Guide to Printer Papers

Printer paper is designed to hold printer ink or toner better than general-purpose paper. It is also brighter to enhance color and contrast, and more durable to withstand mechanical handling. It comes in letter, legal, and A4 sizes, as well as larger formats for posters and publications.

Copier paper

Copier paper is used for photocopiers that print with powder or liquid ink. It is ideal for large-volume and routine printing jobs.

Inkjet paper

Inkjet paper absorbs liquid ink quickly to minimize blotting and spreading. It is thicker than copier paper and provides better contrast and sharper text.

Laser paper

Laser paper is designed to work with laser powder toners. It can also withstand the high temperatures produced by laser printers.

Thermal paper

Thermal paper either absorbs dyes from thermal ribbons or changes color when exposed to heat. It is usually thin, slippery, and sold in rolls or continuous forms.

Photo paper

Photo paper is meant for high-resolution and full-color prints. It is available in different finishes such as matte, standard gloss, and high gloss.

Specialty paper

Specialty paper is used for non-standard sizes such as envelopes, paper rolls, and business cards. Some types are designed for special-purpose devices like bar code and thermal printers.

Brightness rating and whiteness. Brightness ratings define how well the paper reflects light, while whiteness simply refers to the shade. Choose printer paper with a high brightness rating for color prints for more vibrant colors. For text documents, look for pure white paper to increase contrast and make them more readable.

Weight. Look for stiff, heavy printer paper to reduce the risk of jamming. Note that heavy paper is not necessarily thicker, so check the weight in grams instead of just feeling the sheet with your hand.

Admin Ezine
Dell