PRINTER PAPER

Types of printer paper

Choose multipurpose paper for printers and copiers. As much as we depend on our smart devices—phones, tablets, computers—to get us through the day, there's no escaping the need for paper, especially in an office. Printer paper, copier paper, computer paper: Companies often need a variety of paper types on hand for office needs. But having a supply at the ready doesn't mean you have to overpay for all your printing paper needs.

Most printer paper works in either inkjet or laser printers. There are however, paper types designed specifically for inkjet printers or laser printers. Inkjet printers use liquid ink, and inkjet paper is made to better absorb that ink. While laser printers apply toner to the surface of the page, and laser printer paper is made to prevent that top layer of toner from smearing.

Buy bulk paper for bigger savings

Bulk paper comes in many types and is often labeled by intended use. Quill has a range of options, including bulk printer paper, recycled paper, inkjet paper, laser paper and even bulk office supplies to fit your budget, storage constraints, and setup. Most workplaces have a copy machine. How much copy paper you go through varies based on office size. No matter the quantity—from a single ream to multiple cartons—you’ll find a variety of affordable options at Quill. For more on purchasing options and quantities, read our guide on: how many reams of paper in a case.

At Quill, we pride ourselves on meeting your needs for standard paper, and for specialty papers, too. That's why you'll find ruled pads (also available in bulk so you can stock up and save), recycled paper in a variety of types, and other machine–specific options, too. For example, we have wide–format paper, continuous feed paper, and receipt paper, too.

Types of specialty paper

Specialty printer paper is designed with specific uses in mind and might have different designs, finishes, or thicknesses. Vellum feels more like plastic and may be translucent, but it can still be successfully used for printing. It works well for presentation covers. Resume paper is often made from soft, textured paper that looks professional. Certificate paper usually has a pre-printed border that makes creating awards and diplomas easy.

Cardstock is thicker for brochures, awards, and greeting cards. Select colored paper for projects that need to stand out. Copy paper is designed specifically for copiers but can be used for light printing that doesn’t require much ink or for crafting, such as creating handmade journals, since it is easy to fold.

Computer paper finishes

The finish of printer paper is any coating that changes the texture of the sheet. Common finishes include: Matte: doesn’t reflect light, glossy: shines and reflects light, linen: feels like material, parchment: mimics ancient paper, embossed: has raised lettering or designs.

Understanding paper weight

Paper weight is how much 500 sheets of a type of paper weighs and is often listed by the pound, or lb. It is also designated by thickness. The order from thin to thick is bond, text, cover, and index. Copy paper or sheets found in most bulk notebooks are 20-pound bond or 50-pound text. Multipurpose paper is often 60-pound text or 24-pound bond. Choose 80-pound text for brochures and awards because it is thicker and longer lasting but still fits in printers with ease. Try 80-pound cover for custom business cards or greeting cards because it is sturdy.