The most generic and widely used writing paper is all-purpose writing paper, often called notebook or filler paper.. This paper comes wide or narrow ruled, lined or unlined, and is used for a variety of purposes. The paper can be purchased in packs ranging from 50 to 500 sheets. It is available in legal pads and in notebooks. Its quality varies, depending upon the manufacturer. When purchased in a recycled variety, this writing paper is often thinner and with a smoother texture. Generic writing paper is made primarily from tree pulp.
Onion skin paper is extremely delicate and suitable for more formal applications. Onion skin is ideal for invitations or letters. Onion skin is unlined and can be used with ink pens, calligraphy pens and even markers. Onion skin is typically made with 25 percent cotton. It is translucent with a cockled finish. Sheets of onion skin paper do not stick together. Onion skin paper is extremely transparent and ideal for tracing.
Japanese Washi paper has a soft finish and is considered one of the finest writing papers. Ideal for calligraphy and even painting, Japanese Washi paper is made from the inner bark of three different plants: Kozo, Mitsumata and Gampi. Each of these plants produces a slightly different type of paper, the most common plant used being the durable Kozo.
True parchment paper was originally prepared from animal skins. Today, artificial parchment is prepared from fir trees, cotton and flax plants. Parchment comes in white or an antique finish and is ideal for formal letter writing or decorative writing projects. Parchment paper also works well for calligraphy. Similar to parchment is the more delicate vellum. These papers are often used for formal documents. The Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence were written on true parchment.