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Paperworks Paper Encyclopedia

Your Guide to Paper, Printing & Paper Converting

Welcome to the Paperworks Paper Encyclopedia, a growing resource for understanding paper.

Choosing paper can be confusing. What is the difference between text and cover weight? What does 80 lb paper actually mean? Should you use coated or uncoated paper? Will cardstock work in your laser printer? What are scoring and perforating?

The Paperworks Paper Encyclopedia is designed to answer those questions with clear, practical information for printers, graphic designers, businesses, publishers, educators, students, creative professionals, and anyone buying or printing on paper.

Paperworks has deep roots in the paper industry through Central Paper, founded in 1948. We are building this encyclopedia from decades of hands-on paper experience and will continue expanding and refining it with technical information, manufacturer specifications, recognized graphic-arts references, and the expertise of our own paper professionals.

Paperworks — We Are Paper Pros.

Search the Paper Encyclopedia

Search by paper type, weight, finish, printing method, application, or paper term.

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Paper Types

Learn about cardstock, cover paper, text paper, cotton paper, linen paper, parchment paper, synthetic paper, recycled paper, and other specialty papers.

Cardstock

Cardstock is heavier and generally more rigid than ordinary writing or text paper. It is commonly used when a printed piece needs additional strength, body, or durability.

Common applications include:

  • Invitations
  • Greeting cards
  • Postcards
  • Menus
  • Covers
  • Signs and displays
  • Marketing materials

Cardstock encompasses many different paper grades, finishes, thicknesses, and basis weights. Printer compatibility should always be checked before using heavier stock.

Related topics: Cover Weight | Paper Weight | Scoring | Printer Compatibility

Coated Paper

Coated paper has a surface coating designed to control ink absorption and create particular printing and surface characteristics.

Common coated finishes include:

Coated papers are frequently selected for brochures, catalogs, postcards, marketing pieces, and other applications where image reproduction is important.

Related topics: Gloss Paper | Dull Paper | Matte Paper | Digital Printing

Uncoated Paper

Uncoated paper does not have the surface coating found on coated printing papers. The exposed fiber surface generally provides a more natural tactile quality and different ink-holdout characteristics.

Uncoated papers are available in numerous colors, textures, weights, and finishes.

Common applications include stationery, books, forms, invitations, business communications, and general commercial printing.

Related topics: Text Paper | Cover Paper | Paper Finish | Ink Absorption

Parchment Paper

Printing parchment is a specialty paper designed to provide the visual character of traditional parchment while functioning as a modern paper product.

Its distinctive appearance makes it popular for:

  • Certificates
  • Awards
  • Menus
  • Invitations
  • Announcements
  • Specialty documents

Do not confuse printing parchment with culinary parchment paper used for baking.

Printer compatibility depends on the particular paper and printing equipment.

Related topics: Laser Printing | Printer Compatibility

Synthetic Paper

Synthetic paper is a paper-like printable material manufactured primarily from synthetic polymers rather than conventional cellulose fibers.

Depending on the specific product, synthetic papers can provide excellent resistance to water, tearing, grease, chemicals, and frequent handling.

Common applications include:

  • Restaurant menus
  • Outdoor documents
  • Maps
  • Instructions
  • Signs
  • Frequently handled materials

Paperworks carries synthetic products including SYNAPS, with specific grades designed for particular printing processes and applications.

Related topics: Printer Compatibility | Digital Printing

Cotton Paper

Cotton paper contains cotton fiber and is valued for its strength, tactile quality, and premium appearance.

It is frequently associated with:

  • Fine stationery
  • Invitations
  • Announcements
  • Certificates
  • Archival applications

The percentage of cotton fiber varies by product.

Related topics: Uncoated Paper | Linen Paper

Linen Paper

Linen-finish paper has a textured surface designed to resemble woven linen.

It is frequently used for stationery, presentations, invitations, certificates, and other pieces where texture is an important part of the design.

A linen finish describes the surface appearance and texture; it does not necessarily mean that the sheet is made from linen fiber.

Related topics: Linen Finish | Cotton Paper | Paper Finishes

Recycled Paper

Recycled paper contains fiber recovered from previously manufactured paper products.

Recycled content, color, finish, brightness, and printing characteristics vary considerably among products.

When recycled content is important to a project, check the manufacturer's specifications for the particular paper rather than assuming all recycled papers have the same composition.

Related topics: Uncoated Paper | Brightness

Understanding Paper Weight

Text weights, cover weights, bond weights, GSM, and caliper — and why 80 lb Text and 80 lb Cover are not the same paper.

Basis Weight

Paper weight is one of the most misunderstood areas of paper buying.

In the United States, paper is commonly described using basis weight, expressed in pounds. Basis weight is based on the weight of a specified number of sheets at the basic size established for that grade of paper.

Because different paper grades have different basic sizes, 80 lb Text and 80 lb Cover are not the same paper weight or thickness. That is why the word following the number — Text, Cover, Bond, Index — matters.

Related topics: GSM | Caliper | M-Weight

Bond and Writing Weight

Bond and writing papers are commonly used for correspondence, forms, and office applications.

Related topics: Basis Weight | Uncoated Paper

Text Weight

Text weights are commonly used for brochures, books, catalogs, flyers, and other commercial printing.

Related topics: Basis Weight | Cover Weight | Offset Printing

Cover Weight

Cover weights are heavier stocks commonly used for cards, covers, invitations, postcards, and other applications requiring greater rigidity.

Related topics: Cardstock | Basis Weight | Scoring

GSM

GSM means grams per square meter.

Unlike the U.S. basis-weight system, GSM measures the mass of one square meter of a paper. It provides a useful common measurement for comparing papers across different paper categories.

Related topics: Basis Weight | Caliper

Caliper

Caliper is the actual thickness of a sheet of paper.

Two papers with similar basis weights or GSM values can have different calipers because fiber composition, coatings, finish, density, and manufacturing processes affect thickness.

For applications where actual thickness matters, use the manufacturer's stated caliper rather than relying on basis weight alone.

Related topics: GSM | Basis Weight | Opacity

Quick Weight Category Comparison

Category Commonly used for Relative rigidity
Bond / Writing Correspondence, forms, office applications Lightest
Text Brochures, books, catalogs, flyers, commercial printing Light to medium
Cover Cards, covers, invitations, postcards Heaviest

Important: These are general guidelines only. Always verify the specifications of the individual paper and printing equipment before production. Detailed weight, GSM conversion, caliper, brightness, and paper size charts are in development and will be added to this section.

Related topics: Basis Weight | GSM | Caliper

Paper Finishes

Compare gloss, dull, matte, silk, satin, linen, and laid surfaces.

Gloss

Gloss-coated paper has a smooth, reflective surface. It is frequently selected when strong color reproduction and image detail are important.

Related topics: Coated Paper | Dull | Matte

Dull

Dull-coated paper provides a lower-glare surface than gloss while retaining the printing characteristics of a coated sheet.

Related topics: Coated Paper | Gloss | Silk and Satin

Matte

Matte papers provide a low-sheen or non-gloss appearance.

The exact meaning of "matte" can vary among manufacturers and paper grades.

Related topics: Coated Paper | Dull | Gloss

Silk and Satin

Silk and satin are terms generally used for smooth coated surfaces with a sheen between high gloss and matte.

Exact finish characteristics vary by manufacturer.

Related topics: Coated Paper | Gloss | Matte

Linen Finish

A linen finish creates a woven-looking texture on the surface of the paper.

Related topics: Linen Paper | Laid | Uncoated Paper

Laid

Laid paper displays a pattern of fine parallel lines associated with traditional papermaking.

Related topics: Linen Finish | Cotton Paper | Uncoated Paper

Printing Compatibility

Choosing a beautiful paper is only part of the decision. It also needs to work with the equipment being used to print it.

Laser Printing

Laser printers use toner and heat during the printing process. Papers used in laser equipment should be approved or suitable for that printing process.

When printing heavier stocks:

  • Check the printer manufacturer's specifications.
  • Confirm the maximum supported paper weight or thickness.
  • Select the correct media setting.
  • Use the recommended paper path or manual feed when appropriate.

A paper being cardstock does not automatically mean that every laser printer can handle it.

Related topics: Cardstock | Inkjet Printing | Caliper

Inkjet Printing

Inkjet printers apply liquid ink to the paper surface.

Ink absorption, surface treatment, coatings, and drying characteristics can substantially affect the final result.

A paper suitable for laser printing is not automatically optimized for inkjet printing.

Related topics: Laser Printing | Coated Paper | Uncoated Paper

Digital Printing

Production digital presses vary considerably in technology and paper requirements.

When selecting stock for commercial digital printing, check both the paper manufacturer's specifications and the press manufacturer's approved media requirements.

Related topics: Offset Printing | Coated Paper | Synthetic Paper

Offset Printing

Offset lithography transfers ink from a printing plate to a blanket and then to the paper.

A very broad range of coated and uncoated papers can be printed by offset, but ink, paper surface, drying requirements, and finishing operations should all be considered when selecting a stock.

Related topics: Digital Printing | Text Weight | Grain Direction

Paper Converting

Paper converting changes manufactured sheets into the size or configuration required for a particular job.

Custom Cutting

Custom cutting allows larger sheets to be cut into specific finished sizes.

Paperworks offers custom cutting on eligible products, allowing customers to purchase paper in sizes appropriate for their particular project.

Related topics: Scoring | Perforating | Grain Direction

Scoring

Scoring creates a controlled line in a sheet to help it fold more cleanly.

Scoring is particularly useful with heavier paper and cover stocks, where folding without a score may cause an uneven fold or cracking.

Related topics: Cover Weight | Cardstock | Custom Cutting

Perforating

Perforating creates a series of small cuts or holes that allows a portion of a sheet to be separated along a predetermined line.

Common applications include:

  • Tickets
  • Coupons
  • Forms
  • Remittance documents
  • Tear-off cards

Paperworks offers both perforated paper products and converting options for eligible papers.

Related topics: Scoring | Custom Cutting

Paper Glossary

Definitions for paper, printing, and graphic arts terms. Use the search box above to jump straight to a term.

Basis Weight
A traditional U.S. system for expressing paper weight based on the weight of a specified quantity of sheets at the basic size for that paper grade. See Basis Weight.
Brightness
A measurement of the amount of blue light reflected from a paper surface under standardized testing conditions. Brightness and whiteness are not the same measurement.
Calendering
A papermaking process in which paper passes through rollers to modify characteristics such as smoothness, thickness, and finish.
Caliper
The measured thickness of a sheet of paper. See Caliper.
Cardstock
A general term for heavier, more rigid paper stocks commonly used for cards, covers, and similar applications. See Cardstock.
Coated Paper
Paper to which a coating has been applied to alter surface and printing characteristics. See Coated Paper.
Cover Paper
A category of relatively heavy paper designed for applications requiring greater body and durability than typical text papers. See Cover Weight.
Digital Printing
Printing directly from digital data without the conventional printing plates used in processes such as offset lithography. See Digital Printing.
Finish
The surface characteristics of a paper, including smoothness, texture, and gloss. See Paper Finishes.
Grain Direction
The predominant direction in which fibers align during machine papermaking.
GSM
Grams per square meter, a measurement of paper mass per unit area. See GSM.
Inkjet Printing
A printing process in which droplets of liquid ink are deposited onto a substrate. See Inkjet Printing.
Laser Printing
An electrophotographic printing process that generally uses toner and heat to form the printed image. See Laser Printing.
M-Weight
The weight of 1,000 sheets of paper at a specified sheet size.
Offset Lithography
A printing process in which the image is transferred from a plate to a blanket and then to the printing surface. See Offset Printing.
Opacity
The degree to which paper prevents light and printing on the opposite side from showing through.
Perforation
A line of small cuts or holes designed to permit controlled separation. See Perforating.
Ream
A quantity of sheets of paper; in many commercial contexts a ream contains 500 sheets, although packaging quantities should always be verified.
Scoring
Creating a line or indentation in paper to facilitate folding. See Scoring.
Synthetic Paper
A printable paper-like substrate manufactured primarily from synthetic material rather than conventional cellulose fiber. See Synthetic Paper.
Text Paper
A category of printing paper commonly used for books, brochures, catalogs, and commercial printing. See Text Weight.
Uncoated Paper
Paper without the surface coating characteristic of coated printing grades. See Uncoated Paper.

A–Z Paper Index

Every term we plan to cover, in one place. Linked terms have an entry on this page today; the rest are planned entries that will be added as the encyclopedia grows.


A

  • Acid-Free Paper
  • Aqueous Coating
  • Archival Paper

E

  • Embossing
  • Envelope Paper

F

I

M

S

V

  • Vellum Paper

About the Paperworks Paper Encyclopedia

This is a living resource.

The Paperworks Paper Encyclopedia will continue to grow as we add detailed articles, product specifications, paper comparisons, printing guides, charts, terminology, and practical advice.

The information will also be reviewed and expanded with the knowledge of MRPAPER and other experienced Paperworks paper professionals, manufacturer technical data, and established graphic-arts resources such as The Pocket Pal, a long-standing introductory reference to the graphic arts.

As the encyclopedia grows, individual subjects will become dedicated pages connected to relevant Paperworks products and related educational topics.

Our objective is straightforward: help people understand paper and choose it with confidence.

Paperworks — We Are Paper Pros.