How to Use the Document Feeder and Copy on a Multifunction Laser Printer

01Overview

The copy function turns a multifunction laser printer into a small photocopier, and the automatic document feeder (ADF) lets it handle a stack of pages without you lifting the lid for each one. This guide covers how to load the feeder correctly, make single and multiple copies from a multifunction laser printer, use two-sided copying where your model supports it, and avoid the feeder jams that make copying frustrating.

Copy menus differ a lot between models. Printers with touchscreens usually have a Copy app with settings; printers with buttons may have a single copy key and a few options. Use your manual for exact names.

02Before you start

• Prepare the originals. Remove staples, paper clips and sticky notes, flatten folded or curled pages, and separate pages stuck together.
• Check what the feeder accepts. The manual lists the paper sizes, weights and maximum number of sheets for the ADF. Very thin, very thick, glossy, torn or wrinkled pages should go on the glass instead.
• Load plain paper in the tray. Copies print from the paper tray, just like printed documents.
• Clean the glass. Wipe the scanner glass and, if your manual shows one, the narrow scanning strip used by the feeder.

03Key terms

• ADF (automatic document feeder): the tray that feeds originals through the scanner one page at a time.
• Duplex copying: making two-sided copies, or copying two-sided originals. Not every model supports every combination.
• Collate: printing multiple copies as complete sets (1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3) instead of grouped pages (1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3).
• Reduce/enlarge: scaling the copy to a different size, for example fitting a larger page onto Letter paper.
• Density: how dark or light the copy prints.

04Make copies step by step

1. Place the originals. For the feeder, square the stack, fan it gently and place it in the ADF as the tray label shows (face up is common, but check). Slide the guides to touch the edges. For the glass, place one page face down against the corner marker and close the lid.
2. Open the copy function. Press Copy on the control panel or open the Copy app on the touchscreen.
3. Set the number of copies. Enter how many copies you need.
4. Choose settings if needed. Common options include color or black only (on color models), two-sided, collate, reduce or enlarge, and density. Leave settings at their defaults for a first test.
5. Start the copy. Press Start, Copy or the equivalent. Watch the first page come through the feeder. Did the first copy look right? If yes, let the rest run. If it is crooked or cut off, stop the job, realign the originals and try again.
6. Collect originals and copies. Originals exit the feeder into its output area; copies come out of the printer’s main output tray.

05Two-sided copying and better results

1. Check your model’s options. Many multifunction printers can copy one-sided originals onto both sides of the paper. Copying two-sided originals automatically needs a feeder that can scan both sides; otherwise the printer may ask you to turn the stack over.
2. Use the glass for difficult originals. Receipts, photos, book pages and damaged paper copy more reliably on the glass.
3. Adjust density for faint originals. If the original is light, a darker density setting can help. If copies have a gray background, try lighter.
4. Clean the feeder strip if lines appear. Lines that show on feeder copies but not glass copies usually come from dust on the narrow scanning strip.
5. Save toner on drafts. If your printer offers a toner save or draft option for copies, use it for internal drafts and turn it off for documents you hand to other people. Check the result on the first page before copying the full stack.

06Check that it worked

1. The number of copies matches what you asked for, collated the way you wanted.
2. Copies are straight, complete and the right size, with no cut-off edges.
3. Text is crisp and the background is clean.
4. Originals came through the feeder undamaged and in order.
5. If anything jammed, see how to clear a laser printer paper jam safely, and for marks on copies see streaks and smudges on laser prints.

07When to contact the manufacturer

Contact the manufacturer through its official support site if:

• The document feeder repeatedly jams or pulls several pages at once with paper it supports.
• Copies show the same mark or line after cleaning the glass and the feeder strip.
• The printer reports a scanner or feeder error that the manual doesn’t resolve.
• The feeder’s rollers or cover appear damaged.

08FAQ

Why does my document feeder pull in several pages at once?

Pages may be stuck together, curled, damp or over the feeder’s limit. Fan the stack, flatten the pages and load fewer at a time. Worn feeder rollers can also cause it; the manual says whether they can be cleaned.

Can I copy without a computer?

Yes. Copying is done entirely by the multifunction printer, so it works even when no computer is connected.

Why are my copies lighter than the original?

The density setting may be low, toner save may be on, or the toner may be running low. Try a darker density setting first, then check the toner level.

Can I copy a two-sided document automatically?

Only if your model supports duplex scanning in its feeder. Otherwise, the printer may guide you to copy one side, then turn the stack over.

Why is the edge of my copy cut off?

The original may not be aligned with the corner marker, or the copy size may not match the paper. Realign the page or use the reduce or fit-to-page option.