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What is a swatchbook? A swatchbook is an incredible tool that not only displays a paper line’s entire offering, but also provides the right information to solidify your paper decision. Additionally, swatchbooks feature samples, both printed and unprinted, to help you get a feel for the paper that you’re choosing. Ultimately, they are the ideal starting point—the inaugural step—in the creation of a dynamic printed piece. Swatchbooks are essential for both print newcomers and industry veterans. While useful as an introduction to your paper options and for learning all about a paper brand’s specifications, they also allow customers to grow more familiar with paper over time. The more that you use your swatchbook, the more knowledgeable you will grow about a paper mill’s brands and offerings. Swatchbooks are particularly helpful to newcomers as they learn the business of paper and print, but many veterans will pull out various mills’ swatchbooks to compare offerings and determine which paper is correct for their job. It’s similar to how hikers use maps. Newer hikers may rely heavily on a map to navigate their way; but even if you’ve traversed the terrain hundreds of times, you’ll always keep a guide with you, just in case. How to Read A Swatchbook | A Designer’s Guide
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1 | HOW DO YOU USE A SWATCHBOOK? You can start by opening it and taking a quick trip through its pages. A swatchbook has several components—printed samples, unprinted samples and the tabs containing specification information. Each has a different role in assisting interested paper buyers, but all are necessary for informing your decision. The goal of a swatchbook is to highlight the different portions of information that you will need in a clear and concise manner. Both printed and unprinted samples are key in every swatchbook, especially when choosing white, uncoated paper. Although they may look very similar at first glance, no two white, uncoated paper lines are alike. Different mills produce slightly different shades, at different brightnesses with different formations—all of these variations lead to unique results once ink is added to paper during the printing process. The various sections in a swatchbook allow a user the opportunity to become more familiar with a line of paper before committing to a specific sheet. Tab pages typically contain each paper’s specifications to help you choose the right paper for your printed piece. How to Read A Swatchbook | A Designer’s Guide
