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In a printing facility, stacks of paper are typically arranged neatly beneath the feeding platform of a printing press. Upon activation, individual sheets are fed sequentially into the machine, undergo the printing process, and are then output one by one, ultimately becoming the printed materials we commonly use-such as books, magazines, albums, and posters. This method, known as sheet-fed printing, is widely adopted in the production of various printed media.
Prior to distribution, flat paper is precisely cut to standardized dimensions to meet the requirements of large-format sheet-fed presses. These initial dimensions are referred to as "full sheets." Printing facilities may further subdivide full sheets into smaller formats depending on the specifications of different sheet-fed presses.
The dimensions of full sheets follow unified industry standards within the papermaking and printing sectors. In China, several standard full-sheet sizes exist, each designated with a specific name. The most commonly used include:
Standard-sized paper traces its origins to printing conventions established during the Republic of China era, when publications such as dictionaries, books, and newspapers were predominantly printed on this format. In contrast, large-sized paper adheres to international ISO standards originating in Germany and has gradually become the prevailing standard in contemporary Chinese printing. Due to its larger dimensions compared to standard paper, it is designated as "large" or "Da Du."
In addition to standard and large formats, three internationally recognized series-A, B, and C-are also widely utilized. These standardized dimensions are integrated into various printers and design software applications, including common examples such as A4 and A3 printing paper, and B6 envelopes.
According to national standards, uncut paper produced at the mill is termed "full-size paper." When a full sheet is divided into multiple equal-area portions, various sheet sizes are generated. For example, dividing a full sheet into two equal parts yields "half sheets," while dividing it into four equal sections produces "4-kai" sheets. The familiar "16-kai" paper refers to a full sheet divided evenly into 16 parts.
Paper Size in Printing
Paper size is a critical concept in the printing industry. As per national standards, the original dimension before cutting is defined as "full sheet paper," whereas post-cutting dimensions constitute various sheet formats. For instance, halving a full sheet results in "half-sheet" size, and so forth. Below are commonly used paper sizes (in millimeters):
Standard Format (uncropped full sheet: 787 × 1092 mm):
- Quarto (4-kai): 380 × 530
- Octavo (8-kai): 260 × 380
- Regular 16-kai: 190 × 260
- Regular 32-kai: 130 × 190
- Regular 64-kai: 95 × 130
Large Format (uncropped full sheet: 889 × 1194 mm):
- Large half-sheet: 580 × 860
- Large 4-kai: 420 × 580
- Large 8-kai: 285 × 420
- Large 16-kai: 210 × 285
- Large 32-kai: 140 × 210
- Large 64-kai: 105 × 140
For official printed materials-including textbooks and government documents-the state mandates uniform size standards. Currently, in China, books printed in the 16-kai format on standard paper are classified as "standard 16-kai editions." If the same format is printed on large-sized paper, they are designated as "large 16-kai" to distinguish them from their standard counterparts.
These standardized dimensions extend beyond formal publications and are broadly applied across various paper products. For example, promotional flyers frequently measure 210 × 285 mm, conforming exactly to the large 16-kai specification. Utilizing large full sheets (889 × 1194 mm) enables more efficient paper utilization and minimizes waste.
Although standardized size data is provided for each format, actual design practices allow for some flexibility. Designers may make minor adjustments to accommodate specific project needs. However, non-standard dimensions can lead to increased material waste. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with printing professionals prior to finalizing designs to ensure optimal size selection.
It should be noted that the A, B, and C series follow a distinct naming convention. Taking Series A as an example, each successive size is derived by halving the preceding one, with the number incrementing accordingly. Specifically, halving A0 yields A1, halving A1 produces A2, and so on. Among copy paper sizes, A3 through A6 are most commonly used:
- A3: 297 × 420 mm
- A4: 210 × 297 mm
- A5: 148 × 210 mm
- A6: 105 × 144 mm
Designers may make slight modifications to these dimensions based on specific requirements. However, deviating from standard sizes may result in inefficiencies and higher costs. Hence, coordination with printing experts is recommended to confirm appropriate sizing.
Note: Although the large 16-kai size (210 × 285 mm) closely resembles A4 (210 × 297 mm), the latter is generally unsuitable for standard printing workflows due to exceeding allowable dimensions. Using A4 paper can lead to excess waste and increased production costs-a common oversight among novice designers.
Commonly Used Printing Sizes
- Business card: 90 × 55 mm or 85 × 54 mm
- Work ID card: 85.5 × 54 mm
- Coupon: 215 × 95 mm
- Invitation: 140 × 210 mm
- Membership card: 90 × 50 mm
- Ticket: 200 × 80 mm
- DM flyer: 210 × 285 mm
- Shopping bag: 400 × 258 × 80 mm
- X-stand / pull-up banner: 60 × 160 cm, 80 × 180 cm, 120 × 200 cm, or 80 × 200 cm
Basis Weight of Paper
Basis weight refers to the mass per unit area of paper, expressed in grams per square meter (g/m²). For example, coated paper weighing 157 grams per square meter is designated as "157 g coated paper." Importantly, basis weight serves not merely as a measure of mass but primarily as an indicator of paper thickness. Generally, higher basis weights correspond to greater thickness-for instance, 300 g paper is thicker than 157 g paper. Another commonly used unit is the "ream," which denotes a quantity of 500 sheets.
Following the completion of design, selecting appropriate paper is crucial, as it directly influences the final print quality and visual impact.
Commonly Used Paper Types in Printing
Coated Paper: This is the most prevalent paper type in color printing, valued for its smooth surface, high whiteness, and excellent ink absorption and retention. It is extensively used in albums, books, periodicals, direct-mail flyers, and posters. Common basis weights range from 80 to 350 g/m², including 80, 105, 128, 157, 200, 250, 300, and 350 g/m². Coated paper is available in both glossy and matte finishes. Glossy coated paper enhances color vibrancy and fidelity, while matte coated paper provides a non-reflective, sophisticated appearance ideal for premium design projects.
Matte Coated Paper: Also known as dull-coated paper, it delivers rich, non-glare prints with a refined, elegant aesthetic. Frequently used in high-end design works, it imparts a sense of sophistication and minimalism, enhancing the overall artistic value.
Offset Paper: As the most widely consumed paper in printing, offset paper offers adequate performance for black-and-white printing despite slightly lower color reproduction compared to coated paper. It is well-suited for textbooks, journals, and other publications with modest color demands. Typically lightweight and thin, common basis weights include 70, 80, 100, and 120 g/m².
White Cardstock: Known for its strength and rigidity, white cardstock exhibits high durability and resistance to tearing, resembling thick coated paper in appearance. However, unlike coated paper, it lacks an inorganic coating, resulting in superior ink absorption but slightly reduced color vibrancy. Available in basis weights of 200, 250, 300, 350, and 400 g/m², it is commonly used for business cards, invitations, postcards, and packaging materials.
Kraft Paper: Characterized by its distinctive yellowish-brown hue and robust texture, kraft paper features a slightly uneven color and coarse surface. These qualities contribute to its unique, rustic appeal. Widely used in food packaging, file folders, envelopes, and even book covers and flyers, it conveys a vintage, artisanal aesthetic.
Glassine Paper: Produced by treating base paper with sulfuric acid, glassine becomes semi-transparent, allowing for subtle visual effects in printing. Often used as protective interleaving in high-end books or albums, its transparency enables viewers to appreciate underlying artwork or text without direct contact.
Pearlescent Paper: Composed of three key elements-base fiber, filler, and surface coating-pearlescent paper features an exceptionally smooth surface, moderate thickness, and a luminous, pearl-like sheen. Its reflective properties make it ideal for luxury album and book covers, as well as premium packaging, greeting cards, and labels.
Specialty Paper (Fancy Paper): Crafted from diverse materials, specialty paper encompasses a broad category of artistic and functional papers, each offering unique textures, finishes, or visual effects. While typically more expensive than standard paper, its avant-garde and decorative qualities make it a preferred choice for packaging, tags, book covers, and business cards. When thoughtfully applied, specialty paper enhances the uniqueness and aesthetic value of printed materials.
