1. Paper Types and Sizes Paper type and sizes
Introduction to graphics and design

2. Paper Sizes Planning process of the document
Size and type of paper
Businesses have three basic sizes:
Letter (standard American size): 8.5 x 11”
Legal (standard American size): 8.5 x 14”
Ledger/Tabloid (standard American size): 11 x 17”
American sizes: Customary Units (ex. inches)
European sizes: Metric Units (ex. Centimeters)
Paper size. There is a process when choosing the correct size of paper to use for your project. You also need to choose the right type of paper.
The three most common sizes of paper are letter, legal and ledger.

3. Paper Sizes Tabloid or ledger size is used to create newsletters
Easy to fold
Less expensive
Size of printed page does not always correspond with final document size
Trim size: Paper size that is reduced or cut from standard size
Tabloid or ledger size is used to create newsletters
Easy to fold
Less expensive
Size of printed page does not always correspond with final document size
Trim size: Paper size that is reduced or cut from standard size

4. Paper Sizes American Sizes Numerical Value Letter 8.5” x 11” Legal
Ledger/Tabloid
11” x 17”
Statement/Half Letter
5.5” x 8.5”
Metric Sizes
Numerical (Inch)
Numerical (Metric) A4
8.3” x 11.7”
120 x 297 mm B4
10.1” x 14.3”
257 x 364 mm A3
11.7” x 16.6”
297 x 240 mm A5
5.8” x 8.3”
148 x 210 mm

5. Paper Types Bond paper: Used in a photocopier or personal printer
Book paper: Better quality than bond
Text paper: Very high quality
Newsprint paper: Low quality; inexpensive
Cover stock paper: Heavy stock
Bond paper: Used in a photocopier or personal printer
Book paper: Better quality than bond
Text paper: Very high quality
Newsprint paper: Low quality; inexpensive
Cover stock paper: Heavy stock

6. Paper Types
Coated paper: finish has been added, producing a better quality print
Glossiness of coated paper allows ink to adhere smoothly for better print job
Dot gain: spread of ink once it is applied to paper
Concern when using a low-quality paper (ex. newsprint)
High-quality paper absorbs less ink
Less dot gain
Crispier look to print
Desktop publishing software may provide option to set the dot gain
Coated paper: finish has been added, producing a better quality print
Glossiness of coated paper allows ink to adhere smoothly for better print job
Dot gain: spread of ink once it is applied to paper
Concern when using a low-quality paper (ex. newsprint)
High-quality paper absorbs less ink
Less dot gain
Crispier look to print
Desktop publishing software may provide option to set the dot gain

7. Paper Grain The direction in which most of the fibers lie
Is determined during the papermaking process
Two types
Grain long
Grain is parallel to the paper’s long side
Grain short
Grain is parallel to the paper’s short side
The direction in which most of the fibers lie
Is determined during the papermaking process
Two types
Grain long
Grain is parallel to the paper’s long side
Grain short
Grain is parallel to the paper’s short side

8. Paper Grain Folded documents Book binding Xerographic printing
Fold paper parallel to grain direction
Book binding
Paper grain is parallel to binding edge
If not pages won’t turn, become wavy, become bulky, flare outward, etc.
Xerographic printing
Grain direction is parallel to the leading edge of the paper
Folded documents
Fold paper parallel to grain direction
Book binding
Paper grain is parallel to binding edge
If not pages won’t turn, become wavy, become bulky, flare outward, etc.
Xerographic printing
Grain direction is parallel to the leading edge of the paper