Not sure what kind of paper to use for your downloaded printables? This detailed guide will help you choose the best paper for planners, wall art, stickers, kids’ worksheets, and more.

Why Paper Choice Matters for Printables

So you just bought a beautiful printable online, maybe a planner page, wall art, or a fun worksheet for your kids, and now you’re wondering: What paper should I use to print it? You’re not alone! Choosing the right type of paper can make a huge difference in the look, feel, and durability of your printable.

In this post, we’ll break down the best types of paper for various printable uses, from high-quality matte for art prints to sticker paper for labels, and give you tips on what to look for when printing at home or using a local print shop.

Understanding Paper Types for Printables

Let’s start with the basics. Paper isn’t just paper, it varies in weight, finish, brightness, and size. These factors all influence how your printable turns out.

Paper Weight: GSM and LB Explained

When buying paper, you’ll usually see numbers like 80 lb or 100 gsm. Here’s what they mean:

• LB (pound) – Common in the U.S. and refers to the weight of 500 sheets of paper in its basic size.
• GSM (grams per square meter) – The international standard for paper weight.

Type of Use	Recommended Paper Weight
Standard printables (text-heavy)	75–90 gsm (20–24 lb)
High-quality planners	100–120 gsm (26–32 lb)
Art prints or wall decor	170–230 gsm (60–80 lb cover)
Postcards or sturdy invitations	250–300 gsm (100+ lb cover)
Sticker paper	Varies, usually around 120–150 gsm

The heavier the gsm or lb, the thicker and more durable the paper.

Paper Finishes: Matte, Glossy, or Satin?

The finish affects how your design looks on paper. Here’s a breakdown:

• Matte Paper: No shine. Great for writing, coloring, and soft, elegant finishes.
• Glossy Paper: Shiny and vibrant. Ideal for photos, party printables, and wall art.
• Satin/Silk Paper: Semi-gloss. A good middle ground for professional-looking prints.

Brightness and Whiteness

• Brightness refers to how much light the paper reflects. Higher brightness (90+) = crisper colors.
• Whiteness is about the actual tone of the paper. Bluish-white is considered bright, while creamy-white adds warmth.

For most printables, look for paper with 90–100 brightness.

Best Paper Types by Printable Category

Let’s explore what kind of paper works best for different types of printables you might download.

1. Planners, Calendars, and To-Do Lists

These are functional documents where you’ll likely be writing a lot.

Best paper:

• 100–120 gsm matte paper
• Smooth finish to prevent ink bleed-through
• Compatible with pens, highlighters, and markers

Pro Tip: If you’re building a DIY planner, choose slightly heavier paper (like 120 gsm) for a professional feel and reduced ghosting between pages.

2. Wall Art and Quotes

Wall art printables need to look vibrant and sharp. You’ll either frame them or hang them up directly.

Best paper:

• 170–230 gsm photo paper or matte presentation paper
• Choose glossy for bold, high-saturation prints
• Choose matte or satin for minimal glare and an art print feel

Pro Tip: If you’re using a home printer, test a small portion first to avoid wasting expensive photo paper.

3. Worksheets for Kids

Think coloring pages, tracing sheets, and activity packets. These need to be sturdy but still easy to write and draw on.

Best paper:

• 90–100 gsm matte paper
• Bright white for vivid contrast
• Smooth texture for crayons, pencils, and markers

Pro Tip: For reusable activities, print on thicker paper and laminate the sheets so kids can use dry-erase markers.

4. Party Decorations & Invitations

Invites, banners, cupcake toppers—printables for parties need to stand out.

Best paper:

• 200–300 gsm cardstock
• Can be matte or glossy depending on the theme
• For tags and toppers, opt for cover-weight cardstock

Pro Tip: Use a craft cutter or scissors with decorative edges for a custom finish.

5. Stickers and Labels

Whether you’re printing planner stickers or jar labels, this category needs special paper.

Best paper:

• Inkjet or laser sticker paper (match your printer type)
• Matte for write-on labels
• Glossy or waterproof for professional-looking stickers

Pro Tip: Use a cutting machine like a Cricut or Silhouette for perfect shapes.

Home Printing Tips for the Best Results

You’ve chosen your printable and your paper. Now what? Here’s how to make your at-home prints look professional.

Choose the Right Printer Settings

Always match your printer settings to the paper type. Most printers allow you to select:

• Paper type (plain, photo, matte, heavy cardstock)
• Print quality (draft, normal, high)

Use high-quality mode for detailed prints and set the correct paper thickness to avoid jamming.

Load Paper Correctly

Make sure the printable side is facing the correct direction—some paper has a printable and a non-printable side. Check your paper’s packaging for guidance.

Let Ink Dry Completely

Especially on glossy paper, ink can smudge if handled too soon. Give prints 2–5 minutes to dry before touching or cutting.

Where to Buy Printable-Friendly Paper

You can find suitable paper for your printables in many places:

Local Stores

• Staples
• Office Depot
• Walmart
• Target

Online Retailers

• Amazon (great for bulk orders)
• Neenah Paper or Hammermill brands
• OnlineLabels.com for sticker and specialty paper

Pro Tip: Read reviews before purchasing to see how other crafters and printable users liked the paper quality.

Eco-Friendly and Budget Options

If you print often, you might want something affordable and sustainable.

Recycled Paper

Look for FSC-certified or post-consumer waste paper. It may have a slightly different tone but is better for the planet.

Bulk Packs and Reams

Buy your most-used paper in larger quantities to save money—especially for worksheets, planners, and test prints.

Final Thoughts: Printables Deserve the Right Paper

Choosing the right paper for your digital downloads can take your printable from “meh” to museum-worthy. Whether you’re crafting a DIY planner, decorating your home, or printing educational resources, the quality of your paper truly matters.

Remember:

• Match the paper weight and finish to the printable’s purpose.
• Use high-quality printer settings for the best results.
• Don’t be afraid to test a few papers until you find your favorite.