Paper is one of the most important materials in printing. Whether you are printing school notebooks, student diaries, books, brochures, certificates, file covers, bill books, prescription pads or business stationery, the final quality depends heavily on the paper you choose.
Many customers focus only on design and price, but paper selection is equally important. The same design printed on low-quality paper and high-quality paper can look completely different. Good paper improves colour result, writing experience, durability and professional appearance.
Every printing product does not need the same paper. A school notebook needs smooth writing paper. A brochure needs attractive colour printing paper. A certificate needs strong and premium card. A bill book may need carbonless paper. A newspaper or low-cost circular may need lightweight paper.
This guide explains the different types of printing paper and their uses so schools, businesses, hospitals, clinics and offices can choose the right option before placing an order.
What Is Printing Paper?
Printing paper is paper specially selected for different printing jobs. It can vary in weight, thickness, surface, brightness, smoothness and purpose.
The quality of printing paper affects:
- Printing clarity
- Colour result
- Writing smoothness
- Ink absorption
- Paper strength
- Final product cost
- Product appearance
- Durability
A professional printing press always recommends paper according to product type, budget and usage.
Understanding Paper GSM
Before discussing paper types, it is important to understand GSM.
GSM means grams per square metre. It shows the weight and thickness of paper. Higher GSM usually means heavier and thicker paper.
For example:
- 55 GSM paper is lighter
- 68 GSM paper is commonly used for notebooks
- 70 GSM paper gives a slightly better writing feel
- 80 GSM paper is stronger and better for premium printing
- 100 GSM and above are used for higher-quality products
- 250 GSM, 300 GSM and 350 GSM are usually considered card materials
Choosing the right GSM is important because it affects both quality and cost.
1. Offset Paper
Offset paper is one of the most commonly used papers in printing. It has a smooth surface and is suitable for both writing and printing. It is widely used in educational printing, office printing and book printing.
Common Uses of Offset Paper
Offset paper is used for:
- School notebooks
- Student diaries
- Books
- Workbooks
- Registers
- Answer sheets
- Admission forms
- Result cards
- Letterheads
- Office forms
- Prescription pads
- Bill books
- Envelopes
Common GSM Options
Offset paper is commonly available in:
- 70 GSM
- 80 GSM
- 90 GSM
- 100 GSM
- 110 GSM
- 128 GSM
For school notebooks and diaries, 70 GSM offset paper is a good choice when schools want better writing quality. For letterheads and office documents, 80 GSM or 100 GSM can be used.
Best For
Offset paper is best for products where writing quality and clean printing are important. It is especially suitable for school printing, book printing and office stationery.
2. Local Paper
Local paper is commonly used for economical printing jobs. It is usually selected when customers want low-cost paper for bulk school products, forms or general use.
Common Uses of Local Paper
Local paper can be used for:
- Economical school notebooks
- Practice copies
- Rough registers
- Low-cost forms
- Basic answer sheets
- Bulk school stationery
- General office printing
Common GSM Options
Local paper is commonly available in:
- 55 GSM
- 60 GSM
- 63 GSM
- 68 GSM
For school notebooks, 68 GSM local paper is commonly used because it balances cost and usability. However, quality can vary, so schools should always check a physical sample before ordering.
Best For
Local paper is best for economical bulk printing where budget is important. It is commonly used in school notebook printing and regular stationery products.
3. Art Paper
Art paper is a coated paper with a smooth and shiny surface. It gives excellent colour printing results and is commonly used for promotional and premium printed products.
Art paper is not usually used for writing products because the surface is coated. It is better for colourful designs, photos and marketing materials.
Common Uses of Art Paper
Art paper is used for:
- Brochures
- Flyers
- Posters
- Catalogues
- School profiles
- Company profiles
- Product leaflets
- Magazine pages
- Menu cards
- Promotional materials
Common GSM Options
Art paper is commonly available in:
- 80 GSM
- 90 GSM
- 100 GSM
- 113 GSM
- 128 GSM
- 150 GSM
- 170 GSM
For brochures and flyers, 128 GSM or 150 GSM art paper is commonly used. For premium catalogues and profiles, thicker options may be selected.
Best For
Art paper is best for colourful printing where appearance matters. It gives sharp images, bright colours and a professional finish.
4. Matt Paper
Matt paper is also a coated paper, but it has a non-shiny and smooth surface. It gives a soft, elegant and premium look.
Matt paper is suitable for brands that want a decent and professional appearance instead of a glossy look.
Common Uses of Matt Paper
Matt paper is used for:
- Premium brochures
- Company profiles
- School profiles
- Catalogues
- Certificates
- Invitation cards
- Premium leaflets
- Brand documents
Common GSM Options
Matt paper is commonly available in:
- 80 GSM
- 90 GSM
- 100 GSM
- 113 GSM
- 128 GSM
- 150 GSM
Best For
Matt paper is best for elegant, premium and professional printing. It is often used when the customer wants a soft and decent finish.
5. Art Card
Art card is a thicker version of coated paper. It is strong, smooth and excellent for colour printing. It is commonly used for products that need both strength and attractive appearance.
Common Uses of Art Card
Art card is used for:
- Business cards
- Certificates
- File covers
- Book covers
- Brochure covers
- Packaging sleeves
- Product tags
- Invitation cards
- Medical report envelopes
- School file covers
Common GSM Options
Art card is commonly available in:
- 210 GSM
- 250 GSM
- 300 GSM
- 350 GSM
Best For
Art card is best for premium printed products where durability and presentation are important. It works very well with lamination.
6. Baleech Card
Baleech card is commonly used in Pakistan for school notebook covers, student diary covers and educational stationery. It is a practical card option for bulk school printing.
Common Uses of Baleech Card
Baleech card is used for:
- School notebook covers
- Student diary covers
- Exercise book covers
- Custom title notebooks
- Registers
- Workbooks
- School copies
- Educational book covers
Common GSM Options
Baleech card is commonly available in:
- 190 GSM
- 210 GSM
- 230 GSM
- 250 GSM
- 300 GSM
- 350 GSM
Best For
Baleech card is best for schools that need notebook covers and diary covers in bulk. It gives a good balance between cost, quality and appearance.
7. Bux Board
Bux board is a thicker and stronger board used where durability and firmness are required. It is not mainly selected for premium colour printing but for strength and structure.
Common Uses of Bux Board
Bux board is used for:
- Register covers
- Strong notebook covers
- File backing
- Packaging
- Book binding
- Office files
- School registers
- Box making
Common GSM Options
Bux board is commonly available in:
- 230 GSM
- 250 GSM
- 300 GSM
- 350 GSM
Best For
Bux board is best for products that need strength, thickness and support, such as registers, files and packaging.
8. Carbonless Paper
Carbonless paper is also called NCR paper. It is used when duplicate or triplicate copies are needed without using separate carbon paper.
When someone writes on the top sheet, the writing transfers automatically to the lower sheets.
Common Uses of Carbonless Paper
Carbonless paper is used for:
- Bill books
- Invoice books
- Receipt books
- Cash memos
- Delivery challans
- Order books
- Medical forms
- Office records
Best For
Carbonless paper is best for businesses that need duplicate or triplicate records. Shops, clinics, schools, wholesalers and offices commonly use it for billing and receipts.
9. Newspaper Paper
Newspaper paper is lightweight and economical. It is used for newspapers, circulars and low-cost printed materials.
Common Uses of Newspaper Paper
Newspaper paper is used for:
- Newspapers
- Low-cost flyers
- Circulars
- Practice sheets
- Rough printing
- Packing sheets
Best For
Newspaper paper is best for low-cost, high-quantity printing where long-term durability is not required.
10. Sticker Paper
Sticker paper has adhesive on the back side. It is used for labels, product stickers and branding.
Common Uses of Sticker Paper
Sticker paper is used for:
- Product labels
- School labels
- Barcode stickers
- Packaging stickers
- Price labels
- Branding stickers
- Medicine labels
- File labels
Best For
Sticker paper is best for products that need labels or adhesive branding.
Which Paper Is Best for School Notebooks?
For school notebooks, 68 GSM and 70 GSM paper are commonly used. If the school wants an economical option, 68 GSM paper can be selected. If the school wants a better writing feel, 70 GSM offset paper is a good option.
For covers, Baleech card is commonly used because it is practical and suitable for custom notebook covers.
Which Paper Is Best for Student Diaries?
Student diaries are used daily, so paper should be smooth and strong enough for regular writing. 68 GSM, 70 GSM or 80 GSM paper can be selected depending on budget.
For diary covers, Baleech card or art card can be used. Art card with lamination gives a more premium look.
Which Paper Is Best for Brochures?
For brochures, art paper or matt paper is usually best. Art paper gives bright and glossy colours, while matt paper gives a soft and premium look.
Common brochure paper options include 128 GSM, 150 GSM and 170 GSM depending on the required quality.
Which Paper Is Best for Certificates?
Certificates should look official and premium. Art card, matt card or high-GSM paper is suitable for certificates. 250 GSM or 300 GSM art card is commonly used for better presentation.
Which Paper Is Best for Bill Books?
For simple bill books, offset paper can be used. For duplicate or triplicate bill books, carbonless paper is the best option because it creates automatic copies.
How to Choose the Right Printing Paper
Before selecting printing paper, consider these points:
- What product are you printing?
- Will the product be used for writing?
- Do you need colour printing?
- Is durability important?
- What is your budget?
- Do you need a premium look?
- What quantity is required?
- Will the product need lamination?
- Is the paper for school, office, hospital or business use?
The right paper depends on the purpose of the product. A notebook, brochure, certificate and bill book cannot use the same paper.
Final Thoughts
Different printing papers have different uses. Offset paper is suitable for books, notebooks and office stationery. Local paper is useful for economical bulk printing. Art paper is best for colourful brochures and promotional materials. Matt paper gives a premium and decent look. Art card is used for certificates, file covers and business cards. Baleech card is commonly used for school notebook and diary covers. Bux board is best for strong covers and packaging. Carbonless paper is used for bill books and duplicate records.
Choosing the right paper improves print quality, writing comfort, durability and overall presentation. Before placing an order, always discuss paper type, GSM, quantity and usage with a professional printing company.
Get Professional Paper Guidance and Printing Services
Shaheen Printers & Graphics provides professional printing services for schools, colleges, academies, hospitals, clinics, offices and businesses. We print notebooks, student diaries, books, answer sheets, brochures, certificates, file covers, bill books, registers, letterheads and other printed products.
If you need guidance about offset paper, local paper, art paper, matt paper, Baleech card, Bux board or carbonless paper, Shaheen Printers & Graphics can help you choose the right material according to your product and budget.
Shaheen Printers & Graphics
Printers | Publishers | Booksellers
Educational Printing Specialist for Schools, Colleges & Academies
Contact: 03086902528
Address: Shop #58, First Floor, Hadia Haleema Center, Gazni Street, Urdu Bazar, Lahore.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which paper is best for school notebooks?
68 GSM or 70 GSM paper is commonly used for school notebooks. 68 GSM is economical, while 70 GSM gives a better writing feel.
2. What is offset paper used for?
Offset paper is used for notebooks, books, diaries, forms, answer sheets, registers, letterheads and office stationery.
3. What is art paper used for?
Art paper is used for brochures, flyers, catalogues, posters, school profiles and colourful promotional materials.
4. What is carbonless paper?
Carbonless paper, also called NCR paper, is used for duplicate and triplicate bill books, invoices, receipts and delivery challans.
5. Which card is best for notebook covers?
Baleech card is commonly used for school notebook covers because it gives a good balance between cost and quality.
6. Which paper is best for certificates?
Art card, matt card or high-GSM paper is suitable for certificates because they give a premium and official appearance.
