3 Creative Printing

Paper Basics

Choosing Paper

Most plain photocopy paper, postcards, index cards, transparencies, envelopes, and labels work fine in your printer, particularly paper that is marked for use in inkjet printers. To get the best results, use one of the Hewlett-Packard papers, which were developed especially for HP inks and your printer.

What to Consider

•Desired outcome. The paper you choose should be appropriate for the project. For example, use HP Premium Inkjet Paper when creating printed presentations for your new client. Or use HP Premium Inkjet Rapid-Dry Transparencies when making a color presentation for projection in a large business meeting.

•Size. You can use any size paper that fits easily within the paper adjusters of the printer.

•Weight. You can choose from a wide range of paper weights, as listed in the “Specifications” on page 79. Use 20–24-pound or 75–90 gsm plain paper for multipurpose, everyday use.

•Brightness. Some papers are whiter than others and produce sharper, more vibrant colors. Use HP Premium Photo Paper for documents with photographs. Use HP Bright White Inkjet Paper or HP Premium Inkjet Paper for documents with any other pictures.

•Surface smoothness. The smoothness of the paper affects how crisp the printing looks on the paper. Glossy, coated paper works well for pictures and charts (where you want crisp lines with intense, high-quality colors).

•Opacity. Opacity refers to the degree to which printing on one side of the paper shows through to the other side. Use paper high in opacity (or thicker paper) for two-sided printing. HP Premium Brochure and Flyer Paper is ideal for two-sided projects.

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