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Is GSM really more important than brightness in Book Printing ? Think Again.

In the world of book printing, GSM (grams per square meter) which is more often overemphasized & overstressed in client conversations is perceived to be the most critical measure of paper quality — reflecting the paper’s weight and thickness.

What truly matters is the paper brightness which is often overlooked and actually elevates the look and feel of the book — especially educational books & materials.

There is a set parameter on which Paper brightness typically ranges across these levels:

  • Below 80 – greyish paper used mostly for low-cost printing like newspapers, rough workbooks, drafts where appearance is not important.
  • 80–84 – Basic, off-white paper for educational materials, low-end books, general printing where cost matters more than aesthetics.
  • 85–86 – brightened mid-range paper for mass-market textbooks, school materials, general office printing, an excellent balance between cost and appearance.
  • 87–88 – Bright white paper makes higher-end educational books, reference materials, mid-level premium products makes it look crisper, images vivid & more polished
  • 89–90 – Very bright, clean white paper for Premium textbooks, branded publications, marketing materials making it Excellent readability, high visual impact; enhances perceived product value for the reader.
  • Above 90 – premium graded very bright white paper used for premium textbooks, publications, marketing materials & for presentation purposes.

The brighter the paper, the whiter and crisper the page appears, significantly enhancing readability and making the content more engaging for readers. A brighter page immediately feels more premium, boosting both brand value and the readability experience. Brightness is not a luxury — it’s a need. So it is the duty of the printers to create awareness, explain and educate users about the brightness levels, the cost difference along with the visual impact it can bring.

🏆 CDC’s Advantage over other’s

At CDC, we offer printed paper samples across different brightness levels, making it easy for publishers to visualize and choose the right option. We guide our clients to balance GSM and brightness smartly — even reducing GSM slightly while enhancing brightness have dramatically improve the overall product without significantly increasing costs.

So In short: Don’t let brightness be an afterthought. Specify it, optimize it, and watch your book stand out — delighting students and elevating your brand.