Soft copy definition
A soft copy refers to a digital version of a document, image, or video. Soft copies can be accessed through a computer or another digital device.
The benefits of soft copies
- Easy to transfer. Rather than moving boxes with physical documents, a soft copy can be sent to anyone in the world through the internet.
- Accessibility. Anyone can access a soft copy using a variety of devices like computers, tablets, and smartphones.
- Sustainability. Soft copies don’t need to be printed out and, as such, reduce waste.
- Searchability. While it may take days to go through paper documents, finding the right information in a soft copy can take mere seconds.
- Modifiability. A soft copy can be updated, edited, and saved much more easily and efficiently compared to hard copies.
- Saving space. Soft copies can be stored in a thumb drive, taking as little physical space as a matchbox.
- Accessibility. With the help of assistive technologies, soft copies can be adapted to the needs of different audiences and accessed by more people.
- Free and fast. The owner can make and distribute soft copies efficiently and without much cost.
- Backup. A person can back up their digital files in a couple of clicks.
See also: Managed file transfer
