Introduction
Paper is at the heart of book printing and impacts your design's overall look and feel. Our Instant Quote Calculator will only display the most suitable options depending on your print specifications. Our professional paper types have been selected for their exceptional properties in brightness, color, texture, weight, opacity, and overall print quality.
Book Sizing
A book’s size is a subtle way of helping readers understand the kind of book you’ve created. Consider your book’s genre, market expectations, cost per copy, design, and distribution strategy when choosing what size to print. Although there are some common sizes for each product, you can select from a wide range of specifications and choose custom sizing (subject to availability).
| Popular Products | Common Sizes |
| Paperback & Hardcover Books | Letter (8.5” x 11”) Square (8.5” x 8.5”) US Trade (6” x 9”) Digest (5.5 x 8.5) |
| Comic Books | US Trade (6” x 9”) |
| Catalogs & Magazines | Digest Letter |
What is paper weight?
Paper weight is measured in pounds (lb). The density and thickness of paper fibers influence a paper’s weight. For example, an 80lb paper weight refers to the weight of the ream of paper in its uncut size before it’s trimmed and ready for use. It’s important to note that selecting heavier paper weights can increase shipping costs and a book’s durability. However, they’re ideal for books that will be frequently handled or require a high-end feel.
Text Paper vs Cover Paper
Text paper refers to the paper used to create inner pages, while cover paper refers to the paper used to make covers. You can choose your inner paper weight and cover paper weight on our Instant Quote Calculator by clicking the ‘Add Cover (+ 4 Printed Pages)’ option. Books, including staple or wire-o bound books, without a cover will have the same paper weight as the inner pages, known as a self-cover.
TEXT PAPER WEIGHTS
| Weight | Description |
| 70lb | Lightweight with some transparency |
| 80lb | Moderate flexibility with minimal transparency |
| 100lb | Sturdy and durable with minimal to no transparency |
COVER PAPER WEIGHTS
| Weight | Description |
| 80lb | Lightweight yet firm with some transparency |
| 100lb | Durable with some transparency |
| 110lb | Thick with some bend resistance and transparency |
| 130lb | Robust with low flexibility and no transparency |
What paper types does Mixam offer?
| Type | Description | Uses |
| Satin | • Coating creates a smooth texture and subtle sheen • Enhances the brightness and clarity of printed colors • Ensures sharp, well-defined prints • Excellent for readability |
For text and image-based content: • Booklets • Catalogs • Magazines |
| Gloss | • Ultra-smooth coated paper • High shine finish • Enhances the vividness of printed colors |
For image-heavy and photographic work: • Art Books • Photo Books • Photography Books |
| Uncoated | • Soft-textured paper with no coating • Natural-looking and highly absorbent • Gives printed colors a muted, understated appearance |
Items that prioritize texture, readability or intended to be written or drawn on: • Journals • Notebooks • Workbooks |
| Recycled Uncoated | • Eco-friendly option • High ink absorbency • Made from 100% recycled fibers • Offers a natural, organic look • High opacity with a white hue |
Items that prioritize sustainability: • Coloring Books • Zines |
| Matte | • Smooth, non-reflective surface • Minimal surface glare • Perfect for readability • Gives printed colors a natural, subtle appearance. |
For text and image-based content: • Layflat Books |
| E-Photo | • Glossy and pearlescent appearance • Delivers vivid, high-definition prints • Excellent water and aging resistance • Mimics traditional photographic paper • Perfect for long-lasting, vibrant prints |
For image-heavy and photographic work: • Layflat Books |
Note: Paper is a natural material supplied in batches and occasionally bought from different manufacturers, so its appearance and weight may vary slightly (up to 10lb, heavier or lighter).
What is lamination in printing?
A lamination is a clear plastic coating applied to a printed surface to protect the covers by minimizing the effects of general wear and tear, marking, ink transferral, smudging, creasing, fading, wrinkling, abrasion, and tearing. It differs from a finish, which refers to surface treatments like matte or gloss that enhance the appearance or texture of a printed item. Please note that we cannot add lamination to inner pages or covers made from uncoated and recycled paper stocks.
| Type | Description | Uses |
| None | • Your covers will have no lamination • Selected for artistic or practical reasons (e.g. you want to achieve a rustic look, make the covers suitable for writing or drawing, or ensure they are recyclable) |
• Coloring Books • Zines |
| Matte | • Offers a smooth, glare-free finish • Provides a soft, natural texture • Often paired with satin paper • Mutes printed colors slightly for an understated look • Provides a lower color contrast than gloss |
• Booklets • Catalogs |
| Gloss | • Gives covers an ultra-smooth finish with a high shine • Enhances the vividness and contrast of printed colors • Perfect for graphic-heavy projects • If paired with gloss paper, colors become even brighter, with an intense, eye-catching sheen |
• Magazines • Photo Books • Photography Books |
| Soft-Touch | • Creates a smooth and velvety texture • Offers a matte, shine-free finish • Mutes printed colors • Perfect for frequently handled items |
• Paperback Books |
| Matte Anti-Scuff | • Provides a smooth, natural finish with extra durability • Mutes colors for a subtle, refined look • Offers a protective layer to guard against wear and tear |
• Activity Books |
Does Mixam offer special finishes?
| Type | Description | Uses |
| UV Matte | • Ultraviolet light cures a transparent liquid coating to the entire cover • It hardens to seal and protect covers from everyday wear • Creates a smooth finish with a satin-like appearance • Subtly mutes printed colors |
• Coloring Book • Manuals |
| UV Gloss | • Ultraviolet light cures a transparent liquid coating to the entire cover • Gives covers a high shine • It enhances color depth and minimizes cover damage • The varnish hardens to seal and protect covers from everyday wear. |
• Comic Books • Manga |
| *Matte Lamination & Spot UV | • Makes selected features stand out, contrasting the smooth surface with gloss highlights • Perfect for emphasizing key details like logos or brand names |
• Booklets • Catalogs |
| *Foiling | • Reflective accents that mimic precious metals • Gives covers added elegance and shine • For precise detailing, keep foil designs minimal, use at least a 2 pt line width, and limit foil coverage to no more than 1”. |
• Paperback Books • Magazines |
*Include a separate Spot UV or Foil layer in one PDF design file.
Now that you know how to customize your prints, you can start Comparing Your Print Options.
