To make a reproduction or copy of
Copied the note letter for letter.
Copied the file to a disk.
Copy
To follow as a model or pattern; imitate.
Copy
To include as an additional recipient of a written communication
Please copy me when you reply to her.
Copy
To make a copy or copies.
Copy
To admit of being copied
Colored ink that does not copy well.
Copy
To hear clearly or understand something said by radio communication
Mayday. Do you copy?.
Copy
The result of copying; an identical duplicate of an original.
Please bring me the copies of those reports.
Copy
An imitation, sometimes of inferior quality.
That handbag is a copy. You can tell because the buckle is different.
Copy
(journalism) The text that is to be typeset.
Copy
(journalism) A gender-neutral abbreviation for copy boy.
Copy
The output of copywriters, who are employed to write material which encourages consumers to buy goods or services.
Copy
(uncountable) The text of newspaper articles.
Submit all copy to the appropriate editor.
Copy
A school work pad.
Tim got in trouble for forgetting his maths copy.
Copy
A printed edition of a book or magazine.
Have you seen the latest copy of "Newsweek" yet?
The library has several copies of the Bible.
Copy
Writing paper of a particular size, called also bastard.
Copy
(obsolete) That which is to be imitated, transcribed, or reproduced; a pattern, model, or example.
His virtues are an excellent copy for imitation.
Copy
(obsolete) An abundance or plenty of anything.
Copy
(obsolete) copyhold; tenure; lease
Copy
(genetics) The result of gene or chromosomal duplication.
Copy
(transitive) To produce an object identical to a given object.
Please copy these reports for me.
Copy
(transitive) To give or transmit a copy to (a person).
Make sure you copy me on that important memo.
Copy
To place a copy of an object in memory for later use.
First copy the files, and then paste them in another directory.
Copy
(transitive) To imitate.
Don't copy my dance moves.
Mom, he's copying me!
Copy
(radio) To receive a transmission successfully.
Do you copy?
Copy
An abundance or plenty of anything.
She was blessed with no more copy of wit, but to serve his humor thus.
Copy
An imitation, transcript, or reproduction of an original work; as, a copy of a letter, an engraving, a painting, or a statue.
I have not the vanity to think my copy equal to the original.
Copy
An individual book, or a single set of books containing the works of an author; as, a copy of the Bible; a copy of the works of Addison.
Copy
That which is to be imitated, transcribed, or reproduced; a pattern, model, or example; as, his virtues are an excellent copy for imitation.
Let him first learn to write, after a copy, all the letters.
Copy
Manuscript or printed matter to be set up in type; as, the printers are calling for more copy.
Copy
A writing paper of a particular size. Same as Bastard. See under Paper.
Copy
Copyhold; tenure; lease.
Copy
To make a copy or copies of; to write; print, engrave, or paint after an original; to duplicate; to reproduce; to transcribe; as, to copy a manuscript, inscription, design, painting, etc.; - often with out, sometimes with off.
I like the work well; ere it be demanded(As like enough it will), I'd have it copied.
Let this be copied out,And keep it safe for our remembrance.
Copy
To imitate; to attempt to resemble, as in manners or course of life.
We copy instinctively the voices of our companions, their accents, and their modes of pronunciation.
Copy
To make a copy or copies; to imitate.
Copy
To yield a duplicate or transcript; as, the letter did not copy well.
Some . . . never fail, when they copy, to follow the bad as well as the good things.
Copy
A reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)
Copy
A secondary representation of an original;
She made a copy of the designer dress
Copy
Matter to be printed; exclusive of graphical materials
Copy
Material suitable for a journalistic account;
Catastrophes make good copy
Copy
Copy down as is;
The students were made to copy the alphabet over and over
Copy
Reproduce someone's behavior or looks;
The mime imitated the passers-by
Children often copy their parents or older siblings
Copy
Biology: reproduce or make an exact copy of;
Replicate the cell
Copy the genetic information
Copy
Make a replica of;
Copy that drawing
Re-create a picture by Rembrandt
Copy
A replica of an original
He kept a copy of the signed contract.
Copy
To reproduce information
Copy the files onto the hard drive.
Common Curiosities
What exactly is a photocopy?
A photocopy is a duplicate of a document made by a machine that uses light to copy the original onto paper.
Can any written material be copied?
Yes, written material can be copied by hand, photocopied, or digitally duplicated.
Can a copy be in color or only black and white?
A copy can be in color or black and white, depending on the method used.
Does photocopying degrade over time?
Photocopies may degrade if exposed to light, heat, or chemicals over long periods.
Is photocopying the same as scanning?
No, photocopying produces a physical copy, while scanning creates a digital image of a document.
Do photocopies use ink or toner?
Photocopies typically use toner, which is a powder, not ink.
What is a digital copy?
A digital copy is an electronic duplicate of a document, image, or file.
What is meant by "hard copy"?
A hard copy is a physical copy of a document, as opposed to a digital version.
Is copying a book always legal?
Copying a book may infringe on copyright laws unless it's for fair use or with permission.
Can digital documents be photocopied?
Digital documents need to be printed first before they can be photocopied.
Can photocopies be made double-sided?
Yes, many photocopiers have the option to make double-sided photocopies.
Can I copy a document's format?
Yes, you can replicate the format of a document in both physical and digital copies.
How can I make a copy of a video?
You can make a copy of a video by duplicating the file digitally or copying it onto another physical media.
Is photocopy a trademark?
No, 'photocopy' is not a trademark; it's a generic term for a type of document duplication.
Are photocopies acceptable as legal documents?
Photocopies may be accepted for some purposes, but not for others where original documents are required.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
