Laminating Pictures: Skip the Laminator

There are some simple, easy alternatives to laminating pictures for your classroom visuals. Busy teachers and classroom staff will love these quick options.

Teachers love laminators. It’s probably more accurate to say they love having their visual tools laminated to preserve them from kids who are very creative in their ability to chew, bend, rip or tear classroom visual tools.

There’s something satisfying about slipping a paper into the sleeve, sending it through the machine, and feeling like it’s now “official.” But here’s the truth: not every classroom visual needs to be laminated. In fact, sometimes there are better options.

Lamination has its place, especially for items that need to last through lots of handling. But for many everyday schedules, and activity cards, there are plenty of practical alternatives. These options can save you time, money, and the frustration of trying to cut through stiff plastic.

The Myth of the “Perfect” Picture Size

Many teachers use 2-inch pictures for visuals, mostly because you can neatly fit 20 on a page when printing. It feels efficient. But here’s the reality: there’s no significant research that says 2-inch visuals are the “magic” size.

Some of the earliest work with communication boards relied on small pictures. The goal was to fit the largest number of choices onto a single display. That made sense for AAC at the time—but it doesn’t mean small symbols are always best.

Today, 2-inch visuals have become almost a tradition. Teachers print them, cut them, and laminate them in that basic 2" size them because “that’s what everyone does.” But don’t be afraid to veer from the standard. If a student benefits from larger pictures, or even a mix of sizes, that’s not only acceptable—it’s best practice.

I’ve looked for research to verify the use of 2” pictures and I haven’t found anything substantial.  I did find one piece of research recently that concluded “physical image dimension can affect image memorability,” however, the research didn’t have any real connection to special education.

What matters most is that students can see and interpret the pictures clearly. The real “magic” is choosing the size that helps your student understand and use the visual successfully.

The burden of laminating

Classroom staff often spend hours printing, laminating, and cutting out visuals. Then the supplies run out—laminating pouches, sheets, replacement blades—and the costs add up. It feels like the “only way,” but it doesn’t have to be.

Consider this: some people even buy manila folders and then laminate them. But there are plastic (poly) folder options that already provide durability without extra lamination. Choosing the right material from the start can save a lot of effort.

And remember, sometimes the issue isn’t just money—it’s time and efficiency. School staff are busy enough without spending hours at the laminator.

Alternatives to Laminating

The Bottom Line

Before you laminate, ask yourself: Does this really need to be laminated? If not, one of these protective options might be a better choice.

Using sleeves, holders, or plastic folders makes it easier to update visuals, change pictures, and adapt to new routines—all without dragging out the laminator.

And remember—there’s nothing magical about 2-inch visuals or laminated finishes. The real goal is to create tools that students can see, understand, and actually use.

One more thing

Refrigerator magnet clips work really well to hold these alternate picture holders on the the fridge, filing cabinets, magnetic dry erase boards and other spots.

Sometimes laminating is the needed option for classroom visuals, especially many schedule pictures. But consider these options for laminating other pictures and visual tools to be part of your visual strategies toolbox.

Pro Tip: Consider not only your student’s needs but also your own time and efficiency when choosing picture sizes and supplies. Sometimes the simplest solution isn’t to laminate at all.