Non-print equipment & services: Making transparencies

Making an ink jet transparency

1. Be sure to use ink jet overhead transparency film.
2. Place several sheets of paper in the feed tray of the ink jet printer. Put a mark on top of the top sheet of paper and then print something on it to determine the correct orientation for the ink jet film.
   (Most ink jet printers print on the bottom of the paper as it is placed in the tray.)
3. Put the film on top of the paper in the feed tray. Be sure to orient the film so that the image is printed onto the frosted side.
   If the film has a paper feed strip on one end, be sure that the end with the strip feeds into the printer first.
4. Allow the overhead to dry completely before touching the printed surface.

Making a laser printer or photocopier transparency

1. Be sure to use photocopier or laser printer overhead transparency film.
2. Place the film on top of several sheets of paper in the feed tray of the copier or printer. If the film has a paper feed strip, put it on top of the end of the film that feeds first.
3. Print or photocopy as you would if making a paper copy.

Making a thermal transparency
Single film

1. Ensure information on paper original is carbon based.
2. Place thermal film on top of original with clipped corner (if film has one) in upper right.
3. Adjust heat setting if necessary.
4. With film on top, insert materials into slot on copier.
5. After copy exits from bottom of machine separate the original from the thermal copy.

Double film

1. Do not separate the two films.
2. Ensure information on paper original is carbon based.
3. Place both films on top of original with the thin film closest to the original.
4. Adjust heat setting on machine if necessary.
5. With films on top, insert materials into slot on copier.
6. After copy exits from bottom of machine separate the original from the thermal copy.
7. Remove and discard thin film.