Stock

by David Harris // December 4  

Stock is a printing term referring to paper or card cut to a standard size for use when printing. There are different kinds of stock available, and your choice will depend on what type of printing project you’re doing; for instance, printing business cards requires using other stock than printing flyers.

Stock in printing refers to an assortment of papers that come in various basis weights, colors, and finishes. The term ‘stock’ encompasses the weight and thickness of individual documents and their availability from any manufacturer.

Moreover, stock papers refer to any paper not explicitly tailored to order from one customer. They are often mass-produced and readily available from various sources for sale.

Consider these key factors when selecting paper stock for printing: basis weight is the weight of 500 sheets of paper in pounds; the caliper measures thickness in inches. Finally, the finish type will play an important part.

Coated papers feature a glossy surface ideal for printing photographs or images. In contrast, uncoated papers provide more natural tones, perfect for text-heavy documents.

Stock is an integral element in printing, as it determines its final look, feel, and quality. Selecting the appropriate stock type can dramatically impact its last appearance: for instance, choosing heavier paper gives a printed piece a more substantial feel, while choosing lighter stock adds delicate touches – it all matters when creating successful print projects! Having said this, some simple strategies for selecting suitable paper stocks may prove valuable in helping achieve successful outcomes for print projects.

About the Author

David Harris is a content writer at Adazing with 20 years of experience navigating the ever-evolving worlds of publishing and technology. Equal parts editor, tech enthusiast, and caffeine connoisseur, he’s spent decades turning big ideas into polished prose. As a former Technical Writer for a cloud-based publishing software company and a Ghostwriter of over 60 books, David’s expertise spans technical precision and creative storytelling. At Adazing, he brings a knack for clarity and a love of the written word to every project—while still searching for the keyboard shortcut that refills his coffee.

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