Select the best paper for any job

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.