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PrinterArchive

Paper & Media

An encyclopedic reference on the paper and print media consumed by printers, copiers, and fax machines: how paper weight is measured (GSM vs. basis weight), the ISO 216 and North American sizing systems, surface finishes and coatings, and specialty media such as cardstock, photo paper, labels, and transparency film. Scope is the substrate itself and its measurable, standards-defined properties, not printing mechanisms.

12 live pages · long-term capacity 32–58

Entities

standard

ISO 216 · ISO 269 · ANSI/ASME Y14.1 · ISO 2470 (brightness)

concept

GSM (grams per square metre) · Basis weight · Coated paper · Cardstock · Photo paper · Thermal paper · Grain direction · Paper caliper · Opacity · CIE whiteness · Acid-free paper

format

A4 · US Letter · A-series paper sizes · B-series paper sizes · C-series envelope sizes

Connected clusters

In the archive

Pages in this cluster

Planned coverage

  • Paper Weight Explained: GSM vs. Basis Weight — Explains the two competing weight systems and how metric GSM relates to North American basis weight by paper grade.
  • ISO 216 Paper Sizes Explained — How the A/B/C series aspect ratio (root-2) and halving rule define the international size system.
  • A4 vs. US Letter: Two Paper Size Standards — Compares the ISO 216 A4 and the North American Letter/ANSI systems and why documents shift when moving between them.
  • B-Series and C-Series Paper Sizes — Explains ISO 216 B sizes and the ISO 269 C envelope series designed to hold folded A-series sheets.
  • North American Paper Sizes (Letter, Legal, Tabloid) — Documents the ANSI/ASME Y14.1 and traditional US loose sizes and their nominal dimensions.
  • Paper Finishes: Matte, Satin, and Glossy — Describes common surface finishes and where each is typically used.
  • Paper Opacity and Show-Through — Explains opacity as a measurable property and why thin sheets show print from the reverse side.
  • Paper Grain Direction (Long Grain vs. Short Grain) — How fibre alignment forms during manufacture and why it matters for folding and feeding.
  • Paper Caliper and Thickness — Defines caliper (points/mils/microns) and how it differs from weight.
  • What Is Cardstock? — Defines cardstock/cover stock by weight and use, vendor-neutral.
  • Bond, Text, and Cover Paper Grades — Explains the main North American paper grade families and how their basis weights are measured against different parent sheets.
  • Photo Paper Types Explained — Describes resin-coated vs. fibre-based and common finishes for photographic printing.
  • Thermal Paper Explained — How heat-sensitive coated paper works as a substrate (distinct from the thermal printing process).
  • Label and Adhesive Print Media — Explains facestock, liner, and adhesive layers of self-adhesive label media.
  • Transparency and Film Media for Printing — Overview of overhead transparency and film substrates and their material considerations.
  • Envelope Sizes and Formats — Covers ISO C-series and common commercial envelope formats and how they pair with sheet sizes.
  • Acid-Free and Archival Paper — Explains acidity, lignin, and permanence standards relevant to document longevity.
  • Recycled Paper for Printing — Explains post-consumer content and general properties of recycled printing stock.
  • Kraft and Packaging Paper — Describes kraft pulp paper and its typical packaging and utility uses.
  • Choosing Paper for Inkjet vs. Laser Printing — General guidance on how substrate properties interact with each printing process, no product recommendations.
  • GSM (Grams per Square Metre) — Glossary definition of the metric paper weight unit.
  • Basis Weight — Glossary definition of the North American paper weight measure.
  • ISO 216 — Glossary entry for the international paper size standard.
  • Cardstock — Concise glossary definition of cardstock/cover stock.