Scan, print, and copy — what’s the difference?
Plain-English explanations for everyday computer terms. No jargon, no assumptions.
Printing takes a file (something saved on your computer, such as a document) and turns it into paper. Scanning takes paper and turns it into a file on your computer. Copying turns paper into more paper, without a computer at all.
A printer, scanner, and copier can look like the same machine, but each does a different job. Printing takes something from your computer screen and puts it on paper. Scanning takes something on paper and turns it into a file on your computer. Copying skips the computer completely — paper goes in, and more paper comes out.
- Printing: choose “Print” on your computer, and the printer produces a paper copy of what’s on your screen.
- Scanning: place paper on the glass, press scan, and an image of that paper appears on your computer.
- Copying: place paper on the glass, press copy, and paper comes out directly — no computer involved.
- Most home printers handle all three jobs using the same machine.
If you want to email a paper page to someone, you need to scan it first. Copying alone won’t get it onto your computer.
Next time you use your printer, look at its buttons — you’ll usually see separate ones for Print, Scan, and Copy.