Ultimate Showdown: Soft Copy vs. Hard Copy - Which is better?

What is soft copy?
What is hard copy?
What is the difference between Soft Copy and Hard Copy?
Which is better – Soft or Hard copy?

In this digital era, media outlets are choosing to publish and return work in soft copies instead of traditional hard copies. But what is the difference between these two and the million dollar question – Which is better??

We explore and explain the difference between soft copy and hard copy in this article. As for which wins the showdown? Read on!

Related must read: What is 5R Soft Copy?

hard copy canvas vs digital soft copy — Soft Copy vs Hard Copy photograph. Which is better?

What is Soft Copy?

A soft copy, aka electronic copy or digital copy, is a version of a document, photo or information that is stored and displayed on a computer or electronic device. It exists in a digital format and is not tangible.
Here are some key characteristics of a soft copy:

You can‘t phyically touch a soft copy
They can easily be edited using apps (example photoshop or any phone-apps)
They can easily be shared on WhatsApp or social medias (example Instagram or Facebook)
Some examples include Word documents, PDF files, email messages, websites, digital photos, and videos.

One can view a soft copy on electronic devices like computers, tablets or kindles.
Examples of soft copy formats: JPG / GIF / PDF / .doc / .xls / .pptx

explaining what is digital soft copies photographs — We can easily store multiple photographs in soft copy format in our phone, computer, iCloud or hard-disk.

What is Hard Copy?

A hard copy is a physical, tangible version of a document or information. It is printed or written on paper or another physical medium. Here are some key characteristics of a hard copy:

You can touch a Hard Copy
They cannot be edited by any apps (example photoshop of any phone apps)
They cannot be shared on WhatsApp or social medias
Examples: printed books, printed photographs, handwritten letters, newspapers, and documents like birth certificates or contracts.

Professional photographer showing off her printed canvas — A hard copy canvas for wall display.

What is the difference between Soft Copy and Hard Copy?

The main difference between soft copies and hard copies is the format in which information is stored and presented.
Soft copies are digital and exist on electronic devices, while hard copies are physical and tangible.

soft copy vs hard copy photo which is better — Hard Copy and Soft Copy both have their own pros and cons. There’s no better. It depends on one’s preferences and needs.

Which is better – Soft or Hard copy?

Each has its own Pros and Cons, and the choice depends on the specific needs and preferences.

Are you wishing to have a canvas to hang on the wall or needing photographs for your website?

A digital soft copy is much more versatile and enables you to print out multiple copies on many different medium (example one could print a coffee table book, a canvas or even novelty items such as a mug)
A hard copy is a finished product that is for your forever keepsake. A canvas makes a very beautiful gift for grandparents or a statement piece for your living room.

Here at Oh Dear Studio, offer both soft and hard copies.
Let‘s discuss more about your needs and preference!