Analog machine reproduction
This tool converts your image into a fake photocopy scan using a monochrome paper-and-ink rendering model. It recreates the crushed blacks, faded paper tones, and mechanical imperfections of a worn office copier. The effect combines tonal remapping with mechanical artifacts like vertical transport streaks and dirty paper noise. It is ideal for punk zines, DIY posters, and archival mockups. While it shares some visual traits with a crt scanlines effect, this tool focuses strictly on print and toner damage rather than digital screens.
Toner and tonal breakdown
Exposure shifts the underlying image darker or lighter before the copy treatment, while Contrast controls how aggressively the tones separate. Toner Crush forces the image into a harsher black-and-paper threshold, reducing subtle details into chunky, machine-printed areas.
Start with curated presets like Clean Office, Editorial Zine, or Fax Nightmare. If your result feels too photographic, increase the Toner Crush rather than just pushing the contrast. This creates the specific graphic separation that defines a true photocopier look.
Scan lines and machine damage
Line Strength and Line Density control the horizontal banding that simulates a struggling scanner or broken fax feed. Lower density creates wide, segmented bands, while higher density packs the lines tightly, similar to a crt scanlines effect.
To make the copy feel physically damaged, increase Vertical Streaks to mimic dragged toner and dirty rollers. Dust & Paper Noise adds tiny black specks and imperfect paper texture. You can use these controls to create anything from a soft archival document to a completely destroyed print, or push the contrast to extremes for graphic silhouettes that work well with neon outlines.