What distinguishes a hard copy from an electronic copy in documentation?

The distinction between hard copies and electronic copies lies primarily in their physical form. A hard copy refers to a version of a document that is printed on paper and exists in a tangible form that can be held and manipulated in the physical world. This format is important for situations where official signatures or physical distribution are necessary, as well as when individuals need a permanent record that does not rely on technology for accessibility.

On the other hand, electronic copies exist in digital form, stored on computers, servers, or cloud services. While these can be easily shared and edited, they are dependent on technology to access and cannot be physically interacted with in the same way as hard copies. The reasons why hard copies may be preferred can include ease of annotation, the need for a physical signature, or a lack of access to the necessary technology for electronic formats.