How to Operate a Copier

Your office's copy machine may perplex you.

Your office has several machines that help you complete work. You probably have access to a copier, a fax machine and a computer printer. Learning how to use these machines can be tricky, especially the first few times you use them. Your office's copy machine may be user-friendly and simple to use or it may appear to be very difficult to use. It may have just a few functions or it may have several. You need to know some general tips on how to operate a copier.

Things You'll Need

• Copier

Instructions

1. Load the document that you want to copy into the copier. Your copier may accept documents in one of two ways. You may have to lift its lid and place your document face down on its glass screen or you may have to load your document into a feeder or duplexer, which helps you make copies of double-sided documents. Some copiers have both a lid and a feeder, and you may use either one to make your copy. Follow the instructions on the machine for how to load your document.

2. Make sure your copier has blank paper on which it will print your copy. Most copiers flash a light near their control panels if they are out of paper. If your copier is out of paper, follow the instructions on its control panel screen to replace it. You will have to open a drawer and fit a stack of paper into a designated space.

3. Print your copy. Input the number of copies you would like to make on your copier's control panel screen and press print, which is a large green button on most copiers. Wait for your copy to print. Remember to remove your original document after your copy job is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your office manager how to use the copy machine. He or she will show you how to use it or can refer you to a someone else who can.

• Follow the instructions on your copier's control panel screen. They will tell you how to resize your document, print in color or black and white, and how to collate your documents, if your copier has these functions.

• If your copier jams, follow the instructions on its control panel screen for removing the paper jam. You will have to open at least one door and gently pull the paper out. If you aren't sure what to do, ask someone in your office for help or consult your copier's user's manual.

• If your copier isn't working and you don't know how to fix it, don't try to fix it by yourself. You or your manager may have to call a service technician.

References

• Digital Office Machines: "Copy Machine Guide"
• Canon: "Copy User Guide"