INTRODUCTION
    The use of transparency film (also called transparencies, overheads, or acetates) appeals to the visual learner, the largest group of adult learners. Compared to high tech presentation tools, transparency films are inexpensive, easy to produce, and effective for both novice and experienced presenters. Nearly every office or conference facility will have access to an overhead projector to view and enlarge the films.
    Transparencies are recommended for audiences of up to 80 persons, although lighting and other venue factors may expand or limit the effective audience size. Mastering transparencies and overhead projectors provides plenty of opportunity to add ZIP! to your presentation portfolio.

Types of Transparency Film
    Selecting the correct type of transparency depends on how you will use the film. Your three choices are direct printing, copying, or write-on transparencies.
    For printing directly onto transparencies, select film for either ink jet printers ($0.66-$0.80/sheet) or laser printers ($0.38-$1.20/sheet). When copying onto transparencies, use film specifically for plain paper copiers ($0.20-$0.30/sheet). Because the imaging process is different for each of these three options, the transparencies are not interchangeable.
    Printer and copier manufacturers and model numbers are listed on the film packaging. It is helpful to make a note of your equipment and/or film product number for future purchases. Transparencies are commonly available in black image on clear (or no color). Some transparency manufacturers offer film in colors (blue, green, red, and yellow) and clear with color borders (blue, green, and red). Try the color transparencies for cartoons and the clear films with color borders if you do not have a color printer.
    Clear write-on film ($0.10/sheet) is priced to use once and discard. Special overhead or transparency markers are available in great colors ($7.00 for a set of 8). Write-on film is too thin for any kind of direct printing or copying that uses heat or which passes through equipment. It will melt or jam in your printer or copier

Preparing Transparencies
    Transparencies are like blank pieces of paper. If you can see it on paper, you can put it on a transparency. The important factor is the size of the text or image. When projected, it must be readable from the farthest point in the room. A quick and easy test is to give your transparency to someone who is unfamiliar with the content. Have them place it on the floor in front of their feet. Ask them to stand up and read all the text. If they can not read it, neither can your audience.
    Word processing software and clip art are the basics for creating exciting transparencies. Here are some suggestions:

	Design a consistent look. Create a header or a frame on every transparency. Use your company's logo.
	Use color. Use a color printer! Color ink jet printers start at less than $200.00. Text looks best in black, but try another dark color for headings or key words. Color should emphasize, not distract.
	Include clip art. Find a clip art image that reinforces your content. Size it to balance with your text and place it in an outside corner. Our clip art drawings are usually 1/8 the size of the area inside the margins.
	Select a print font. Consider our 7 to 9 Rule: No more than seven words per line and nine text lines per transparency. This uses a 28-point font and 1.5 line spacing. Anything smaller and it may be unreadable to your audience. Limit your text to no more than two fonts.

Protecting and Storing Transparencies
    Depending on the humidity in your area, films printed on an ink jet printer need to dry for a few minutes before major handling. Fingerprints will show on the films so handle them like your father's LP records - by the edges.
    Protect and store your films by using either a flip-frame style protector sleeve ($0.40- $1.20 each) or cardboard mounting frame ($0.24 each), both specifically designed for use with transparency film. Flip-frame protectors are lighter and less bulky than cardboard frames but also less sturdy. The protectors are three-hole punched for storage in a three-ring binder. You can write on the protectors with water soluble transparency markers while preserving your original films.
    Both flip-frame protectors and cardboard frames block out extraneous projector light and create a border around the transparency. Avoid using standard three-hole plastic sleeves that are designed for other purposes. They show projector light that is distracting.