Office Depot's Guide to Paper

What do you need to print?

Everyday Copies Standard 20lb. Copy paper

It’s a good value and works great in most copy machines.

Mix of Copies, Faxes, Invoices Multipurpose Paper

It’s a better quality paper for multiple uses and machines. This paper is stronger, brighter, and smoother than ordinary copy paper.

Documents that Must Impress Inkjet paper or Laser Paper

It’s a better quality paper for multiple uses and machines. This paper is stronger, brighter, and smoother than ordinary copy paper.

Color Charts or Presentations Color Inkjet Paper or Color Laser Paper

This brighter-white paper makes colorful charts and graphics look their absolute best. The heavier weight will reduce color “bleed-through”. This paper is brighter so it will print sharper, more defined color images than regular inkjet or laser papers.

Paper Features That make a Big Difference

Weight

All paper packages display a “weight”. This number refers to the weight in pounds of a ream of paper (500 sheets) cut to a specific size for that grade of paper. 20 lb. paper is the best choice for everyday copying and printing. Heavier weight paper (24 lb. and up) has a more substantial feel and is a more appropriate choice for presentations and double-sided copying and printing. In addition, heavier weight paper has less “show-through” to the other side because of the higher opacity.

Everyday copies, lowest cost

Presentations
Two-sided pages (less see-through)

Ideal for intensive us of color
More professional look and feel

Brightness

Brightness measures light reflectance of the paper. The higher the number, the brighter the sheet of paper and the better the contrast is between the paper and ink or toner. Higher brightness papers make your work look more professional and make text and images pop off the page!

Everyday black and white copies

Sharper text and more vivid color

Makes best, most dramatic impression
Pure, vibrant color and crisp text

Equipment Type

Matching the you use paper to the office equipment you will be running it on is critical to the end result.

20 lb. Copy Paper is best. It will run trouble-free though these types of machines and withstand heat for longer periods of time.

Select a Multipurpose Paper. These papers are designed for use with a variety of machines for flexibility in copying and printing.

Use a paper designed for these types of printers. The surface of all Inkjet Papers is specially formulated for optimal ink drying and absorption, so your printing won’t smear.

Use a paper designed for these types of printers. Laser Papers are engineered for withstanding high heat and its surface is smoother for excellent run-ability.