The invention describes a method for preventing the loss of portions of a copied image when output media having edge disturbances, or virtual edge disturbances, are used. Such media can include hole-punched paper, transparencies with non-imaging stripes, or paper that will be hole punched at a later time. Image loss may be minimized or prevented by reducing or offsetting the image. When output media with an edge disturbance is detected, an image forming apparatus can adjust the images to compensate for the disturbances.