Difference between choices for paper type

[Skyzoomer]

Am a new user of the HP 7958e inkjet printer.

When I open properties for the 7900 series printers, there is a paper type selection which are:

- Plain paper

- Lightweight paper

- Glossy paper

- Photo paper

What is "lightweight paper"?

What is "Photo paper"?  When I check Amazon, I see:

- HP everyday photo paper glossy

- HP premium plus photo paper glossy

- HP advanced photo paper glossy

But they would come under the "glossy" paper setting.  So is there a HP photo paper that is not glossy?

If so, how does that photo paper differ from plain paper?

Thanks.

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@Skyzoomer 

Welcome to the HP Community Forum.

We can provide the information we have available...

For example,

• Lightweight paper is paper at the lower end of the minimum supported weight, for example, 18lb plain paper
• Photo paper is a special type of printable media that the printer recognizes as "Photo" type paper.
• This printer also supports a special matte photo paper.  Example 48lb / 180gsm:  HP Matte Photo Paper, 48 lb, 4 x 6 in. (101 x 152 mm), 25 sheets 6QH46A 
• Photo paper is chemically treated paper specifically made for printing photographic images.  Search for many articles on the 'net to find more information.
• Brochure and Professional paper also comes in both matte and glossy finish.  Both of these papers are supported by this printer.  Brochure / Professional paper is 32lb / 180 gsm
• Plain paper varies - typical "office" paper generally ranges between 22-24 lb.   Use heavier paper for a more "professional touch".

Product Specifications for the HP ENVY Inspire 7958e All-in-One Printer (327A7A)

and

Media Size (facet)	Letter; A4; Legal; 4 x 6 in
Media Sizes Custom (imperial)	Main Tray: 3.85 x 8.5 to 5 x 14 in; Photo Tray: No custom sizes
Media Sizes Custom (metric)	Main Tray: 97.79 x 215 to 127 x 355 mm; Photo Tray: No custom sizes
Media Types	Plain Paper; HP Photo Papers; HP Matte Brochure or Professional Paper; HP Matte Presentation Paper; HP Glossy Brochure or Professional Paper; Other Photo Inkjet Papers; Other Matte Inkjet Papers; Other Glossy Inkjet Papers, Plain Paper, Light/Recycled
Media Weight Recommended (imperial)	18 to 22 lb
Media Weight Recommended (metric)	70 to 90 g/m²
Media Weights Supported, By Paper Path (Imperial)	16 to 80 lb
Media Weights Supported, By Paper Path (metric)	Tray 1: A4: 75 to 90 g/m²; HP envelopes: 75 to 90 g/m²; HP Photo Paper: up to 300 g/m²; Photo Tray: photo paper: up to 300 g/m²

and

Video

HP Envy Inspire 7220e 7255e All In One printer How to print a 2 sided 4x6 photo or Duplex Photo

This tutorial shows how to print a 2-sided 4x6 inch photo on the HP Envy Inspire 7955e printer.

The HP Envy Inspire supports 5x5, 5x7, 4x6 Photo Duplex, 4x12 Panorama as well as Letter and A4 photo prints.

Example in the video uses supported HP Matte Photo Paper

and

Video

HP Envy Inspire 7255e | 7955e All In One printer How to print a Borderless 4x12 Panaromic Photo

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HP ENVY Inspire 7958e All-in-One Printer 

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[Skyzoomer]

Thanks for posting your comprehensive reply.

Apparently, lightweight paper is just plain paper of a lighter weight.   Not sure why that would be a specific setting for that choice.

I'll check out treated photo paper. 

Thanks and keep it warm.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Skyzoomer 

You are welcome.

Don't read too much into the words "treated" paper -- photo paper is specially made paper manufactured to accept and enhance the printing of photos and images.  I did not look up the definition for "What is photo paper"-- apologies for any confusion.

Perhaps the more interesting features of this printer -- two sided photo printed on the HP Photo matte paper and the panoramic printing.  The two videos are worth a quick look.

Happy Printing.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"