How to Make Transparencies for an Overhead Projector

Whether lecturing in the classroom or just giving a presentation, transparencies on an overhead projector can help explain complicated subjects or give you a way to help those you are presenting to a way of following along with the content. The only difference between creating a transparency and a normal printout is the type of paper used.

Things You'll Need

• Transparency paper
• Printer
• Computer

Instructions

1. Check your type of printer. See if you have an ink-jet or laser printer before purchasing your transparency paper. This will make a huge difference in the quality of your prints.

2. Create your notes. You can do this in nearly any program. Microsoft PowerPoint and Word are just two of the programs you can use.

3. Make sure to use a larger font size and to allow enough space between your lines of text. This will make the print on your transparency considerably more legible.

4. Load your transparency paper into the printer. The transparency paper will usually indicate which side should face up.

5. Print your transparencies, and use them.

Tips & Warnings

• Test your printer on plain paper before using your transparencies. Transparencies can be expensive, and doing this will make sure that your printer is working correctly. To save money, you can also write out your notes on transparencies with a wet-erase marker. Doing this will allow you to reuse your transparencies. Simply wipe them off with water and a paper towel.

Resources

• Creating Transparencies on your PC --- Smart Computing