Paper size

Choosing the page size and type of paper for your job is something that should be decided right at the start.

The ‘A’ range of paper sizes is the most commonly used in Europe for all kinds of printed matter from posters right down to business cards. Also known as the International Metric Paper Sizes which are ISO Standard.

As you can see from the diagram below (not to scale) all the sizes are in the same ratio throughout the range.
eg: A5 is half of A4, A4 half of A3, A3 half of A2 etc. In each case the long side dimension is halved.

'A' series paper

Other popular paper sizes

Bleed

Bleed is the term used for printing images that go right to the edge of the paper.

Position the illustration you want to bleed outside the page perimeter guide lines by a minimum of 3mm. The page sheet size is shown as heavy black box in example illustration.

Top image bleeds off only at the top
Left image bleeds off at left and bottom
Right image bleeds off at right only

After printing, we will trim off the extra 3mm bleed and your illustration will go right up to the edge of the paper rather than leave an unsightly edge to the trim.

If your software does not allow for bleed, just make the final page size 3mm bigger on all sides, so an A4 leaflet would go from 297x210mm to 303x216mm.

You can bleed all round the page or just on one, two or three sides - just remember to add 3mm to the bleed edges.

Also be sure to keep all text at least 5mm away from page edges to avoid it being inadvertently trimmed off.

Paper type

As well as the size of page you also need to consider the type of paper you require. From coated to uncoated, bond to offset, paper to card, there are many choices available when it comes to paper.

Coated

This type of paper, as the name suggests, has a coating usually of china clay, which gives it a smooth finish. Coated paper is available in a gloss, silk (satin) or matte finish. It is usually used for projects that require a fine finish. Most leaflets and glossy magazines are printed on coated paper.

Uncoated

Uncoated paper doesn't have any coating and is therefore not as smooth as coated. Used mainly for laser printers and photocopiers, as well as most business stationery. Many brochures and some catalogues do use uncoated paper too. Available in bond (common), wove (premium) or laid (textured).

Colours can vary drastically between printing on coated or uncoated paper. The colours you see on your computer screen may not look as you intended once printed onto paper. This is particularly true when printing onto uncoated paper as the ink tends to 'soak' into this more. So colours can look more dull or flat than when it is printed on coated. A 'paper-correct' proof should be printed if you are worried how colours will reproduce.

Paper thickness

Paper weight or density is measured in grams per square metre (g/m²). However, the unit symbol used is gsm, with 80gsm typically being used for office paper. The higher the "weight" the thicker or more dense the paper, so 300gsm becomes card and is used for products such as invitations or business cards.

If you need help in deciding your options, Pagefast will be glad to help and advise you for what is best suited for your work.