Using A-Series Paper Sizes

When it comes to paper sizes for printing, you really need to know your ABCs. This week we’re going to take a look at the A-series of paper sizing and share some tips on thinking about the right size for your catalogue. A Brief History of Paper Sizing Historically, there were as many paper sizes as there were countries with paper mills. British paper sizes had quirky names like Quarto, Foolscap and Imperial. None of the sizes in our system bore any logical relation to any of the others. The Germans had a system devised by a mathematician in the 18th Century whereby the largest sheet was a rectangle measuring 1 square metre and subsequent sizes were each half the size of the previous sheet. They didn’t give their paper sizes names, just a number designation. A0 for the biggest sheet, then A1, A2, A3, A4… in series as the sheets got smaller. During the Twentieth Century, the German system caught on. Three countries (Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil) even signed up to it during the Second World War. Today, the German system is an international standard used basically everywhere except the USA and Canada – while Mexico is hedging its bets by signing up to the international system, but continuing to use the North American system. What is the Best A-size for My Print Project? Paper sizing is an important consideration when designing a catalogue or brochure. There is a play off between readability and handling. Generally, larger page sizes are easier to read and smaller pages are easier to carry about. You need to think about your target customer and how they are likely to be using the finished printed catalogue. Here are our thoughts on the A-sizes: A3: Remember this will open out to size A2. This catalogue isn’t going to be easy to take anywhere, but if you want something with lush photography to sit in your showroom, consider A3. A4: A standard compromise size. Like a magazine, this size can be easily flipped through on a lap or coffee table. The pages are big enough for artwork and large easy-to-read printed information. A5: You might have to make some compromises on font size to get all the information you want on the page, or simplify your design. Customers will be tempted to pick this size up and put it in their bag to read later. A6: Now we are talking pocket books. Very useful if you want your customer to carry your catalogue around with them for quick reference. Thumbnail pictures with a brief description works well at this size. If you have any questions about paper-sizing or printing, get in touch. Call us on 01603 488001 and we’ll do everything we can to help you with your printing project. Do you remember the old British paper sizes? Join the conversation and talk to us on Facebook and on Twitter at @Colour_Print.