Introduction
Printing is an important task for any organization as it involves conveying information in a physical form. This can be done on paper of various dimensions. Paper sizes for printing are generally defined either by a numerical value in inches or by the ISO standard size which mentions a standard set of sizes in millimeters. This article aims to discuss the concept of paper sizes used for printing.
Common Dimensions For Printing
For commercial printing purposes, there is a range of paper sizes used across the world. The two most common paper sizes for printing, used in the US include Letter and Legal. Letter sized paper is 8.5 by 11 inches and is mostly used for domestic and office printing tasks. It is the commonly used paper size in offices for official documents. Legal paper is a slightly larger paper than the Letter size paper. It is 8.5 by 14 inches in size and is used mainly for legal documents, such as contracts, deeds, court documents etc.
Apart from these, there are other popular paper sizes for printing like A4, A3, A2, A1, A0. These are denoted as ISO standard size, according to international standards by the ISO (International Standards Organization). A4 is the most common paper used for printing across the world and is 210mm x 297mm in size which is exactly half the size of A3 paper. A4 paper size is 1/16th of A0 paper size which is 841mm x 1189mm.
The Benefits of Utilizing A Variety Of Paper Sizes For Printing
Using different sizes of papers for printing have their benefits. Different types of documents, for instance technical documents, user manuals, contracts or legal documents would need to be printed on different paper sizes. Legal documents would require a bigger paper size as compared to technical documents regarding the amount of content and information included in the document.
Moreover, for adding aesthetic value to the document, a variety of paper sizes can be used. If the document is intended to be presented to clients or potential investors, a larger paper size and a better printing quality can be used.
Varieties of Available Paper Stock
In addition to the dimensions, the paper stock also affects the quality of the document being printed. The paper stock includes two aspects, one being the weight which is expressed in grams per meter square and the other is the paper texture, which is defined as the types of paper used and their overall feel. The types of paper used can vary from plain paper to craft paper and are mainly defined by their overall thickness, opacity, durability and softness.
Understanding Printing Processes
In order to utilize the various paper sizes for printing, it is important to understand the printing process. Various printing techniques are available, such as Digital printing, Screen printing, Lithography and Flexography. Depending on the production, printing style and paper type, printing houses choose the most suitable process.
One important aspect of the printing process is the ‘bleed’, which is the portion of paper that will be trimmed off after printing. This is the point where the printer is aware of the paper size that will be utilized and the design that will be printed on it.
Comparing Quality of Prints Produced On Different Paper Sizes
The quality of the prints produced on different paper sizes depend on the four fundamental print variables which include the paper weight, the printing process, the paper stock, and the graphic resolution. The combination of these elements produces the quality of printing on each paper size.
For instance, when printing on A4 paper, the color resolution and the image pixel rate should be higher than when printing on A3 paper as the number of pixels remain the same and are due to be presented on larger paper size. It is therefore essential to understand the variation in printing quality for various paper sizes.
Factors To Consider Before Choosing A Paper Size To Print On
It is essential to prioritize the correct paper size when printing a commercial document as it serves the purpose of what it carries and what readers will take away from it. There are a few factors to consider when choosing a paper size for printing.
Firstly, it is important to understand the purpose of the document and the message that needs to be conveyed. This dictates the size of the paper. Secondly, the number of pages incorporated in the document should be taken into account. Sheets of heavier paper can be chosen if the document is relatively lengthy.
Thirdly, it is also important to consider the cost of printing on various paper sizes. A larger paper size may be more expensive to print on as compared to a smaller paper size. Furthermore, it is important to consider the binding option as various paper sizes are suitable for different bindings.
Consideration of Environment-Friendly Options
In the process of selecting the paper size, it is important to consider environment friendly options such as recycled paper. Recycled paper reduce the adverse impacts of paper manufacturing on the environment and can be used for diverse options such as brochures, leaflets, business cards, stationery and documents. They are also lighter weight and are available in a variety of sizes.
Overview of Paper Sizes Used in Printing
In conclusion, this article highlights the various paper sizes used for printing. The popular dimensions for printing include the US standard paper size, letter, legal and the ISO standard size, A0 to A4. Different types of paper stocks and printing processes are also discussed. It is important to consider factors such as the purpose of the document, the number of pages, cost and environment friendly options when choosing a paper size for printing.
