Short answer
Copier paper and multipurpose paper are very close, and for most everyday jobs you can use either. Both are uncoated white office papers designed for copiers and printers. The labels differ by brand and region, and differences tend to be small: multipurpose paper is often marketed as suited to both inkjet and laser printers and may have a slightly different brightness or surface treatment. Check the packaging for weight, brightness and printer compatibility rather than relying on the name alone.
What copier paper is
Copier paper is the budget workhorse for high-volume, mostly black-and-white printing and photocopying. It is typically a lighter, economical sheet, often around 20 lb (roughly 75-80 gsm), good for handouts, worksheets, drafts and general paperwork.
What multipurpose paper is
Multipurpose paper is sold as an all-round sheet that works in copiers, laser printers and inkjet printers. It is often a little brighter or smoother, and some brands add surface treatments intended to help inks dry quickly and look sharper. Weights are commonly similar to copier paper, though heavier options such as 24 lb are sometimes sold.
Copier vs multipurpose at a glance
| Copier paper | Multipurpose paper | |
|---|---|---|
| Intended use | High-volume copying and basic printing | Copiers, laser and inkjet printers |
| Typical weight | About 20 lb (roughly 75-80 gsm) | Similar, sometimes slightly heavier |
| Brightness | Often a bit lower | Often a bit higher |
| Surface | Basic | Sometimes treated for inkjet or sharper text |
| Cost | Usually the lowest | Usually similar or a little more |
Treat this table as a general pattern. Individual products vary, and some suppliers use the two terms interchangeably.
Weight, brightness and finish: what to check on the label
- Weight: Higher weight means a thicker, less see-through sheet. Our paper weight and GSM guide explains how pounds and gsm relate.
- Brightness: A higher brightness number means a whiter sheet and usually crisper contrast. It is a matter of preference, not a measure of quality.
- Finish: Matte, smooth uncoated finishes suit most printing. Glossy or coated stocks are a different category.
- Printer compatibility: Look for inkjet and laser mentions, and check your printer manual for supported sizes and weights.
Inkjet vs laser considerations
Inkjet printers spray liquid ink, so a paper that absorbs ink well helps prevent smudging. Laser printers fuse toner with heat, so they work best with papers rated for it. Very glossy, plastic-based, or extra-thick sheets may jam or misprint in some printers, and unsuitable plastic-based sheets can melt in laser printers. If you are unsure, test one sheet and follow the manual.
Which is best for craft printing?
For templates, stencils, paper-flower patterns, origami practice and planner pages, either will do. If your project involves heavy ink coverage, such as colour backgrounds or double-sided printing, a slightly heavier and brighter multipurpose paper can look better and show less through the back. For cards and invitations, see the heavier ranges in our guide to bond paper vs normal paper and the card ranges in the GSM guide.
What can you use instead of printer paper?
- Lightweight card or heavier paper for sturdier templates, if your printer supports it
- Bond or writing paper for stationery and letters
- Recycled office paper for drafts and practice sheets
- Specialty inkjet paper for photos or colour-heavy work, matched to your printer type
Always confirm that your printer can feed the paper. Feeding unsupported stock can jam the machine, and loose scraps inside a printer should be removed with the power off, following the manual.
Other types of paper you may meet
Common categories include copy paper, bond, cardstock, photo paper, tracing paper, vellum, kraft paper and newsprint. Each suits different jobs, and the same weight can feel quite different across types. If you plan on folding many sheets, also read about short grain vs long grain paper.
Quick recap
- Copier and multipurpose papers are very similar.
- Multipurpose is often marketed for both inkjet and laser use.
- Check weight, brightness and compatibility rather than the name.
- Test a single sheet before buying thicker or specialty stock.