Inkjet Proofing Paper versus Commercial Roll Proofing Paper
Proofing paper can be purchased in two formats: commercial roll paper also known as a 'web' within the printing industry and as 13" x 19" sheets. The commercial rolls come in 100 feet rolls by six widths, 13", 17", 24", 36", 44", and 60". Not all the proofing paper manufacturers offer all the sizes or indeed all the different varieties of paper. A look at each manufacturer's website or catalog will determine if they have what you need. The proliferation of printers that are no longer only the province of industrial printer service providers has broadened the definition of who uses the printers and why, hence, the introduction of sheets available by the ream. The number of sheets in a ream is individual to the manufacturer and characteristics of the type of paper it contains.
The decision to use a particular type and sheen of proofing paper and final printing medium depends primarily on the form of the printed output. A graphic designer usually works on a single image and it would be a waste to print from a wide format roll whereas a standard sized professional printer, and single sheets, would be the perfect machine for the job. But, it makes sense for a larger volume print service provider to have the capability to print out several continuous page layouts for the printing of brochures or catalogs.
Index of Proofing Paper articles