Here is a handy reference showing a list of typical paper types used in printed documents.
Other handy reference pages include information on “Bleeds“, “Acceptable Graphic Formats“, “Paper Finishes” and “Paper Weights & Sizes“
| Paper Type | Characteristics | Finish | Type of Project |
| Bond | Comes in a range of pastels, neutrals, matching envelopes, and matching cover weights | Smooth, cockle | Fliers, forms, copies |
| Writing paper | Comes in a range of colors and flocking options that match envelopes, plus cover and text weights | Smooth, linen, vellum, cockle, etc. | Stationery |
| Uncoated book | Comes in a range of colors Direct mail, newsletters, and is thicker and more opaque than bond or writing | Smooth | Direct mail, newsletters, catalogs |
| Text | Comes in a range of colors and flocking options that match envelopes, plus cover and text weights | Smooth, linen, vellum, cockle, etc. | Letterhead, annual reports, brochures |
| Coated book | Matching cover weights limited to cream and white, although specialty lines exist in a range of colors | Dull, gloss, matte, cast-coated | Magazines, catalogs, direct mail |
| Cover | Heavier and more durable counter-part to coordinate with text, book, and writing papers | Smooth, linen, vellum, gloss, matte | Business cards, report covers, brochures, tickets, postcards, pocket folders, greeting cards |
| Index/Bristol | Comes in a range of colors and finishes | Coated, vellum, smooth | Postcards, file folders, tickets |
| Label | Comes in gummed, pressure sensitive, and self-adhesive backing and in a range of colors | Smooth (uncoated), matte, glossy, cast coated | Labels, stickers |
