Start with your printer's paper limits
Look up the supported paper types and weights for your printer, including whether thicker stock needs a particular tray. The thickest card on the shelf isn't useful if it won't feed properly. Follow the printer's loading instructions.
Match the sheet size too. Choose Letter or A4 in the maker, then use that same size in the printer settings. Our print and cutting guide covers orientation and scaling, which affect the finished card more than the choice between two similar paper stocks.
Test the paper with the actual design
Print a single sheet with the name and colors you intend to use. Check small puzzle letters, writing lines and the lightest artwork. White paper keeps the design closer to the preview; colored paper changes how every printed color looks.
Try the pen or pencil guests will use. Check whether marks are easy to see and whether ink smears when you handle the card. Let the printed sheet dry according to your ink and paper instructions before stacking it.
Save heavier stock for pieces you'll keep
Advice and prediction cards can benefit from sturdier paper, but guests still need a comfortable surface to write on. For word puzzles and raffle tickets, regular paper keeps printing straightforward and is easier to cut in small batches.
If you want a low-ink option, choose a free printable and enable low-ink printing. The complete set keeps its illustrated design and your selected colors. Make a final test on the chosen stock before printing guest quantities, then cut at the crop marks.
Written for the ShowerPrintables printable set. About this project. For print settings, test one sheet on your printer before making the full quantity.