Top 35+ Creative Printing & Office Paper Types Guide | Best Paper Materials 2025
July 28, 2025 Authored by Karry
The paper industry encompasses a vast spectrum of specialized materials, each engineered for specific applications and performance requirements. From everyday printing needs to specialized industrial applications, understanding the characteristics and uses of different paper types is essential for making informed choices. This comprehensive guide examines 35 distinct paper types, their technical specifications, and practical applications across various industries.
Paper is a cellulose-based material, mainly derived from wood pulp, which is a fibrous substance obtained by mechanically or chemically decomposing wood. Cellulose fibers, especially those from fast-growing coniferous tree species such as pine and spruce, are highly regarded in industrial papermaking due to their long fiber length, which significantly enhances the durability and tensile strength of paper.
According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), over 90% of the pulp used globally for paper and paperboard production comes from wood sources, while non-wood fibers account for approximately 5-10%.
Printing & Office Papers
1. Printing Paper
Printing Paper
Printing paper is a comprehensive term that encompasses copy paper, newsprint, label paper, magazine and catalog paper, and so on. It is one of the many types of paper used for printing written materials such as education, entertainment and publicity. In fact, it is one of the most commonly used types of paper in our daily life. You are sure to find it somewhere in your home!
As the name suggests, recycled paper is made from the fragments of recycled paper products. Whether it is shredded paper or unshredded paper, it will be converted into pulp and made into recycled paper or post-consumer recycled paper. This reduces the waste of paper, wood, water, energy and ink, thus making it an ideal choice for environmentalists.
Copy paper is mainly used in offices and is suitable for equipment such as printers, fax machines and photocopiers. Its physical properties make it suitable for both laser and inkjet printer technologies.
Color: White Weight: 70-90 GSM Texture: Matte Use: Copying and Printing Opacity: 90-95% Tensile: 20-40 lbs/inch pH: 7-8.5 Composition: Wood pulp or fibers
4. Newsprint Paper
Newsprint Paper
Newsprint is made from ground wood pulp and is the cheapest bulk paper product, so it is not durable. However, considering the relatively short service life of the final product, the tear resistance and yellowing of this paper are not major issues. You may have guessed it. It is used for printing newspapers, magazines, comic books and so on.
Unlike all types of printing paper, inkjet paper is only used in inkjet printer technology. Inkjet paper is classified into three types based on its weight, opacity, smoothness and brightness: glossy paper, metallic paper and glossy paper. One important factor of inkjet paper is its optimal absorbency, which enables it to correctly absorb ink without causing any color bleeding.
Glossy paper has a bright surface and is suitable for printing brochures, flyers, etc. Some glossy papers may contain natural additives such as clay, while others may have plastic coatings. Therefore, not all types of glossy paper can be recycled.
Color: White Weight: 35-350 GSM Texture: Glossy Use: Magazines, brochures Opacity: >90% Tensile: 25-50 lbs/inch pH: 5.5-7.5 Composition: Coated base paper
7. Photo Paper
Photo Paper
This kind of paper may be similar to high-gloss paper, but its surface has been chemically treated to project images. In recent years, with the advent of mobile phones equipped with high-quality cameras, it has become quite rare to develop photos from film negatives. However, some film photography enthusiasts still speak highly of the beauty and atmosphere of the developed photos.
Color: White Weight: 130-300 GSM Texture: Glossy, semi-glossy Use: Photo Printing Opacity: >90% Tensile: 25-50 lbs/inch pH: 7-9 Composition: Coated base paper
8. Thermal Paper
Thermal Paper
Thermal paper is a special fine paper that is coated with a material formulated to change color when exposed to heat. It is widely used in thermal printers, especially in devices such as cash registers, credit card terminals, and receipt printers. The coating allows for image production without the need for ink or toner, making it highly efficient and cost-effective for short-term documentation.
Wax paper or coated wax paper is also an essential item in the kitchen because it has non-stick and moisture-proof properties. Although wax paper is cheaper than baking paper and can also be used for cooking, it should not be exposed to high temperatures. Because the wax coating may melt, causing food to spoil and even leading to a fire.
Baking paper is often used in the kitchen. It is thin, transparent and not sticky to the hand. At first glance, it looks like tracing paper or wax paper, but its silicone coating makes it have a higher flash point, making it very suitable for lining on baking trays. Therefore, in baking experiments, do not use wax paper instead of parchment paper, as wax paper is not heat-resistant.
If you are an artist, engineer or architect, you must have used tracing paper. This semi-transparent paper is placed on another printed sheet of paper (usually the one with a chart printed on it), so that you can carefully trace the edges, dots, etc. Some tracing papers are made of cotton fibers and cellulose and may contain fillers to reduce opacity.
The types of paper used by artists are diverse, depending on their thickness and characteristics. However, they are all used for creative expressions such as painting, oil painting and sketching. For this reason, tracing paper is also a common type of paper used by artists.
Xuan paper originated in China and was widely used by many famous writers and artists. Its works have been passed down to this day due to their tough quality. Although Xuan paper has a high tensile strength, it is soft and fine in texture, making it very suitable for writing ancient paintings and Chinese calligraphy. In addition, this kind of paper also has strong anti-corrosion and anti-wrinkle properties.
Color: White Weight: 30-60 GSM Texture: Smooth Use: Calligraphy, Chinese Painting Opacity: 80-90% Tensile: 10-20 lbs/inch pH: 6.0-6.5 Composition: Traditional Chinese paper
14. Wove Paper
Wove Paper
Wove paper is made of brass or other metal wires and has a retro charm. There are no obvious patterns on the surface of the finished product. This papermaking process was invented by James Waterman and soon spread throughout the United States, France and the United Kingdom. Interestingly, the highest grade of this kind of paper is called Whatman paper, and its texture pattern has no lines.
Kraft paper is mainly made from softwood pulp and has higher strength, elasticity and tear resistance than ordinary paper. Therefore, kraft paper is an excellent packaging material and is also used to make shopping bags, grocery bags, etc.
Tissue Paper is another common type of paper, and its main characteristics are weight, thickness, comfort, elasticity and water absorption. It is made of different types of wood pulp, chemicals and water. Toilet paper is so popular because it can wipe both dry and wet surfaces and clean them thoroughly.
Wrapping paper is essential for gift giving and is widely used during holiday seasons. It comes in various colors, patterns, and finishes to suit different occasions. The paper needs to be strong enough to wrap items securely while maintaining an attractive appearance.
Color: Various patterns Weight: 60-120 GSM Texture: Glossy, matte Use: Gift wrapping Opacity: 85-95% Tensile: 15-30 lbs/inch pH: 6.5-7.5 Composition: Decorated paper
18. Food Paper
Food Paper
Food paper is designed specifically for food contact and packaging. It must meet strict safety standards and be free from harmful chemicals. Common types include greaseproof paper, food-grade parchment, and specialized papers for different food applications.
Greeting card paper is a medium-weight type of card paper used to make greeting cards for festivals, birthdays, anniversaries and other special events. Greeting card paper is thinner than cardboard but thicker than ordinary printing paper, making it very suitable for mailing to relatives and friends.
Filter paper is used in laboratories and industrial applications for filtration processes. It’s made from pure cellulose fibers and is designed to separate solids from liquids. The porosity and ash content are carefully controlled for specific applications.
Color: White Weight: 80-200 GSM Texture: Porous Use: Laboratory filtration Opacity: 70-85% Tensile: 10-25 lbs/inch pH: 6.5-7.5 Composition: Pure cellulose
21. Litmus Paper
Litmus Paper
Litmus paper is a specialized indicator paper used in chemistry to test the pH of solutions. It changes color when exposed to acidic or basic solutions, making it an essential tool in laboratories and educational settings.
Acid-free paper is manufactured to have a neutral or alkaline pH, which prevents degradation over time. This type of paper is essential for archival purposes, important documents, and artworks that need to last for many years without yellowing or deteriorating.
Blotting paper is highly absorbent and used to soak up excess ink or liquids. It has an open, porous structure that allows rapid absorption. Traditionally used in calligraphy and fountain pen writing, it’s also used in scientific applications.
Book paper is specifically designed for printing books and publications. It’s lightweight yet durable, with good opacity to prevent show-through from the other side of the page. The paper is optimized for text clarity and reading comfort.
Color: Cream, white Weight: 45-80 GSM Texture: Uncoated Use: Book printing Opacity: 88-95% Tensile: 15-30 lbs/inch pH: 7-8.5 Composition: Wood-free paper
25. Manila Paper
Manila Paper
Manila paper is a relatively inexpensive type of paper, generally made from semi-bleached wood fibers. It’s buff-colored and used for file folders, envelopes, and other office supplies. The name comes from Manila hemp, though modern manila paper is usually made from wood pulp.
Banana paper is an eco-friendly alternative made from banana plant waste, specifically the stems and leaves. It’s sustainable, biodegradable, and has a unique texture. This paper is increasingly popular for specialty applications and eco-conscious printing.
Cotton paper is made from cotton linters and is considered one of the highest quality papers. It’s durable, has excellent archival properties, and is often used for important documents, currency, and fine art. The cotton fibers provide strength and longevity.
Sandpaper is an abrasive material consisting of a paper backing with abrasive particles bonded to its surface. It’s used for smoothing surfaces, removing material, and preparing surfaces for painting or finishing. Different grits provide varying levels of abrasiveness.
Wallpaper is a decorative material used to cover and beautify interior walls. It comes in various patterns, textures, and finishes. Modern wallpapers are designed to be durable, washable, and easy to install and remove.
Shoe paper is used to stuff shoes to maintain their shape during storage and shipping. It’s typically a lightweight, inexpensive paper that absorbs moisture and helps prevent creasing and deformation of footwear.
Business form paper is made of cardstock, which is essentially a smooth and hard paper. It can be used to print business cards, business forms, greeting cards and so on.
Bond paper is usually heavier and harder than ordinary paper because it is made from fiber pulp and has a hard and rough texture. This kind of paper was originally designed for the issuance of government bonds and has now entered our offices, schools and other places.
Color: White, beige, blue Weight: 60-200 GSM Texture: Matte Use: Resume, letter paper Opacity: 85-95% Tensile: 20-40 lbs/inch pH: 7-8.5 Composition: Wood pulp, cotton
33. Box Covering and Lining Paper
Box Covering Paper
Box lid paper and box liner paper are essentially additional inner or outer layers of paper used for protection and aesthetics. Some common boxes may require this kind of paper, such as bread boxes, shirt boxes, cereal boxes, and so on.
Drinking cup paper is specially designed for disposable cups used for beverages. It must be food-safe, leak-proof, and often has a polyethylene coating to prevent liquids from soaking through. This paper is widely used in cafes, restaurants, and food service establishments.
Loose-leaf paper is designed to be used in binders and notebooks. It typically has holes punched along one edge to fit standard ring binders. This paper is commonly used in schools and offices for note-taking, assignments, and general writing purposes. It often features ruling lines to guide writing.
The above are all 35 types of paper and their differences. Who could have imagined that there would be so much paper in the world? The above-mentioned paper is only a small part of the many types of paper! Understanding these different paper types and their specific characteristics helps in making informed decisions for various applications, from artistic endeavors to industrial uses, including paper packaging. Each type of paper serves a unique purpose and has been developed to meet specific performance requirements in our modern world.
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