The Paper Behind the Print

A big part of what makes our documents look so good? The paper.

We stock a wide range of paper types, sizes, weights, colors, and finishes that match the original materials used by schools and institutions worldwide. Nothing generic here. Our team hand-picks every sheet based on years of research and testing, ensuring your replica diploma, replacement transcript, or novelty certificate looks and feels right.

We’re often asked how our documents come out looking so real. The answer starts here — with the paper.

At Diploma Company, paper is the foundation of every document we produce.

We’ve spent years building one of the most complete and accurate paper inventories in the industry. Our supply room is packed with options—because when it comes to making replica academic documents that impress, details matter.

Whether we’re printing a bold Ivy League diploma on heavy parchment or a compact trade certificate on smoother stock, the paper we use has a direct impact on how real the final product looks and feels. If it doesn’t pass our standards, it doesn’t go to print.

About Our Paper for Diplomas and Certificates

We offer a curated selection of diploma paper options, including parchment, smooth matte, and textured linen stocks — all selected to suit your custom diploma or certificate order.

Our print shop stockroom holds a wide selection of premium paper stocks used for high school, college, and certificate replicas. Each paper is chosen to closely match the tone and texture of real diplomas.

When you trust us to create your custom diploma or certificate, we focus on the paper first. That single detail sets the tone for the entire document.

Here’s how we approach it:

• 📏 Paper Size: From standard U.S. formats to oversized international sizes, we stock everything needed to match your original. No guesswork—just precision.
• ⚖ Paper Weight: You can feel the quality the second you pick it up. We use paper weights that match the substance of your document—whether it’s a thin certificate or a heavy-duty graduate diploma.
• 🎨 Color & Finish: Pure white looks wrong. That’s why we stock off-white, natural, and ivory tones that match real-world examples. We also offer matte, semi-gloss, and textured finishes based on what the original called for.
• 🔒 Texture & Security Features: For transcripts and official-looking documents, we use high-security stock that includes watermarks, fibers, and anti-copy elements—just like the real thing.

Diploma Sizes

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Diploma sizes vary widely between schools, countries, and eras. Some are compact. Others take up an entire wall.

We’ve documented size data from thousands of real diplomas to help us get it right for each order. Whether your original was half-letter, tabloid, or something custom, we select the size that fits.

Typical Diploma Paper Sizes

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Size (Inches)	Size (Metric)	Typically Seen With
8" x 6"	20.3 x 15.2 cm	Early 20th century diplomas, antique reproductions
8" x 10"	20.3 x 25.4 cm	Smaller certificates, vocational programs
8.5" x 11"	21.6 x 27.9 cm	High school diplomas, general certificates
8.5" x 14"	21.6 x 35.6 cm	Technical schools, associate degrees, legal-format diplomas
11" x 14"	27.9 x 35.6 cm	Colleges, professional programs, standard university diplomas
12" x 15"	30.5 x 38.1 cm	Ivy League diplomas, international universities

These are general trends—not rules—but they help guide our process when replicating documents with historical or regional accuracy.

Diploma Paper Weight

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We use premium paper weights ranging from 24 lb (90 gsm) up to 36 lb (135+ gsm) and beyond. Why? Because weight matters.

Heavier paper looks better, lasts longer, and feels more legitimate in-hand. Lighter weights are reserved for documents that call for it, like some training certificates or framed display versions.

Diploma Paper Weight Guide (Reference Only)

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U.S. Paper Weight	Metric Equivalent (gsm)	Typical Use
24 lb	90 gsm	Light certificates or low-cost layouts
28 lb	105 gsm	Basic diploma paper (some high schools, testing centers)
32 lb	120 gsm	Standard premium stock for U.S. and Canadian diplomas
36 lb	135 gsm	Common for regional college diplomas or raised print jobs
60 lb	163 gsm	Used in many U.S. and Australian university diplomas
65 lb	175 gsm	Thicker stock found in international or archival-grade documents

Please note: This is a general guide. Paper thickness varies depending on the institution, document type, and time period. If you need something specific, just ask—we probably have it in stock.

Diploma Paper Color

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Diploma paper almost never comes in bright white. We stock real-world tones that better reflect the originals—like soft ivory, bone, natural white, and even aged yellows for older designs.

We don’t make you choose a color. We do the homework for you based on your order.

Common Diploma Paper Colors

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Paper Color	Typically Seen With
Natural White	High school diplomas, general certificates
Off-White / Cream	College and university diplomas, older formats
Ivory	Ivy League schools, vintage or classic designs
Bright White	Modern certificates, tech or vocational programs
Parchment-Tone	Antique-style diplomas, honorary documents

Color helps create the visual tone of a document. A degree from the 1990s to early 2000s looks different than one from today—and we reflect that in our selection.

Our Transcript Paper: Built for Authenticity

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Transcripts come with a different set of requirements. They’re usually printed on high-security paper with embedded safety features.

We stock genuine academic-style security paper with:

• VOID or COPY warnings (appear when scanned/copied)
• Watermarks and fibers that shift under light or heat
• Security patterns visible only in specific lighting

This paper can’t be found at office supply stores—and we don’t cut corners here.