Choosing the right paper can make a big difference in how your printed piece looks and feels. Our Paper Weight Guide is designed to help you easily compare common text and cover stocks, including thickness (pt) and weight (gsm), so you can select the best option for your project. Whether you’re printing business cards, brochures, postcards, catalogs, or presentation materials, this chart gives you a quick reference for understanding the differences between lightweight, medium, heavy, and extra-heavy paper stocks.
Introduction to Paper
Choose the right paper weight and finish for the best possible print results.
At Metro Productions, we help clients choose the right paper to match their brand, budget, and goals — creating printed materials that leave a lasting impression.
Paper Weight Guide: Understanding Thickness, Weight & Finish
Choosing the Right Finish
Paper finish plays an important role in the overall look and feel of your printed piece. Gloss finishes have a shiny surface that enhances color vibrancy and image sharpness, making them ideal for brochures, postcards, and marketing materials with heavy graphics or photography. Velvet finishes offer a softer, smoother appearance with reduced glare, creating a more refined and professional look that works well for premium branding pieces. Uncoated papers have a natural texture and are easy to write on, making them a popular choice for stationery, letterheads, and more tactile print projects. Choosing the right finish helps ensure your printed materials match the style, purpose, and impression you want to create.
Die Templates: Use the correct layout from the start
Die templates show the exact cut, fold, and bleed areas for a printed piece. Using the correct template ensures artwork lines up properly and nothing important gets trimmed or folded incorrectly. Folder templates identify spine width, fold panels, and pocket placement, while postcard templates define trim size, bleed, and USPS-safe areas. Always design directly on the provided die template to avoid production delays and costly reprints.
Below are examples of a pocket folder template and a 6×9 postcard template that indicates the mailing panel. Click to download the PDF and place it into your design file to make sure your artwork is set up correctly before submitting.
