Best Paper for Printables: Cardstock, Matte and Photo Paper

The best paper for printables depends on how you’ll use the page. For planners and workbooks you write in, a bright 28 to 32 lb paper (about 105 to 120 gsm) feels premium and takes pen well. For cards, games, tags and anything that gets handled, use 65 to 80 lb cover cardstock (about 176 to 216 gsm). Save matte photo paper for art prints and glossy photo paper for photos you won’t write on.

Paper weight in lb and gsm, explained

Paper weight tells you how thick and sturdy a sheet will feel. In the US, it’s listed in pounds (lb), and the number depends on the paper’s category, which is why “65 lb cover” is much thicker than “24 lb bond.” Grams per square meter (gsm) is the same for every type, so it’s the easiest way to compare.

Paper	Common US weight	About gsm	Feels like
Everyday copy paper	20 lb bond	75 gsm	Standard printer paper
Better everyday paper	24 lb bond	90 gsm	A little heavier and brighter
Premium paper	28 to 32 lb bond	105 to 120 gsm	Smooth, solid, less show-through
Light cardstock	65 lb cover	176 gsm	Flexible card, like a greeting card insert
Medium cardstock	80 lb cover	216 gsm	Sturdy card for games and invitations
Index cardstock	110 lb index	199 gsm	Stiff, smooth card, like an index card
Heavy cardstock	100 lb cover	270 gsm	Thick, rigid card; check your printer’s limit

Photo papers usually sit somewhere around 200 to 300 gsm, depending on the brand and finish.

Not every home printer can feed heavy paper. Check your printer’s manual or specs for its maximum paper weight before you buy a big pack.

Best paper for printables: cardstock, matte or photo?

Paper	Best for	Pros	Watch out for
Premium paper	Planners, workbooks, binder pages, worksheets	Takes pen and pencil well, easy to print	Not stiff enough for cards
Cardstock	Game cards, bingo cards, tags, place cards, junk journal pages	Sturdy, lasts through handling	Can jam in some printers
Matte photo paper	Art prints, ephemera, journal pieces	Rich color, no glare	Some types don’t take ink pens well
Glossy photo paper	Photos and bright images	Vivid color, shiny finish	Shows fingerprints; hard to write on; slower to dry

Matte vs glossy. Matte paper has no shine, so colors look soft and rich and there’s no glare under lights. It’s the better choice for anything you’ll write on or display. Glossy paper makes colors pop, which is great for photos, but pens and pencils skid across it and fingerprints show.

The best paper for each type of printable

• Planners, workbooks and organizers: premium 28 to 32 lb paper (about 105 to 120 gsm). It feels nicer than copy paper and limits ink showing through if you print double-sided. For binders, add a three-hole punch or ask a print shop to drill the pages.
• Party games, bingo and trivia cards: 65 to 80 lb cover cardstock (about 176 to 216 gsm). Cards hold up to shuffling and passing around the table.
• Conversation cards and tags: 80 lb cover or 110 lb index cardstock, if your printer can feed it. Laminate cards you’ll use again and again.
• Junk journal papers and ephemera: a mix. Use premium paper for pages you’ll fold and stitch, light cardstock for tags and pockets, and matte photo paper for fussy cuts with lots of color.
• Classroom and kids’ printables: everyday or premium paper for worksheets, cardstock for anything kids cut out, color in or carry around.
• Wall art and prints: matte photo paper or a bright, smooth cardstock.

How to set your printer for different papers

The right paper only looks right if your printer knows it’s there.

• Set the paper type in the print dialog to match: plain, premium, matte, cardstock (sometimes “heavy” or “thick”) or photo glossy. This changes how much ink the printer uses and how fast it feeds.
• Print at 100% or “Actual size” so cards and tags come out the right size.
• Choose “High” or “Best” quality for cardstock and photo paper.
• Feed heavy paper one or a few sheets at a time, using the rear or manual slot if your printer has one.
• Print on the right side. Photo paper has one coated side; check the package for which way to load it.
• Let ink dry before stacking or cutting, especially on glossy paper.

Our step-by-step guide on how to print printables at home covers every setting in more detail.

When to let a print shop handle it

If your printer can’t feed heavy cardstock or you need a big batch, a print shop is a quick fix. Ask for a specific weight, like “80 lb cover, matte,” and ask them to print at 100% with no scaling. Shops can also trim, laminate, drill holes or spiral bind.

Simple ways to save on paper and ink

• Print a test page on plain paper before using cardstock or photo paper.
• Use grayscale for practice copies and drafts.
• Buy one good pack of cardstock and one of premium paper. Those two cover most printables.
• Reprint only what you need. With a printable, you can print a fresh tracker page or another set of game cards any time.

Everything in our Printables Library is designed to print well on standard US Letter paper at home or at a print shop. Try premium paper with the New Year Goals and Reflection Workbook or cardstock with 48 Conversation Starter Cards, and see our post on conversation starter cards for ways to use them.

FAQ

What is the best paper for printables?

For pages you write on, premium 28 to 32 lb paper (about 105 to 120 gsm). For cards, games and tags, 65 to 80 lb cover cardstock (about 176 to 216 gsm).

What weight cardstock can a home printer handle?

Many home printers handle light cardstock around 65 lb cover, and some can feed heavier stock. Check your printer’s manual for its maximum paper weight.

Is matte or glossy paper better for printables?

Matte is better for most printables because it has no glare and is easier to write on. Glossy is best for photos.

What does 80 lb cardstock mean in gsm?

80 lb cover cardstock is about 216 gsm. Pound weights depend on paper type, so compare papers by gsm when you can.