Paper Sizes
This page contains useful information on paper sizes, envelope sizes and other helpful information:-
• Paper Sizes
• Envelope Sizes
• File Specifications
• Calculating Paper Weight
• General Print Specifications
PAPER SIZES
Listed below are some commonly used standard paper sizes which are the most economical to print but any size is possible. All sizes are in mm.
A series
A0 = 840x1188
A1 = 594x840
A2 = 420x594
A3 = 297x420
A4 = 210x297
A5 = 148.5x210
A6 = 105x148.5
B series
B0 = 1000x1414
B1 = 707x1000
B2 = 500x707
B3 = 353x500
B4 = 250x353
B5 = 176x250
SRA series
SRA0 = 900x1280
SRA1 = 640x900
SRA2 = 450x640
SRA3 = 320x450
SRA4 = 225x320
PAPER WEIGHT
Printable paper comes in weights of 70gms (very thin) up to 500gms (heavy card)
ENVELOPE SIZES
Envelopes are available in many sizes and also can be made to order, although this is expensive. Listed below are the most commonly used sizes which will fit normal paper sizes e.g. A4 flat sheet will fit C4 envelopes. Other sized envelopes are used to fit folded paper sizes e.g. A4 folded 3 times will fit in to a DL envelope.
C3 = 324x458
C4 = 229x324
C5 = 162x229
C6 = 114x162
C7 = 81x114
C8 = 57x81
DL = 110x220
FILE SPECIFICATIONS
To print from digital files there are certain files that you will need to send to ensure that high resolution can be achieved. Although the file may be correct on screen and print to low quality printers ok, it will need the high resolution files and fonts to be outputted to the CTP systems.
FONTS
Fonts cause the most problems when we receive files from customers own computers due to our software not using the exact same font. To eliminate these problems we ask that you embed the fonts in the document you supply. Alternatively send us PDF or JPG files which do not cause these font problems.
Please check that the colours used in the job are the same i.e. if 2-colours are used ensure that the same colours are defined. If you choose red and blue for instance, make sure you have only used one red and one blue colour from your colour chart and not different reds or blues. If full colour that all the colours are defined as CMYK.
IMAGE RESOLUTION/TYPES
Scanned PHOTOS need to be at a resolution of 300dpi at the finished size i.e. If the photo is blown up at 200% it needs to be 600dpi original size. Drawn up images such as Illustrator, Coreldraw etc. need to be sent in EPS format and the resolution will not apply. We can accept all file types including EPS, TIFF, WMF, JPEG, BITMAP, PIC and many other formats, if in doubt please contact us.
DATA TRANSFER
We can receive files in many ways. You can send your file direct via e-mail, FTP site, dropbox or any other file transfer facilities. You can upload you files via our website by choosing "send us a File" option under the "Artwork" menu. If preferred you can post your files to us.
FILE TYPES
We have many programmes and are also able to accept PDF, JPG, EPS etc. files, listed below are most of our current versions of programmes:- QUARK, INDESIGN, PHOTOSHOP, FREEHAND, ILLUSTRATOR, CORELDRAW, PUBLISHER, EXCEL, DREAMWEAVER plus many others.
CALCULATING PAPER WEIGHTS
You will need to know the paper weight of the final job for the purposes of shipping, postage costs. This can be worked out by calculating the weight (gms) x area/size x quantity and if printed add 5% to be safe.
Use the formula below:
Length in metres x width in metres x weight in gsm
this gives the weight of 1000 sheets then simply x by number of sheets required
i.e. 500 sheets of A3 (297x420)130gms =
.297 x .420 x 130 = 16.2kg for 1000 sheets then x .5 ( for 500 sheets) = 8.1kg
GENERAL PRINTING SPECIFICATIONS
We are able to follow any specifications you may require ref colours, screen resolutions, paper size/type, finish size, fold specifications, binding specifications etc.
COLOURS:- European Standard Pantone colours are used to achieve any colour but it is possible to match almost any colour.
SCREEN RESOLUTIONS:- Any line screens can be used from 10lpi to 300lpi at 2540dpi although some are not appropriate for different paper stocks. For example on bond paper we would not go above 200lpi as the screen areas would begin to block in i.e. letterheads, comp slip, invoices etc. On a coated paper we would normally use our highest resolution of 300dpi to achieve perfect tints and photos i.e. Colour brochures, leaflets, folders etc.
PAPER SIZE/TYPE: Any size or type of paper can be used but some are more appropriate for different uses. Letterheads, invoices etc. would use a bond paper to enable them to be filled in or written on whereas Colour brochures, leaflets etc. would use a coated paper such as gloss or matt to achieve vibrant colours and stunning pictures.
FINISH SIZE, FOLD and BIND SPECIFICATIONS:- We are able to meet any of your specifications on cutting shapes and sizes and are able to cross fold up to SRA2. Finished jobs can be stapled, saddle stitched, folded, die cut to curved shapes etc. please contact us if you have any special requirements.