Copy vs. Print — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 22, 2024
Copying refers to duplicating existing content, while printing involves producing content from a digital file onto a physical medium.
Difference Between Copy and Print
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Copying typically involves creating an exact replica of an original document using devices like copiers or scanners, whereas printing can include generating hard copies from digital files through printers.
Copies are often used for documents that need to be reproduced without alterations, such as reports or identification documents, while printed materials can range from books to photographs, allowing for versatile use.
In terms of equipment, copiers are specifically designed for replicating documents quickly and efficiently, on the other hand, printers are built to handle a variety of tasks including printing text, graphics, and photos from computers.
Copying usually limits you to the size and quality of the original document. Printing, however, offers flexibility in resizing, quality adjustment, and media type, depending on the printer’s capabilities.
The technology behind copying is generally simpler, focusing on duplicating what is already present, while printing technology can include sophisticated color management and layout options to enhance the final product.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Duplicates content
Produces content
Output Type
Same as original
Can be modified
Equipment Used
Copiers, scanners
Printers
Flexibility
Limited
High
Technology Complexity
Lower
Higher
Compare with Definitions
Copy
A facsimile of an original document.
She made a copy of her passport for the visa application.
Text in books, newspapers, etc., especially in contrast to illustrations or handwriting.
The print is too small to read without glasses.
Copy
The matter to be printed or published.
The editor reviewed the final copy before publication.
A mark made by pressing something onto a softer substance so that its outline is reproduced.
The detective found a clear print in the mud.
Copy
In broadcasting, material for spoken delivery.
The radio host read the copy live on-air.
The process or business of producing printed material.
They offer both digital and offset print services.
Copy
The act of reproducing text or graphics.
The office copier is used primarily for copying documents.
A hard copy of a document or picture produced by a printer.
She picked up the print of her presentation.
Copy
A version or edition of something; an imitation.
His new song sounds like a copy of a famous singer’s hit.
To write in letters like those commonly used in books.
His name was printed on the certificate.
Copy
A thing made to be similar or identical to another
The problem is telling which is the original document and which the copy
Produce (books, newspapers, etc.), especially in large quantities, by a mechanical process involving the transfer of text or designs to paper
A thousand copies of the book were printed
Copy
A single specimen of a particular book, record, or other publication or issue
The record has sold more than a million copies
Write (text) clearly without joining the letters together
Print your name and address on the back of the cheque
Copy
Matter to be printed
Copy for the next issue must be submitted by the beginning of the month
Mark (a surface, typically a fabric or garment) with a coloured design or pattern
A delicate fabric printed with roses
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
The text appearing in a book, newspaper, or other printed publication, especially with reference to its size, form, or style
Bold print
She forced herself to concentrate on the tiny print
Copy
Make a similar or identical version of; reproduce
Each form had to be copied and sent to a different department
An indentation or mark made on a surface or soft substance
There were paw prints everywhere
Copy
Imitate the style or behaviour of
Lifestyles that were copied from Miami and Fifth Avenue
Art students copied from approved old masters
A picture or design printed from a block or plate or copied from a painting by photography
The walls were hung with sporting prints
Copy
Hear or understand someone speaking on a radio transmitter
This is Edwards, do you copy, over
A piece of fabric or clothing with a coloured pattern or design printed on it
Light summer prints
A floral print dress
Copy
An imitation or reproduction of an original; a duplicate
A copy of a painting.
Made two copies of the letter.
A mark or impression made in or on a surface by pressure
The print of footsteps in the sand.
Copy
(Computers) A file that has the same data as another file
Stored on the server a copy of every document.
A fingerprint.
Copy
One example of a printed text, picture, film, or recording
An autographed copy of a novel.
A device or implement, such as a stamp, die, or seal, used to press markings onto or into a surface
Fancy letters made by hand-carved prints.
Copy
Material, such as a manuscript, that is to be set in type.
Something formed or marked by such a device.
Copy
The words to be printed or spoken in an advertisement.
Text, lettering, or other marks produced in ink from type as by a printing press or from digital fonts by an electronic printer
Needed glasses to read the print.
Copy
Suitable source material for journalism
Celebrities make good copy.
Printed state or form
A short story that never got into print.
Copy
To make a reproduction or copy of
Copied the note letter for letter.
Copied the file to a disk.
A printed publication or edition of a text; a printing
The first print of that book has sold out.
Copy
To follow as a model or pattern; imitate.
A design or picture transferred from an engraved plate, wood block, lithographic stone, or other medium
Had prints of flowers hanging on the walls.
Copy
To include as an additional recipient of a written communication
Please copy me when you reply to her.
A photographic image transferred to paper or a similar surface.
Copy
To make a copy or copies.
A copy of a movie made on film or in a high resolution digital format, as for public exhibition.
Copy
To admit of being copied
Colored ink that does not copy well.
A fabric or garment with a dyed pattern that has been pressed onto it, usually by engraved rollers.
Copy
To hear clearly or understand something said by radio communication
Mayday. Do you copy?.
The pattern itself
A blouse with a paisley print.
Copy
The result of copying; an identical duplicate of an original.
Please bring me the copies of those reports.
To press (a mark or design, for example) onto or into a surface
Tracks that were printed in the snow.
Copy
An imitation, sometimes of inferior quality.
That handbag is a copy. You can tell because the buckle is different.
To make an impression on or in (a surface) with a device such as a stamp, seal, or die.
Copy
(journalism) The text that is to be typeset.
To press (something, such as a stamp) onto or into a surface to leave a marking.
Copy
(journalism) A gender-neutral abbreviation for copy boy.
To produce by means of pressed type, an electronic printer, or similar means, on a paper surface
Printed more copies of the ad.
Copy
The output of copywriters, who are employed to write material which encourages consumers to buy goods or services.
To offer in printed form; publish
The publisher collected the essays and printed them as a book.
Copy
(uncountable) The text of newspaper articles.
Submit all copy to the appropriate editor.
To reproduce (a digital document or image) on a paper surface
Printed the email.
Copy
A school work pad.
Tim got in trouble for forgetting his maths copy.
To convert (a digital document) into a file format designed for publication.
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.
To write (something) in characters similar to those commonly used in print.
Copy
Writing paper of a particular size, called also bastard.
To impress firmly in the mind or memory
An experience that will be printed in our hearts forever.
Copy
(obsolete) That which is to be imitated, transcribed, or reproduced; a pattern, model, or example.
His virtues are an excellent copy for imitation.
To produce a photographic image from (a negative, for example) by passing light through film onto a photosensitive surface, especially sensitized paper.
Copy
(obsolete) An abundance or plenty of anything.
To produce (an electronic component) by mechanically transferring a circuit or circuit pattern onto a nonconductive surface.
Copy
(obsolete) copyhold; tenure; lease
To fabricate (an object) by means of a 3D printer.
Copy
(genetics) The result of gene or chromosomal duplication.
To work as a printer.
Copy
(transitive) To produce an object identical to a given object.
Please copy these reports for me.
To produce something in printed form by means of a printing press or other reproduction process.
Copy
(transitive) To give or transmit a copy to (a person).
Make sure you copy me on that important memo.
To write characters similar to those commonly used in print.
Copy
To place a copy of an object in memory for later use.
First copy the files, and then paste them in another directory.
To produce or receive an impression, marking, or image
The negative printed poorly.
Copy
(transitive) To imitate.
Don't copy my dance moves.
Mom, he's copying me!
Published or reproduced by printing, especially in contrast to electronic publication
A print newsletter.
Copy
(radio) To receive a transmission successfully.
Do you copy?
Relating to or involved in media based on printing, especially newspapers and magazines
A print journalist.
Copy
An abundance or plenty of anything.
She was blessed with no more copy of wit, but to serve his humor thus.
Of, relating to, or writing for printed publications.
A print edition of a book
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.
(transitive) To produce one or more copies of a text or image on a surface, especially by machine; often used with out or off: print out, print off.
Print the draft double-spaced so we can mark changes between the lines.
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.
To produce a microchip (an integrated circuit) in a process resembling the printing of an image.
The circuitry is printed onto the semiconductor surface.
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.
(ambitransitive) To write very clearly, especially, to write without connecting the letters as in cursive.
Print your name here and sign below.
I'm only in grade 2, so I only know how to print.
Copy
Manuscript or printed matter to be set up in type; as, the printers are calling for more copy.
(ambitransitive) To publish in a book, newspaper, etc.
How could they print an unfounded rumour like that?
Copy
A writing paper of a particular size. Same as Bastard. See under Paper.
(transitive) To stamp or impress (something) with coloured figures or patterns.
To print calico
Copy
Copyhold; tenure; lease.
(transitive) To fix or impress, as a stamp, mark, character, idea, etc., into or upon something.
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.
(transitive) To stamp something in or upon; to make an impression or mark upon by pressure, or as by pressure.
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.
To display a string on the terminal.
Copy
To make a copy or copies; to imitate.
To produce an observable value.
On March 16, 2020, the S&P printed at 2,386.13, one of the worst drops in history.
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.
(transitive) To fingerprint (a person).
Copy
A reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)
(uncountable) Books and other material created by printing presses, considered collectively or as a medium.
Three citations are required for each meaning, including one in print.
TV and the Internet haven't killed print.
Copy
A secondary representation of an original;
She made a copy of the designer dress
(uncountable) Clear handwriting, especially, writing without connected letters as in cursive.
Write in print using block letters.
Copy
Matter to be printed; exclusive of graphical materials
(uncountable) The letters forming the text of a document.
The print is too small for me to read.
Copy
Material suitable for a journalistic account;
Catastrophes make good copy
(countable) A newspaper.
Copy
Copy down as is;
The students were made to copy the alphabet over and over
A visible impression on a surface.
Using a crayon, the girl made a print of the leaf under the page.
Copy
Reproduce someone's behavior or looks;
The mime imitated the passers-by
Children often copy their parents or older siblings
A fingerprint.
Did the police find any prints at the scene?
Copy
Biology: reproduce or make an exact copy of;
Replicate the cell
Copy the genetic information
A footprint.
Copy
Make a replica of;
Copy that drawing
Re-create a picture by Rembrandt
(visual art) A picture that was created in multiple copies by printing.
(photography) A photograph that has been printed onto paper from the negative.
(film) A copy of a film that can be projected.
Cloth that has had a pattern of dye printed onto it.
(architecture) A plaster cast in bas relief.
To fix or impress, as a stamp, mark, character, idea, etc., into or upon something.
A look will print a thought that never may remove.
Upon his breastplate he beholds a dint,Which in that field young Edward's sword did print.
Perhaps some footsteps printed in the clay.
To stamp something in or upon; to make an impression or mark upon by pressure, or as by pressure.
Forth on his fiery steed betimes he rode,That scarcely prints the turf on which he trod.
To strike off an impression or impressions of, from type, or from stereotype, electrotype, or engraved plates, or the like; in a wider sense, to do the typesetting, presswork, etc., of (a book or other publication); as, to print books, newspapers, pictures; to print an edition of a book.
To stamp or impress with colored figures or patterns; as, to print calico.
To take (a copy, a positive picture, etc.), from a negative, a transparent drawing, or the like, by the action of light upon a sensitized surface.
To use or practice the art of typography; to take impressions of letters, figures, or electrotypes, engraved plates, or the like.
To publish a book or an article.
From the moment he prints, he must except to hear no more truth.
A mark made by impression; a line, character, figure, or indentation, made by the pressure of one thing on another; as, the print of teeth or nails in flesh; the print of the foot in sand or snow.
Where print of human feet was never seen.
A stamp or die for molding or impressing an ornamental design upon an object; as, a butter print.
That which receives an impression, as from a stamp or mold; as, a print of butter.
Printed letters; the impression taken from type, as to excellence, form, size, etc.; as, small print; large print; this line is in print.
That which is produced by printing.
A core print. See under Core.
The result of the printing process;
I want to see it in black and white
A picture or design printed from an engraving
A visible indication made on a surface;
Some previous reader had covered the pages with dozens of marks
Paw prints were everywhere
A copy of a movie on film (especially a particular version of it)
A fabric with a dyed pattern pressed onto it (usually by engraved rollers)
A printed picture produced from a photographic negative
Put into print;
The newspaper published the news of the royal couple's divorce
These news should not be printed
Write as if with print; not cursive
Make into a print;
Print the negative
Reproduce by printing
Common Curiosities
Are copies and prints the same quality?
No, copies usually match the original's quality, while print quality can vary based on the printer's settings and capabilities.
What can you do with a printer that you can’t do with a copier?
Printers can handle various tasks like printing photographs, making adjustments in size, and using different types of media.
Can a printer also function as a copier?
Yes, many modern printers include copying functions.
What is digital printing?
Digital printing refers to methods of printing from a digital-based image directly to a variety of media.
What type of equipment is needed for copying?
Copiers or multifunction devices with copying capabilities are required.
What is the main use of copying?
Copying is primarily used for duplicating an existing physical document.
What's cheaper, copying or printing?
Generally, copying is cheaper, especially for high-volume tasks.
Can both copying and printing be done wirelessly?
Yes, modern devices often support wireless operations for both functions.
How has digital technology affected the use of copiers and printers?
Digital technology has enhanced the capabilities of both, with printers benefitting significantly from advancements in digital imaging and color technology.
Can copying include color?
Yes, color copiers can replicate documents in color.
What are the environmental impacts of copying and printing?
Both can have significant environmental impacts, particularly in terms of paper usage and ink disposal.
Which is faster, copying or printing?
Copying is typically faster when dealing with simple, direct duplicates of existing documents.
What are some tips for efficient copying and printing?
Optimize document layout, use appropriate quality settings, and ensure regular maintenance of the equipment for best results.
How do I choose between copying and printing?
The choice depends on the nature of the task – copying for exact duplicates, printing for more varied and potentially high-quality outputs.
Is there a difference in maintenance between copiers and printers?
Yes, printers, especially those designed for high-quality outputs, may require more complex maintenance.
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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.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
