hard copy
3 synonyms and 3 antonyms for hard copy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A printed version of a document or image on paper, as opposed to a file held on a computer.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use hard copy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Neutral; standard in offices and official correspondence.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between hard copy and soft copy?
A hard copy exists on paper and can be held; a soft copy is the electronic file, such as a PDF or Word document. The soft copy can be edited and emailed, the hard copy cannot.
Is hard copy one word or two?
Two words as a noun: please print a hard copy. It is often hyphenated when used before another noun, as in hard-copy submission.
Do people still ask for hard copies?
Yes. Courts, immigration offices, banks and many employers still require paper originals or signed printouts, so the term remains in daily administrative use.