43
votes
Accepted
How do I redact information when my black marker isn't "wet" enough, and the information shows through my blackouts?
If you are able to make copies of the forms, create a digital copy instead. Then you can "black out" the information digitally with any photo editor or your favorite PDF software. Replace the target ...
- 6,655
28
votes
How do I redact information when my black marker isn't "wet" enough, and the information shows through my blackouts?
Make a regular copy, then cut out the redacted information on the copy before you send it.
- 1,884
18
votes
What is the most efficient way to fold a map?
After some research, I have found another great way to fold a map, called the Miura fold.
The Miura fold comprises just two steps. In the first one, you fold the map in 5 parts, like a long accordion....
- 744
16
votes
Accepted
What is the most efficient way to fold a map?
I like to fold a map in half and then maybe in half again (in the same direction) until the general area I am interested in is available on the front and back side of that strip. Then I'll fold that ...
- 6,655
14
votes
Accepted
Physical Text To Digital Text
Use an android phone and the "Google Lens." feature recently added to the photos app and the camera photo review scrwwn.
OCR via Google Lens is pretty amazing and accurate beyond any OCR software I'...
- 529
13
votes
Accepted
How to avoid paper sticking together in a printer?
Just before printing, remove the paper from the printer and fan it to prevent the paper from sticking. One of the sources I reviewed said that in an arid environment, fanning could cause sticking due ...
- 4,330
13
votes
How do I redact information when my black marker isn't "wet" enough, and the information shows through my blackouts?
Put some opaque tape over the sensitive information before making your copy. You could try masking tape or electrician's tape. You might not want to use the auto paper feed on your copier because ...
- 1,884
13
votes
Is there any way to restore faded receipts?
Scan the receipt with a computer scanner, or even photograph it in a very even light with a cell phone, then use image editing software to enhance the contrast of the image. With this workflow, I ...
- 9,790
12
votes
Alternatives to using writing paper for writing practice
I use a sheet of Magic Water Painting Paper by Kuretake. It costs about $5 Canadian for an 8½" x 11". It can be ordered online. I have been using the same sheet taped to a piece of plexi-glass for ...
- 14.1k
10
votes
Accepted
Unwrinkle paper
One thing you might try is to iron it. It works pretty well, but you have to be careful, or you might end up burning it. Generally, you put a piece of fabric over it and iron it gently to avoid ...
- 2,060
9
votes
What can be used ( instead of / for ) a plastic straw?
My favorite solution is actually no tool - having observed the surge of drinks that get served with a straw, I still remember when it was perfectly acceptable to drink either out of a glass, cup or ...
- 3,195
9
votes
How can I prevent a receipt from fading?
Some receipts are printed on a thermal printer. This does not use ink, but heat to blacken the special thermal paper. If you leave the receipt where sunlight falls on it, it heats up the paper which ...
- 4,440
9
votes
Accepted
How do I refold a paper reference guide when I can't tell what order the folds go in?
Take a good look at the folds: each of them have a direction (up or down). That tells you a lot. You have to follow the existing folds (fold in the same direction).
For instance, the vertical fold ...
- 6,274
8
votes
Optimal tissue blowing strategy?
Don't crumple; Fold.
...And fold carefully. Fold over or in half the soiled part once or twice and then re-use the dry area. Do that as many times as you might need. Maybe 2-4 times per tissue.
- 251
7
votes
How can I remove gel (?) Ink from a book?
If all your attempts at removal fail or you do indeed damage the paper in an attempt at doing so, I suggest what I would have probably done instead of writing directly into the book:
Use a matching (...
- 3,195
7
votes
Accepted
How to make sure a document stays long term readable?
Have a look to this document about archiving instructions for state archives in Geneva municipalities: RECUEIL DE DIRECTIVES POUR L'ARCHIVAGE DANS LES COMMUNES GENEVOISES. On page 10, chapter 6. The ...
- 186
7
votes
Accepted
How can I clean my papers from someone's coughs?
Bake your notes in a pre-heated oven for a few minutes.
According to what virology online, 56°C / 133°F for 15+ minutes — hardly enough to do any damage to your notes that you'd notice.
Here's more…
...
- 14.1k
6
votes
Alternative to White-Out
Literal cut & paste a piece from a matching sheet of paper and align with the paper's pattern if necessary.
- 161
6
votes
How to create lock on notebook?
Get a small padlock. Drill out or punch a hole through the notebook edge that is a bit bigger than the padlock's shank (the curving part, also called the shackle). You then can lock it at will. If you ...
- 225
6
votes
Accepted
How to write with a pen upside down?
Good that you mentioned astronauts in one of comments, because this reminded me some myth that cosmonauts used to use pencils while NASA spent lot of money on creating spece pen
This article says ...
- 548
6
votes
Accepted
Fuse / patch two papers side-by-side without noticeable seam?
Turn the ticket over and work on the back.
First, clean the desk where you will work. Use good lighting in your work area. Wash your hands thoroughly.
Carefully match the two pieces and join them ...
- 14.1k
6
votes
Physical Text To Digital Text
You can do this in stages. Start with putting everything online as page scans and updating as and when you can. The cerlox™ plastic comb binding makes taking it apart and putting it back into the ...
- 14.1k
6
votes
Accepted
What chemicals to use to whiten recycled paper
There is no white dye that you can add to your wood-pulp slurry to whiten it. Any and all dyes will only make it appear darker.
Bleach is used to whiten paper the same way it is used to whiten your ...
- 14.1k
6
votes
Alternatives to using writing paper for writing practice
Make an infinitely re-useable sheet of logogram paper.
Here's how:
Take a single sheet of printed grid paper to a local "Repro-Copy/Insta-Copy" print shop and get a same-size copy made on acetate ...
- 14.1k
5
votes
How to avoid paper sticking together in a printer?
I know this is an old question but other people may still be coming across it (like I did). As the previous answer indicated, fanning is usually a good way to prevent paper from sticking together. ...
- 151
5
votes
Accepted
How to separate paper from college block?
Depending on how far the block is used, try to fold the paper on the tear line. Use your nail or the back of a pen / pencil.
- 752
5
votes
Accepted
How to create lock on notebook?
You don't say what you consider expensive, but a quick search shows quite few locking notebooks that fall under $20 and some of them are less than $10.
Product Search: Locking Notebooks under $20
...
- 6,655
5
votes
Accepted
Alternative to White-Out
I've used three techniques in the past for this kind of thing.
Wipe it off. If the surface is relatively non-absorbant, then a wet-wipe should be able to lift the pen off. I've saved miswritten ...
- 406
5
votes
How do I redact information when my black marker isn't "wet" enough, and the information shows through my blackouts?
Take a copy of the document, cut out the sections you want to redact. Put a blank sheet of paper behind it (optionally with black behind the holes, according to how you want the redacted sections to ...
- 150
5
votes
Accepted
How to hold together large packet of paper
Use binder clips:
They hold tightly, are relatively inexpensive, are available in large sizes and cause minimal damage to the paper (they do not puncture it as staples do).
- 596
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