Best Paper & Craft Supplies for Printing PDF Printables

Choosing the right paper and tools makes a big difference when printing your PDF printables and recipe cards at home. Below are my personal recommendations to help you get clean cuts, vibrant color, and professional-looking results.

What Paper Should You Use?

Printing paper comes in different thicknesses (weights).

You can purchase cardstock at office supply stores, craft stores, or online. If you do not have a home printer, many print shops offer services for PDF printables.

Cardstock (80–110 lb)

Best for:

My personal preference is Hammermill 80 lb or 100 lb cardstock for most printable projects.

Lightweight Paper (20–28 lb)

Best for:

I personally like 28 lb printer paper for a slightly smoother, more professional feel.

The better the paper quality, the better your final printable will look.

Paper for Recipe Cards (4x6 and 3x5)

For durable recipe cards, I recommend 80 lb cardstock.

Each page typically prints:

You will need to trim them carefully.

Cutting tools:

You may also use:

4x6 (6 width x 4 height)
Avery® Postcards – 4" x 6" (Avery #8386)

3x5 (5 width x 3 height)
Avery® Index Cards – 3" x 5" (Avery #5388)

IMPORTANT PRINTING TIP

Always print with NO SCALING or ACTUAL SIZE.

If scaling is turned on, your wrappers and cards may print too small and will not fit correctly.

Click Here for Step-by-Step Printing Instructions

Lollipop Sticks

4-inch lollipop sticks are perfect for cupcake toppers. Most craft stores carry them in the candy or cake decorating aisle.

Circle Punch

A 2-inch circle punch works beautifully for cupcake toppers and gift tags.

Paper Trimmer

A paper trimmer is inexpensive and one of the best investments for printable crafting.

If using an X-Acto knife, place cardstock on a cutting mat and trim along a metal ruler for clean, straight edges.

Insertables

Clear vinyl checkbook covers and bookmark sleeves work beautifully for printable inserts and planners.

Glue & Adhesives

Recommended:

Glue Stick Tip: Apply a small amount of glue to both surfaces. Let it dry slightly until tacky, then press together for a stronger bond.

Disclaimer: These recommendations are based on my personal experience using these supplies with PDF printables.