Effects — Print
Xerox / photocopy effect
Give photos the high-contrast, gritty look of a photocopier. Set the threshold, add toner noise and choose your ink and paper colours.
- Status
- Live
- Category
- Settings
- 4
What is the Xerox / photocopy effect?
Xerography, the dry photocopying process invented by Chester Carlson in 1938, turns images into rough black-on-white reproductions. Mid-tones either drop out to white or clog into solid black, and stray toner speckles leave a gritty texture.
This effect applies a threshold to turn the photo into high-contrast ink and paper, then adds noise for the dirty, degraded feel of a photocopy of a photocopy. It is a go-to look for punk flyers, zines, band posters and collage work.
Xerox / photocopy settings
- Threshold
- Noise
- Ink
- Paper
Best photos for it
- Faces and figures with strong lighting
- Street and documentary photos
- Collage, zine and flyer layouts
Tips for better results
- Tip 01
Adjust the threshold until the key shapes of your subject stay readable; small changes make a big difference.
- Tip 02
Add noise gradually. A little texture looks real, a lot hides the subject.
- Tip 03
Try a coloured ink on cream paper for a riso-meets-photocopy hybrid.
Common questions
Can I use colours instead of black and white?
Yes. Ink and paper are separate settings, so you can pick any ink and paper colour.
Similar effects
- HalftoneTurn photos into the dot patterns of newspapers and comics. Choose CMYK or mono, dot, square or line shapes, plus cell size and screen angle.Available
- MezzotintA grainy, velvety engraving look built from fine random noise. Adjust grain size and contrast, and pick your ink and paper colours.Available
- Riso overprintImitate two-colour risograph printing with overprinting inks, misregistration and paper grain. Pick any two inks and a paper colour.Available
Also searched as: Photocopy filter, Photocopier effect, Xerox effect.