Select the best paper for any job
Explore a variety of HP papers for inkjet and LaserJet printers
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Introduction
Whether for professional, creative, or everyday use, HP helps take the guesswork out of finding the perfect paper for any project. Read on to get helpful tips and comparison charts for choosing the right paper for any print job.
Choose paper suited to specific tasks
HP papers, printers, and inks are specifically designed to work together.
Whether printing driving directions, invoices, snapshots for the fridge, or formal wedding invitations, HP has the paper you need to get the job done.
However, not all papers are created equal! Designed with each element of the HP printing process in mind, HP papers, toners, and inks are specially engineered to work together to deliver quality, reliable printing, as well as fade resistance, bolder blacks, and more vibrant colors.
Use the charts below, broken up into four useful categories—Multipurpose, Photo, Color business printing, and Special media—to select the best paper to get optimal results from every page you print.
Learn about key HP paper features
The easy-to-read label on all HP papers gives you the information you need on paper finish, brightness, weight, size and printer compatibility.
Printing on brighter paper with a matte finish gives you higher contrast and makes a text-heavy document easier to read.
A heavier stock gives your work a more substantial presence, while wide format or panoramic sized paper is perfect for artistic prints and photo enlargements.
Check the label on HP paper packaging to find this key information:
Finish
Consider the look you want to achieve, and choose a finish that fits your needs:
- Glossy For color images that really pop, try printing on a paper with a glossy finish.
- Matte If printing a document with text, such as a term paper or resume, a matte finish can make your text easier to read.
- Satin A satin finish will give your photos a smooth, professional touch.
Brightness
The brightness of your paper refers to the amount of light reflected from the surface of the paper, and is typically measured on a scale from 1 to 100. Print on brighter paper, such as HP Bright White Inkjet Paper, for higher contrast, crisper text, and a clean background for more vivid images.
Weight
Thickness (measured in millimeters) and weight (measured in pounds), refer to the sturdiness and crease-resistance of your paper. HP paper comes in a variety of different weights.
You may try using a heavier paper for artwork or pieces that will be frequently handled, like cards or brochures. Heavier paper can also help formal, more substantial printed pieces, such as resumes and invitations, stand out from the crowd.
Size
HP offers many kinds of paper in a variety of sizes, from standard 8.5" x 11" paper, to 4" x 6" and 5" x 7" photo paper, to specialty sizes such as wide format and legal paper.
Not all printers can handle all kinds of paper, so before stocking up, check your printer manual for paper size and weight capabilities.
Multipurpose printing

For basic home and office printing, a simple, multipurpose paper is your best bet.
Many HP multipurpose papers now feature ColorLok technology for more vibrant colors, bolder blacks, and fewer smears. Engineered with special additives that chemically react with inkjet inks, ColorLok paper absorbs ink deeper into the paper while holding the pigment closer to the surface, delivering impeccable print quality every time.
| Paper Type | Printer Type | Description | Usage Ideas |
| HP Multipurpose Paper | Inkjet |
• Bright finish and smooth surface for sharp, professional-looking results. • ColorLok technology |
General office documents including copies and faxes |
| HP Bright White Inkjet Paper | Inkjet |
• Bright, blue-white finish for sharper contrast and more vibrant color • ColorLok technolgy |
Proposals, presentations and newsletters |
| HP Multipurpose 8.5" x 11" Recycled Paper | Inkjet, LaserJet |
• Matte finish makes text easier to read • Made with 30% recycled fibers • ColorLok technology |
Everyday documents, from single items to high-volume projects |
| HP LaserJet Paper | LaserJet |
• Bright finish • Thicker than standard paper • High opacity prevents show-through |
General office documents, especially documents that combine text with spot colors. |
Photo printing
When you print on HP photo paper, you get professional, lab-quality photo prints every time. Whether sharing snapshots of a recent gathering with friends, displaying artistic photos in your home, or reprinting a treasured photo heirloom, HP has the photo paper you need for crisp, high-quality photo prints that last.
| Paper Type | Printer Type | Description | Usage Ideas |
| HP Advanced Photo Paper | Inkjet |
• Thick and durable • Dries instantly to resist smudging • Variety of finishes available |
Snapshots, photo projects, photos for displaying on your refrigerator or sharing with guests |
| HP Premium Plus Photo Paper | Inkjet |
• HP’s best photo paper • Smudge and stick-resistant textured coating • Superior fade resistance delivers photos that last for generations** |
Important event photos, photo gifts, albums, scrapbooks and framed photos |
| HP Premium Photo Paper | Inkjet |
• The look and feel of traditional photos • Bright white finish and studio-quality thickness |
Perfect for high-resolution digital photos and reprints, plus business documents |
| HP Everyday Photo Paper | Inkjet |
• Thicker and heavier than plain paper • Designed for two-sided printing • Variety of finishes available |
For printing and sharing everyday photos from e-mail and the Internet, plus newsletters and other projects |
Color business printing
Whether conducting a company-wide presentation, submitting a winning proposal, or promoting your business to potential customers and clients, printing your message on the right paper can make all the difference.
For business documents that really pop, consider printing on one of the following HP papers, specifically designed for color business printing:
| Paper Type | Printer Type | Description | Usage Ideas |
| HP Brochure and Flyer Paper | Inkjet |
• Heavyweight paper resists general wear and tear • Matte finish for sharp print quality • Available pre-scored for easy folding • Coated for printing on both sides |
Brochures, flyers and paper craft projects |
| HP Premium Presentation Paper | Inkjet |
• Professional-weight paper adds a level of sophistication • Bright white matte finish for vibrant colors and sharper text • Coated for printing on both sides |
Professional presentations, newsletters, proposals and resumes |
| HP Color Laser Presentation Paper | LaserJet |
• Heavyweight, gloss- and soft gloss-coated stock helps your document stand out from the crowd • Optimized for laser printing |
Professional presentations, newsletters, proposals and resumes |
| HP Color Laser Brochure Paper | LaserJet |
• High-impact, glossy finish for a more professional look and feel • Coated with slip agents to prevent paper jams • Consistent color, clarity and finish •Variety of finishes available |
Brochures, flyers and paper craft projects |
Special media printing
HP has the media you need for just about any creative printing endeavor. Create customized scrapbook pages, formal invitations, or gallery-quality artistic prints. Embellish a T-shirt with a professional logo, cool graphic, or silly photo. Print transparencies right at your home or office. With HP special media, the opportunities are endless.
| Paper Type | Printer Type | Description | Usage Ideas |
| HP Iron-on Transfers | Inkjet |
• Easy to print, iron on, and peel off • Bold colors stand up to washings |
T-shirts, bags, caps and other customized items for your business, family, sports team or organization |
| HP LaserJet Cover Paper | LaserJet |
• HP's heaviest laser paper: 75 lb. cover • Ultra-bright matte finish for high-impact color and monochrome documents • Designed for double-sided printing |
Perfect for creating high-impact proposal covers, booklets, post cards, and sales tools |
Pair with the right ink for best results
Be sure to use long-lasting HP original ink cartridges to ensure quality performance.
No matter what type of HP paper you choose to print on, be sure you use Original HP inks and Original HP toner to ensure reliable quality and long-lasting printer performance.
HP scientists go through a rigorous process to create ink that’s virtually flawless. And in a recent independent test by Buyers Laboratory Inc., Original HP ink cartridges printed up to twice the pages—on average—of refilled cartridges tested.*
Find out how Original HP toner compares to remanufactured cartridges, too.
To find the right ink and paper for your printer, visit the HP printer buying guides and check out the Ink and Media type rows.
Learn more
- HP still has more to offer! Browse all of the HP paper offerings to find the inkjet or LaserJet paper you need for any project.
- Discover a plethora of creative printing projects, as well as a variety of professionally designed business templates at the HP Creative Studio for Home and HP Creative Studio for Business.
- Check out all the useful Printing tips and how-tos for your HP products.
- * A Buyers Laboratory Inc. 2011 study commissioned by HP compared Original HP ink cartridges (60XL, 56A, 57A, 74XL and 75XL) with ink cartridges refilled by refill service providers and sold in North America. For details, see http://www.buyerslab.com/products/samples/HP-Inkjet-Cartridges-vs-Refilled-Cartridges.pdf .