Okuzeka
Graphic Design vocabulary · Print Production

Paper stock

Meaning in graphic design, with examples

/ˈpeɪpər ˌstɑːk/nounCommon term

In graphic design, paper stock means: The type of paper or card used for a printed piece, described by its weight, thickness, surface (coated or uncoated) and colour.

In Turkish: kağıt cinsi, kağıt türü

How it is used

Used with printers and in print quotes. You choose, specify or sample a paper stock; designers ask printers for samples and talk about coated, uncoated, recycled or textured stock. People often just say stock.

Example sentences

  1. Which paper stock do you recommend for a business card that feels premium?

  2. Colours look softer on uncoated paper stock, so we adjusted the photos.

Common collocations

  • choose a paper stock
  • coated stock
  • uncoated stock
  • heavy stock
  • paper samples
  • GSMGrams per square metre: the weight of paper or card. Higher numbers usually mean thicker paper, for example 80 gsm for office paper and 350 gsm for business cards.
  • finishA treatment added to a printed piece to change how it looks or feels, such as matt or gloss lamination, spot UV varnish, foil or embossing.
  • offset printingA common commercial printing method in which ink is transferred from metal plates to a rubber blanket and then onto paper. It is cost-effective for large quantities.
  • proofA trial version of a design, on paper or as a PDF, that the designer and client check carefully for mistakes and colour before the full print run starts.

More terms: Print Production

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level: