Photocopying & Making Enlarged Copies

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated June 17, 2025
Teachers often enlarge printed materials for students with visual impairments with the best of intentions. However, over-enlarging can be counterproductive. The primary goal should be to use the least amount of magnification necessary to allow students to access the content, while also promoting independence and efficient use of materials.
For reading tasks, low vision devices (such as magnifiers or video magnifiers) are often the preferred method. These tools empower students to access all printed materials—not just pre-enlarged ones—and help build lifelong adaptive skills. However, for writing tasks (e.g., math worksheets, labeling diagrams or maps), enlargements are sometimes necessary to provide enough space for handwriting and to allow students to view finer details. ​

Instructional Tip by Grade Level

  • Preschool–Grade 2: Enlarged worksheets may be appropriate when developing early writing and visual-motor skills. Consider pairing with visual access tools.
  • Grades 3–5: Begin shifting to use of magnification tools for reading while reserving enlargements for diagrams, math, or crowded worksheets.
  • Grades 6–8: Encourage the use of assistive technology and low vision tools. Support students in learning how to advocate for accessible materials in multiple formats—such as annotating PDFs on a tablet using a notetaking app and smart stylus.
  • High School & Beyond: Prioritize independence through use of digital tools, magnification software, or alternate formats (e.g., digital text or audio). Avoid routine enlargements except when writing space is critical.

Tips for Making High-Quality Photocopies or Scans

To ensure that maps, charts, diagrams, and worksheets are usable:
  1. Clean the copier glass before use.
  2. Use fresh toner for clear, crisp output (when possible).
  3. Select “photo” setting for detailed images.
  4. Press down on book spines to reduce distortion in the center margin.
  5. Insert white paper between pages to block bleed-through from double-sided books.
  6. Align the original carefully so the copier doesn’t print a distracting black border.

Tips for Making Enlarged Copies on a Copier

When digital formats (Word or PDF) are unavailable, follow these steps for copier enlargement:
  1. Use 11x17 paper to allow the enlarged content to fit on one page.
  2. Load 11x17 paper into the bypass tray manually.
  3. Place the original horizontally, face down on the glass.
  4. Select “Reduce/Enlarge” → choose “Bypass” for paper source.
  5. Enter a zoom percentage (typically 135%).
  6. Press “OK” and print a test page.
  7. Reset the copier when finished.
Tip: Post a printed pictorial guide near the copier for quick reference. You can find a free version on the Program Printables page of my site.

​Important Considerations

  • Avoid excessive enlargement. Larger print isn't always better—it increases page count, reduces reading fluency, and limits access to spontaneous materials.
  • Use large print strategically. Reserve for materials where detail and space are needed (e.g., maps, diagrams, math problems with many steps).
  • Balance efficiency and skill development. Teach students to use magnification tools as early as possible to encourage independence.
"Photocopy enlarging should depend on the abilities, ages, and preferences of students. Large print should be the last choice when enlargement is effective, since it restricts the reader to only enlarged texts and takes time and money to produce." -Low Vision: A Resource Guide with Adaptations for Students with Visual Impairments. TSBVI p.91
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