Plain paper is one of the most basic yet versatile materials used in a wide variety of settings, from offices and schools to art studios and homes. Its simplicity makes it ideal for many purposes, including writing, printing, sketching, and even crafting. The different types of plain paper are designed to meet specific needs, depending on the weight, texture, and intended use.
Basic Types of Plain Paper
Copy Paper
Copy paper is the most common type of plain paper used in home and office environments. It is specifically designed for use in photocopiers and printers, offering smoothness and weight that make it ideal for general office tasks such as printing documents, making copies, and writing.
Features:
- Smooth surface that allows for clear printing and copying
- Typically weighs between 20 to 24 pounds, providing a sturdy feel without being too heavy
- Available in standard letter size (8.5” x 11”) or A4 size for international use
- Usually white, but available in a variety of colors for special tasks (e.g., colored copy paper)
- Often has a brightness rating of 92 to 98, providing a crisp white finish
Copy paper is the go-to choice for everyday office tasks, such as printing emails, reports, and letters. Its affordability and availability make it an essential item for both business and personal use.
Printer Paper
Printer paper is similar to copy paper but may be optimized for specific types of printers, such as inkjet or laser printers. While it’s designed for general use, printer paper may have properties that cater to higher print quality, particularly for documents and images requiring finer detail.
Features:
- Specially treated for smooth ink absorption, which helps prevent smudging and fading
- Typically available in weights ranging from 20 lb to 28 lb
- Often comes in bright white or off-white options, with higher brightness ratings for clearer prints
- Available in a variety of sizes, including standard 8.5” x 11” and A4
- May be acid-free or treated for archival quality in some specialty papers
Printer paper is widely used for everyday printing tasks, including printing text documents, presentations, and photos. The smooth texture and treated surface make it ideal for both office and home printers.
Bond Paper
Bond paper is a type of high-quality plain paper known for its durability and strength. It is often used for important documents, legal papers, and formal correspondence. This type of paper is heavier and sturdier than standard copy paper, making it suitable for printing formal documents like contracts, resumes, and certificates.
Features:
- Heavier weight than regular copy paper, usually between 20 lb and 24 lb
- Smooth or slightly textured surface that enhances the quality of printed text
- Acid-free paper that helps resist yellowing and deterioration over time
- Typically used in business or legal environments for official documents and letters
- Available in various colors and finishes, including white, ivory, and cream
Bond paper is ideal for professional use when durability and quality are essential. It is often chosen for printing high-quality documents, such as letterheads, presentations, and resumes.
Specialty Types of Plain Paper
Kraft Paper
Kraft paper is a type of plain paper known for its natural, rustic appearance and strength. Made from wood pulp, this paper has a distinct brown color and is commonly used for packaging, crafting, and industrial applications. It’s particularly popular for its eco-friendly properties and durability.
Features:
- Made from wood pulp and known for its natural brown color, though white versions are also available
- Heavier weight than standard copy paper, often ranging from 40 lb to 100 lb
- Often uncoated, with a rough texture that gives it a tactile feel
- Recyclable and biodegradable, making it a sustainable choice for eco-conscious consumers
- Frequently used for wrapping paper, shipping materials, and craft projects
Kraft paper is ideal for environmentally conscious consumers and businesses that need strong, durable paper for packaging, shipping, and crafting. Its natural look also makes it a favorite for DIY projects like gift wrapping and scrapbook design.
Parchment Paper
Parchment paper is a type of plain paper that is often used in high-end writing, artistic applications, and as a food-safe paper for baking. It is known for its textured surface and semi-translucent quality, which gives it a distinctive, old-world feel. Parchment paper has a variety of uses, including invitations, certificates, and culinary purposes.
Features:
- Textured or slightly glossy surface that offers an elegant, antique appearance
- Semi-translucent, allowing light to pass through the paper
- Resistant to aging, making it suitable for archival purposes
- Commonly acid-free, which enhances its durability over time
- Can be used in arts, crafts, and food applications, such as parchment paper for baking
Parchment paper is ideal for special occasion invitations, certificates, or any project requiring a high-end, vintage look. It is also used in culinary environments for baking and cooking to prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up.
Tracing Paper
Tracing paper is a translucent type of plain paper used for drawing, copying, or transferring designs. Its transparency makes it ideal for artists and designers who need to trace images, sketches, or other work for replication, modification, or further refinement.
Features:
- Translucent or semi-transparent, allowing users to see through the paper to the underlying work
- Smooth texture that allows for easy drawing with pencils, pens, or markers
- Lightweight, typically ranging from 16 lb to 20 lb
- Available in rolls or sheets, often used in architectural drawing, design work, and art projects
Tracing paper is primarily used in artistic and design fields, where accuracy and replication are required. It is a popular tool for architects, illustrators, and fashion designers who need to transfer or refine their work.
Watercolor Paper
Watercolor paper is designed to handle the application of watercolors without warping or absorbing too much liquid. This paper is thicker and more textured than regular paper, allowing the pigment to settle properly while maintaining the structural integrity of the paper.
Features:
- Thick, absorbent surface designed to handle heavy paint applications without buckling
- Available in cold-pressed, hot-pressed, and rough textures for different painting techniques
- Usually made from 100% cotton, making it durable and able to withstand repeated wet applications
- Acid-free to prevent yellowing over time and to maintain the paper’s archival quality
- Typically available in blocks, pads, or individual sheets
Watercolor paper is essential for artists who work with watercolors, gouache, or other wet media. It is designed to allow the pigments to blend and flow smoothly without the paper tearing or warping, making it a must-have for painters.
Tissue Paper
Tissue paper is a thin, lightweight paper often used for wrapping, crafts, or decoration. It is known for its softness and delicate appearance, often used in gift wrapping, decorative arts, and other lightweight applications.
Features:
- Extremely thin, lightweight, and soft to the touch
- Available in a wide range of colors and patterns, often used for decorative purposes
- Frequently used for wrapping gifts, creating paper flowers, or in arts and crafts projects
- Often acid-free to prevent yellowing and deterioration over time
- Fragile and tearable, which limits its use to non-durable applications
Tissue paper is ideal for wrapping delicate items, decorative arts, or creating crafts. It is commonly used for decorative purposes, such as gift wrapping, tissue paper flowers, or in paper mâché projects.
Professional and Organizational Plain Paper
Legal Paper
Legal paper is a type of plain paper that is commonly used in legal environments for writing and printing legal documents. It has a specific size that is longer than standard letter-size paper, typically 8.5″ x 14″. This type of paper is ideal for official documents, contracts, and legal correspondence.
Features:
- Standard size of 8.5″ x 14″ (legal size), making it longer than regular letter-sized paper
- Often used for printing contracts, agreements, and other legal documents that require more space
- Available in a variety of paper weights, typically ranging from 20 lb to 24 lb
- Often features a smooth, durable surface for printing text clearly
Legal paper is best suited for individuals or businesses in the legal industry. It provides the space needed for detailed legal documents and contracts, making it an essential tool for law offices, courts, and legal professionals.
Grid Paper
Grid paper features evenly spaced vertical and horizontal lines that create a grid layout on the paper’s surface. This type of paper is ideal for mathematical calculations, technical drawings, graphing, and designing geometric patterns.
Features:
- A series of evenly spaced vertical and horizontal lines that form a grid
- Commonly used in mathematical, engineering, and architectural contexts for precise drawing and calculations
- Available in different grid sizes, such as 1/4 inch, 5mm, or other variations depending on the level of precision required
- Can be used for creating charts, graphs, and diagrams with accuracy
Grid paper is ideal for professionals and students who require precise measurements, especially in fields such as engineering, architecture, or any project requiring detailed plotting or technical drawings.
Stationery Paper
Stationery paper refers to high-quality, plain paper often used for formal writing, such as letters, invitations, or thank-you notes. This paper is typically thicker than regular printer paper, giving it a more premium feel.
Features:
- Thicker than standard copy or printer paper, typically between 24 lb and 32 lb
- Often features a smooth, refined surface that enhances the writing experience
- Commonly used for personal correspondence, thank-you notes, invitations, and announcements
- Available in various colors, textures, and finishes, including linen or laid patterns
Stationery paper is perfect for personal or professional correspondence, where quality is important. It is often chosen for creating formal invitations, announcements, and thank-you notes that require a high-end look and feel.
Graphing Paper
Graphing paper is a specialized type of plain paper that includes a grid layout designed for plotting mathematical functions, equations, or other data points. This paper is often used in scientific, engineering, or academic settings where data visualization and precise measurements are important.
Features:
- A grid pattern with evenly spaced squares, typically 1/4 inch or 5mm in size
- Designed to help visualize data points and plot mathematical functions
- Used in subjects such as mathematics, physics, and engineering for creating charts, graphs, and mathematical functions
- Available in a range of sizes, from smaller sheets for quick work to larger formats for in-depth analysis
Graphing paper is essential for fields like mathematics, engineering, and science, where visual representation and organization of data are important. It allows users to plot complex equations and create accurate graphs and diagrams.
Executive Paper
Executive paper is a high-quality paper designed for professional use. It’s often used for important business correspondence, reports, and presentations. The weight and texture of executive paper give it a premium look, making it a popular choice for corporate settings.
Features:
- Heavier weight than standard office paper, typically around 24 lb to 32 lb
- Smooth or lightly textured surface, ideal for professional printing and writing
- Available in various colors, typically white or off-white for formal business use
- Commonly used for letterheads, business reports, and presentations
Executive paper is designed for professional environments where high-quality documentation is required. It is often used in corporate settings for printing reports, proposals, and official correspondence, where first impressions matter.