Printer & Paper Compatibility Guide
Which Paper Works With Your Printer?
Choosing the right paper for your printer avoids costly damage and poor results. Use this guide to match your printer type, paper finish, weight, and format. When in doubt, always check your printer manufacturer's media specifications — and contact us if you have an unusual setup and we'll do our best to help.
Printer Type Compatibility at a Glance
| Paper Type / Finish | Laser & Digital | Inkjet | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncoated plain paper (e.g. 80gsm copier) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | The safest all-round choice for both technologies. |
| Uncoated laser/digital paper | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Inkjet may produce less vibrant results on non-inkjet-treated uncoated stock. |
| Inkjet-treated coated paper | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Inkjet coatings can melt or stick inside a laser/digital fuser — do not use in laser printers. |
| Laser-safe coated paper | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not recommended | Laser-safe coatings are heat-resistant but not optimised to absorb water-based inkjet inks. |
| Heavyweight uncoated (160–300gsm) | ⚠️ Check printer specs | ⚠️ Check printer specs | Many desktop printers cap at 160–200gsm. Check your manual before using heavier stock. |
| Gloss / silk coated | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not recommended | Designed for Laser only. Running through an Inkjet printer risks damage to the printer. |
| Matt coated (laser-safe rated) | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not recommended | Heat-set coating; excellent for toner. Not suitable for inkjet ink absorption. |
Why Laser Coated Papers Can Damage Inkjet Printers
Laser and digital printers use a fuser unit — a heated roller that bonds toner to the page. Feeding laser-coated media through an inkjet printer can cause the ink to run, jam the printer, or permanently damage the machine. Always confirm that a coated paper is explicitly rated for laser or digital use before printing.
Common Weights & What They're Used For
| Weight (gsm) | Typical Use | Printer Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| 60–80 gsm | Everyday copying, internal documents | Laser ✅ Inkjet ✅ |
| 90–100 gsm | Quality documents, letterheads, flyers | Laser ✅ Inkjet ✅ |
| 120–170 gsm | Presentation sheets, brochures, menus | Laser ✅ Inkjet ✅ |
| 200–250 gsm | Cards, covers, invitations, postcards | Check printer maximum media weight carefully |
| 250–350 gsm | Greetings cards, mounting board, packaging | Most desktop printers cannot handle this weight — professional or wide-format equipment required |
Format Guide
| Format | Dimensions | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| A5 | 148 × 210 mm | Flyers, notepads, booklets |
| A4 | 210 × 297 mm | Standard documents, letterheads, flyers, printing |
| A3 | 297 × 420 mm | Posters, plans, wide-format output |
| SRA3 | 320 × 450 mm | Bleed allowance for professional print finishing |
| SRA2 | 450 × 640 mm | Trade and commercial press work |
SRA formats include a bleed margin for professional trimming and are typically used in trade printing presses rather than desktop printers.
Shop by Compatibility
- Our Essential Range of Paper and Card for LASER & DIGITAL PRINTERS — laser-safe and digital-press-rated stock across a range of weights and finishes.
- Inkjet Compatible Paper — paper and card selected for reliable inkjet printing.
- Our Range of Inkjet Compatible Paper and Card — a broader inkjet selection including heavier weights and speciality finishes.
A Note of Caution
Every printer model has its own media specifications. Weights, finishes, and formats that work well in one machine may not be suitable for another. We always recommend checking your printer's manual or manufacturer website for maximum media weight, accepted finishes, and any restrictions on coated stock before purchasing. If you have a specialist, wide-format, or older printer and are unsure which paper is right for you, please get in touch — we're happy to advise.