Which paper should I choose for my thesis?
At the printer, there are many types of paper available for your thesis. The differences vary, but to make things a bit easier for you, we highlight four types of paper below that are commonly used for theses. Of course, it’s best to see them in person at the printer, but this way you’ll have some background information about the different options for your thesis paper.
HVO (Woodfree uncoated) – €
HVO paper is – as the name suggests – uncoated, and therefore feels rougher compared to coated, smoother paper. In terms of color, HVO is bright white, making it very clear. For weight, 90-gram paper is commonly chosen for HVO.
When should you use HVO paper for your thesis?
This paper is very white, creating a strong contrast between the paper and the text of your thesis. This is sometimes considered less comfortable for readability, which is why reading books are almost never printed on white paper.
G-Print (coated) – €
G-Print paper is typically a bit heavier than HVO, around 115 grams. It is coated, which means the paper feels very smooth and has a softer appearance. In terms of color, it is slightly off-white, compared to the bright white of HVO.
When should you use G-Print paper for your thesis?
As mentioned, G-Print is coated paper, meaning the ink sits more on the surface of the paper rather than being absorbed into it. We especially recommend this type of paper for theses with many color images.
Biotop (uncoated) – €
Biotop paper is uncoated, so like HVO, it feels a bit rougher. The color leans more towards yellow/cream rather than bright white. Biotop is often used for reading books.
When should you use Biotop paper for your thesis?
If your thesis is mostly text-based and readability is your main concern, then Biotop is a good option for you.
Recycled (sustainable, uncoated) – €€
As the name suggests, recycled paper is more sustainable. It is also uncoated (so not particularly smooth). Recycled paper is typically 100 grams and has a slightly grayer tint. Also, since it’s recycled, there are often small spots or marks visible, so the color is not entirely uniform.
When should you use recycled paper for your thesis?
Recycled paper is slightly more expensive than other types: the main reason for choosing it is sustainability. Do you prioritize the environment over the perfect paper type for your thesis? Then go for recycled paper.
There are, of course, many other paper types that can be used for a thesis. However, these paper types are not always in stock, which means you would need a minimum print run to keep the costs manageable. If you are curious about other options, feel free to inquire with the printer.