The Ultimate Guide to Printer Paper
Printer paper is an essential part of any office or home. It is used for a variety of tasks, such as printing documents, making copies, and creating flyers.
There are many different types of printer paper available, each with its own unique properties. When choosing printer paper, it is important to consider the type of printer you have, the type of document you are printing, and the desired outcome.
For example, if you are printing a document that will be photocopied, you will want to use a paper that is designed for high-copy volume. If you are printing a photo, you will want to use a photo paper that is designed to produce high-quality prints.
This article will discuss the different types of printer paper available, as well as the factors to consider when choosing paper for your needs.
We will also provide a few tips on how to get the most out of your printer paper.
By the end of this article, you will be an expert on printer paper and will be able to choose the right paper for your needs.
Paper weight and thickness
Paper weight in the UK is measured in grams per square meter (gsm). The higher the gsm, the thicker the paper.
A sample sheet cut to one square meter in size is taken to measure the weight of the paper, regardless of its length or width. Paper with a lower gsm weight will be lighter and thinner than paper with a higher gsm, which is heavier, thicker, and more durable.
| Weight (GSM) | Recommendation |
|---|---|
80 | Perfect for everyday use - This is the most popular weight |
90 | Ideal for colour printing and internal presentations. |
100 | Most popular for executive documents, presentations and mailings. |
120 | High-quality paper for presentations, flyers, leaflets and menus. |
160 | Lightweight card for arts, crafting and other specialist projects. |
Paper sizes
The most common paper sizes in the UK for printing are A3, A4 (210 x 297 mm), A5 and A6.
| Paper Size | Width x Height (mm) | Width x Height (inches) |
|---|---|---|
A1 | 594 x 841 | 23.4 x 33.1 |
A2 | 420 x 594 | 16.5 x 23.4 |
A3 | 297 x 420 | 11.7 x 16.5 |
A4 | 210 x 297 | 8.3 x 11.7 |
A5 | 148 x 210 | 5.8 x 8.3 |
A6 | 105 x 148 | 4.1 x 5.8 |
A7 | 74 x 105 | 2.9 x 4.1 |
A8 | 52 x 74 | 2.0 x 2.9 |
A9 | 37 x 52 | 1.5 x 2.0 |
A10 | 26 x 37 | 1.0 x 1.5 |
Types of Printer Paper
There are many different types of printer paper available, each with its own unique properties. Some of the most common types of printer paper include:
Multipurpose paper
Multipurpose paper is a general-purpose paper that can be used for a variety of tasks, such as printing documents, making copies, and creating flyers. It is typically made from wood pulp and has a smooth surface.
Multipurpose paper is a good choice for everyday printing needs. It is relatively inexpensive and offers good performance. However, it is not the best choice for printing high-quality documents or photos.
Inkjet paper
Inkjet paper is specifically designed for use with inkjet printers. It has a special coating that helps to prevent ink from smudging or bleeding. Inkjet paper is available in a variety of weights and colours.
Inkjet paper is a good choice for printing documents with a lot of colour or images. It is also a good choice for printing photos.
Laser paper
Laser paper is specifically designed for use with laser printers. It has a smooth surface that helps to produce high-quality prints. Laser paper is available in a variety of weights and colours.
Laser paper is a good choice for printing documents that will be photocopied or scanned. It is also a good choice for printing documents that will be used for long-term storage.
Cardstock
Cardstock is thicker and heavier than regular paper. It is often used for making greeting cards, invitations, and other projects that require a sturdy paper. Cardstock is available in a variety of weights and colors.
Cardstock is a good choice for projects that require a high-quality finish. It is also a good choice for projects that will be handled frequently.
Photo paper
Photo paper is specifically designed for printing photos. It has a high-gloss finish that helps to produce vibrant, lifelike prints. Photo paper is available in a variety of weights and colours.
Photo paper is a good choice for printing photos that will be displayed or framed. It is also a good choice for printing photos that will be used for marketing or promotional purposes.
Speciality paper
Speciality papers are designed for specific purposes, such as printing photos or creating greeting cards. They are often more expensive than standard papers, but they can be worth the investment if you need a paper that meets specific requirements.
Speciality papers are available in a variety of colours, textures, and finishes. They can be used to create unique and eye-catching documents.
Choosing the Right Paper
When choosing printer paper, it is important to consider the type of printer you have, the type of document you are printing, and the desired outcome. For example, if you are printing a document that will be photocopied, you will want to use a paper that is designed for high-copy volume. If you are printing a photo, you will want to use photo paper that is designed to produce high-quality prints.
Printer Paper Specifications
The following are some of the most important specifications to consider when choosing printer paper:
Weight
The weight of paper is important because it affects the way the paper handles in your printer. A heavier paper will be more difficult to feed through your printer, but it will also be more durable and less likely to jam.
If you are printing documents that will be photocopied or scanned, you will want to use a paper that is designed for high-copy volume. These papers are typically lighter in weight to make them easier to feed through the copier or scanner.
If you are printing photos or other documents that require a high-quality print, you will want to use a paper that is heavier in weight. These papers will produce crisper, more vibrant prints.
Material
The material of paper is made from wood pulp, recycled materials, or a combination of both. The type of material used will affect the feel and appearance of the paper.
Paper made from wood pulp is typically white and has a smooth surface. It is the most common type of paper used for printing documents.
Paper made from recycled materials is typically off-white or brown and has a rougher surface. It is often used for printing documents that do not require a high-quality print.
Brightness
The brightness of paper is measured on a scale of 1-100. A higher brightness number indicates a brighter paper.
Brightness is important because it affects the way the paper reflects light. A brighter paper will reflect more light, making it easier to read.
If you are printing documents that will be read in low-light conditions, you will want to use paper that is high in brightness.
Size
The size of paper is measured in millimetres or inches. The most common paper sizes are A4 (210 x 297 mm), A3 (297 x 420 mm), A5 (148 x 210 mm) and A6 (105 x 148 mm).
The size of paper is important because it affects the compatibility of the paper with your printer. Make sure to choose a paper that is the correct size for your printer.
Colour
The colour of paper is typically white, but it is also available in a variety of other colours. The colour of the paper will affect its appearance.
If you are printing documents that will be used for marketing or promotional purposes, you may want to use paper that is a different colour than white.
Premium
Premium papers are made from higher-quality materials and offer better performance than standard papers. They are often used for printing documents that require a high-quality print.
Premium papers are typically more expensive than standard papers. However, they can be worth the investment if you need to print high-quality documents.
Opacity
The opacity of paper is measured on a scale of 1-100. A higher opacity number indicates a more opaque paper.
Opacity is important because it affects how easily you can see through the paper. A more opaque paper will be less likely to show through on the other side of the page.
If you are printing documents that will be photocopied or scanned, you will want to use paper that is high in opacity.
Laser
Laser paper is specifically designed for use with laser printers. It has a smooth surface that helps to produce high-quality prints.
Laser paper is typically more expensive than standard paper. However, it can be worth the investment if you need to print high-quality documents with a laser printer.
Speciality Paper
Speciality papers are designed for specific purposes, such as printing photos or creating greeting cards. They are often more expensive than standard papers, but they can be worth the investment if you need a paper that meets specific requirements.
Speciality papers are available in a variety of colours, textures, and finishes. They can be used to create unique and eye-catching documents.
In conclusion, there are many different types of printer paper available, each with its own unique properties. When choosing printer paper, it is important to consider the type of printer you have, the type of document you are printing, and the desired outcome.
By taking the time to choose the right paper for your needs, you can ensure that your prints are of the highest quality.
Printer Paper Tips
Here are a few additional tips to help you get the most out of your printer paper:
- Store your paper in a cool, dry place.
- Avoid exposing your paper to direct sunlight or moisture.
- Use the correct type of paper for your printer.
- Use the correct settings for your printer.
- Clean your printer regularly.
By following these tips, you can help to extend the life of your printer paper and produce high-quality prints.
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