Abstract: A system for providing a hard copy machine with a variety of cut sheet media trays having differing sheet stack capacities is demonstrated. A tray selector mechanism is provided in the media tray docking bay of the hard copy machine. Each tray is provided with sheet separating and picking devices and an interface coupling for engaging the tray devices to the tray selector mechanism. In the exemplary embodiment, a full height tray, that is one which occupies the entire docking bay, allows a maximum capacity of a single media type to be loaded for use in making hard copies. A number of smaller, lesser capacity trays can be substituted for the full height tray in the docking bay, each having a different media type. The tray selector mechanism is then operative to select between the lesser capacity trays on end user demand. A default position of the tray selector mechanism is provided.