Choosing paper for HP inkjet and LaserJet printers

HP inks and papers are specially formulated to work with HP printers so you’ll get crisp, clean printouts every time. HP makes a wide range of papers for its inkjet printers, including photo paper and brochure and card stock. Be sure to check the package for compatibility before you use it. 

You want everything you print to look its best, and value is important too. That’s why HP has so many options when it comes to inkjet paper.

Use these charts to match your printing tasks to the right HP paper.

Photocopies, fax machines, drafts of everyday documents such as e-mails

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HP Multipupose Recycled paper

Outstanding Value

Heavyweight to reduce show-through

Brighter than ordinary inkjet papers

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Compatible with all types of printers, copiers, and fax machines.

Made with 30% recycled materials

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Retail stores

Superior true-to-life color that resists fading

Makes professional-quality prints

Comes in a wide variety of sizes and finishes

Vibrant colors, glossy blacks, realisstic skin tones

Thick and sturdy like professional photos

Dries instantly and resists smudging

Withstands repeated handling

Excellent value

Thicker and heavier than regular paper so colors don’t bleed through

HP Greeting cards

__________________ HP Premium Photo Greeting cards

Simple to use, loads like regular paper

Pre-scored for easy folding

__________________ Professional-quality sheen for optimal color quality. 

Coated on both sides for two-sided printing

Impressive image quality for graphics and text.

HP Color Inkjet paper is highly opaque, great for two-sided printing

Extra smooth and bright for sharp, crisp text and colors

Extremely smooth finish

Extremely smooth finish

Outstanding value

Heavyweight to reduce show-through Brighter than standard office papers

Brighter than standard office papers

Superior, true-to-life color that resists fading

Makes professional-quality prints

Comes in a wide variety of sizes and finishes

Dries instantly and resists smudging

Coated on both sides for two-sided printing.

Impressive image quality for graphics and text.

Comes in matte or glossy

Exceptional image quality on both sides

Tri-fold paper is pre-scored for easy folding

Extremely bright for crisp text and vivid color

There are a few attributes that make one paper different from another. Here’s a quick reference guide:

• Finish
  Finish will affect the way your printed piece looks. HP offers a range of finishes including matte, glossy, and high-gloss. This is especially important when you’re printing photos. However, most everyday printer papers are matte.
• Brightness
  Brightness refers to the amount of light reflected from the surface of the paper. The more light, the higher the brightness value—which means you get crisper text and a better background for vivid images and color photos. HP's brightest inkjet paper is Bright White for inkjet printing.
• Thickness and weight
  Thickness and weight determine how resistant the paper will be to creases, and how sturdy it feels in your hands. HP Brochure and Flyer paper, for example, is thicker and heavier than HP Inkjet paper.
• Size
  In addition to standard 8-1/2" x 11" papers, HP offers specialty sizes such as legal (11" x 17") and photo papers in a variety of sizes including 4" x 6", 5" x 7", and panorama.

In addition to papers for everyday use, HP makes specialty papers including full-sheet labels and iron-on transfers. Learn more about printing on specialty papers.

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