what is hard copy

A hard copy is a physical printout or document that can be held in ones hands, and is a tangible representation of information or data that can be seen and touched. It is a permanent reproduction of any media suitable for direct use by a person, such as paper, of displayed or transmitted data. Examples of hard copies include teleprinter pages, continuous printed tapes, computer printouts, and radio photo prints. In contrast, a soft copy is an electronic copy of some type of data, such as a file viewed on a computers display or transmitted as an email attachment. When printed, a soft copy is referred to as a hard copy. The distinction between hard and soft copies is important in business and academic settings, where documents are often created electronically but must be printed for review or to serve as a permanent record. Some reasons why one might need a hard copy include wanting a physical copy of important documents for safekeeping or legal purposes, or when sharing information with others who may not have access to digital devices. While hard copies are useful, they can consume paper and ink or toner, which may have associated costs and environmental impacts. Additionally, the quality of a hard copy is limited by the resolution of the printer and the type of paper used.