A4 paper and Conqueror paper are often compared, but they are not really the same kind of thing. A4 is a size. Conqueror is a type of paper. When people ask about A4 paper and Conqueror paper, they usually mean ordinary white copy paper cut to A4 versus a premium textured stationery paper.
This guide compares the two in plain terms, so you can decide which to use for your letters, certificates and official documents.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
A4 paper and Conqueror paper: what each one is
A4 is a standard sheet size of 210 by 297 millimetres, defined by the ISO 216 standard. Conqueror can also be supplied in A4. What people call A4 paper is usually plain white bond or copy paper, which is what we print most documents on, at 75 GSM. Conqueror is a textured paper that comes in cream and white and feels formal.
Side-by-side comparison
| Plain A4 bond paper | Conqueror paper | |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Smooth and plain | Textured, embossed or ribbed |
| Colour | White | Cream or white |
| Feel | Everyday and practical | Formal and executive |
| Printing | Prints evenly with almost any method | Needs care, especially with solid colour |
| Best for | Documents, forms and everyday prints | Letterheads, certificates and official papers |
| Cost | Lower | Premium; usually higher |
When to use plain A4 paper
- Documents, proposals, forms and everyday printing
- Large quantities where cost matters
- Designs with photos or large areas of colour
Read the guide to 75 GSM bond paper for the weights we use.
When to use Conqueror paper
- Company letterheads and formal letters. See Conqueror paper for letterheads.
- Hospital recommendation letters and official papers
- Certificates and documents that must look important
Because Conqueror is textured, plan the design for it. Simple text and a one- or two-colour logo work best. Read printing on Conqueror paper first.
How to decide between A4 paper and Conqueror paper
- Ask what impression the document should make. Formal and executive suggests Conqueror.
- Check the design. Heavy colour suggests plain paper or a smoother finish.
- Check the quantity. Large runs on plain paper are easier and cheaper.
- Ask for a sample if you have never held Conqueror paper.
If you have a letterhead already, remember to spell the name right when you order: it is Conqueror, not Concord. See Concord or Conqueror paper.
A simple example
A school sending monthly circulars to parents needs plain A4 paper and cost control. A hospital issuing a recommendation letter, or a company sending a formal proposal, may prefer Conqueror, because the paper itself tells the reader the document is important. Both are correct choices for different jobs, which is why the question is never A4 paper and Conqueror paper against each other, but which one fits the document.
Is Conqueror paper the same as A4 paper?
No. A4 is a size. Conqueror is a type of textured paper, which can also be supplied in A4.
Which is better for a letterhead?
Conqueror feels more formal. Plain bond paper is simpler and prints evenly.
Is Conqueror paper more expensive?
Generally yes. It is a premium paper.
What colours does Conqueror paper come in?
The colours we work with are cream and white.
Need printing on the right paper?
Tell us the job, the quantity and the paper you have in mind. If you are not sure which paper suits it, ask before you print.
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