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Best Colored Paper of 2026

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Rebecca Cantu

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Colored paper is a versatile and essential material for various arts and crafts projects. It comes in a wide range of colors, sizes, and textures, making it perfect for creating colorful origami, scrapbooking, card-making, and other decorative items. Colored paper is also commonly used in schools and offices for printing, drawing, and writing. It is available in both standard and heavyweight options, making it suitable for different printing and crafting needs. With its vibrant colors and smooth texture, colored paper is a must-have for anyone who loves to create and express themselves through art.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Top 10 Colored Paper

#TOP 1

Astrobrights Color Paper Assortment

  • Neenah
  • 80933-01
  • 8.5 x 11 inches
Astrobrights Color Paper Assortment Cover

Neenah Paper Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment, 150 Sheets (80933-01)

Astrobrights Color Paper is perfect for your everyday projects. The “Spectrum" 5-Color Assortment of 24 lb/89 gsm paper is 20% thicker than regular paper and boasts vivid assorted colors for documents, flyers, crafting, school projects, color-coding and more. The paper is fully dyed throughout for seamless cutting, folding, and tearing, without a white core. Printing on Astrobrights saves money on ink with all the benefits of color without the high cost and extra time of printing with colored ink. Astrobrights products are FSC certified for responsible forestry.

9.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Vibrant and bold colors
  • Thick, sturdy paper
  • Wide color variety
  • Great for crafts and printing
  • Good value for price

What We Don't Like

  • Not as heavy as cardstock
  • Packaging could be improved

What Customers Say

"I absolutely love the bright, bold colors and excellent paper quality! It’s the perfect weight for crafting with kids and works just as well for attention-grabbing flyers at work. Cuts and folds beautifully—I really can’t think of anything not to like."

"This Astrobrights pack is terrific for anyone wanting to add color to their projects. The 25-color assortment is consistently vibrant and the paper has a nice sturdy feel without being too thick for printers. It’s ideal for classrooms, creative work, and prints smoothly in both my inkjet and laser printers. Just note: it’s not as heavy as cardstock and my pack arrived with a slightly bent corner, but overall, I’d definitely buy it again."

"I’ve worked with lots of colored papers, but this one stands out for its thickness and strong, vivid colors. The variety of shades is excellent and the paper holds up well for crafts and even for making a piñata’s center. My kids love it—it’s tough and reliable for all our creative projects."

#TOP 2

Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Blue Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11-1 Ream (500 Sheets)

Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Blue Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11-1 Ream (500 Sheets) Cover

Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Blue Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11-1 Ream (500 Sheets) - Made in the USA, Pastel Paper, 103309R

Hammermill Blue Colored Paper is a reliable 20lb printer paper that runs smoothly in all office imaging equipment. Its high opacity minimal show-through and even surface make it perfect for newsletters, flyers, forms, school/art projects, reports, and color coding. With a 99.99% jam-free guarantee, you can trust Hammermill paper quality, guaranteed to provide visual appeal & impact to make your work stand out. This paper contains 30% recycled fiber, making it a sustainable choice for all home printers, office machines, and electronic imaging equipment. Plus, Hammermill Blue Colored Paper is sustainably made in the USA and FSC certified, ensuring it's made with renewable resources from third-party certified, sustainably managed forests.

9.7
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Vibrant color quality
  • No paper jams
  • Professional appearance
  • Thick and durable texture
  • Versatile for multiple uses

What We Don't Like

  • Minor printer compatibility issues
  • Occasional damaged packaging

What Customers Say

"I chose Hammermill Colored Paper for my business, and I’m really impressed with its bright, sturdy texture and reliable performance. The sheets are consistently high quality with no jams, and the color really helps my documents stand out. I’ll definitely buy this again."

"Initially, I bought this for printing, but discovered how well it works for handwritten notes, art projects, and organizing information. The color vibrancy is excellent and the paper feels more substantial than most. There were a few minor issues with printer feeding, but trimming the edge fixed it for me."

"This pink printer paper became my secret weapon at work and in creative projects. During a presentation, the color boosted my confidence and set my materials apart. It’s more than paper—it’s a mood lifter, and the quality is truly exceptional for both professional and personal uses."

#TOP 3

Astrobrights Bright Color Paper

  • Neenah
  • 99608-01
  • Multi-colored
Astrobrights Bright Color Paper Cover

Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets

Astrobrights Color Paper is the perfect choice for those who want to make a statement with their documents. With its vibrant colors, this paper will help your designs stand out and draw attention. The 20% thicker stock ensures durability and gives the paper a distinctive feel. Whether you're printing single- or double-sided documents, you can achieve bleed-free results. Not only does this paper complement your design schemes, but it also helps you save on full-color ink. Compatible with most printers, copiers, and all-in-ones, this versatile paper is the perfect canvas for your creative projects.

9.5
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Vibrant consistent colors
  • Good print quality
  • Durable paper weight
  • Excellent value pack
  • Versatile for crafts

What We Don't Like

  • Reported open packages

What Customers Say

"I'm genuinely impressed with this colored paper! The vivid colors really pop and each sheet prints beautifully without any jams. It's the perfect thickness for both crafts and regular printing, and the pack offers a great quantity for the price. Highly recommended for anyone looking to make their projects stand out!"

"As a teacher, I find this paper to be incredibly reliable—the colors are bright and never fade, and it feeds through my printer smoothly every time. Black ink shows up crisp and bold, and the overall quality for the cost is fantastic."

"I used this paper for yard sale signs, and they were visible from a great distance thanks to the bold, true colors. It handled markers without smudging, and the paper felt sturdy and well-made. Definitely a good choice for eye-catching displays."

#TOP 4

Astrobrights Punchy Pastel Colored Paper, 625 Sheets

Astrobrights Punchy Pastel Colored Paper, 625 Sheets Cover

Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Punchy Pastel 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb./89 gsm, 8.5" x 11" - MORE SHEETS! (91732)

Astrobrights Punchy Pastel Colored Paper comes in a pack of 625 sheets that includes 125 sheets each of Mint Twist, Blue Bliss, Lemon Twirl, Peach Pop and Rose Rush colors. This paper is perfect for everyday projects such as card-making, DIY crafting, school projects, and more. Printing on Astrobrights paper saves money on ink as it gives all the benefits of color without the high cost and extra time of printing with colored ink. It's compatible with printers including inkjet and laser and crafted to be lignin and acid-free for long-lasting results.

9.4
FTB Score

What We Like

  • High-quality pastel colors
  • Printer-friendly, no jams
  • Generous quantity, great value
  • Consistent color uniformity
  • Versatile for crafts and classrooms

What We Don't Like

  • No 65lb cardstock option

What Customers Say

"I’m really impressed with the consistent, soft pastel shades in this Astrobrights pack. The paper quality is fantastic—it runs smoothly through my printer and stands up to all my craft projects. The amount you get for the price is a real bonus, and I love how vibrant and uniform the colors are. I’ll absolutely be reordering when I run out!"

"For my classroom, this paper has been a lifesaver—the colors are bright and gorgeous, and the weight matches standard printer paper so there’s no hassle. I made dozens of writing offices for my students and still have plenty left. It’s a great deal for so much versatile paper."

"I always trust Astrobrights for high-quality paper, and this pastel collection didn’t disappoint. The subtle colors make text easy to read, and you really get your money’s worth. I’d love to see a cardstock version in the future!"

#TOP 5

Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Pastel Pink Copy Paper

  • Amazon Basics
  • AMZNPINK1RM
  • Pastel Pink
  • 8.5" x 11"
Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Pastel Pink Copy Paper Cover

Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Color Copy Paper, 8.5" x 11", 20lb, 500 Sheets, Pastel Pink

The Amazon Basics Pink Copy Paper offers a 500-sheet pack of eco-friendly paper made with 30% recycled content, helping you reduce environmental impact while adding a splash of color to your projects. Its pastel pink shade makes your documents stand out clearly without sacrificing readability. This multipurpose paper works smoothly with laser printers, inkjet printers, copiers, and fax machines, providing you with great versatility for both home and office tasks. With a standard 8.5 x 11-inch size and 20lb weight, it dries quickly and resists jams, ensuring your printing runs efficiently and your ink appears sharp and consistent.

9.4
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Reliable printing performance
  • Consistent quality
  • Affordable price
  • Soft pastel colors
  • Eco-friendly recycled content

What We Don't Like

  • Not premium or fancy

What Customers Say

"I use a lot of paper in my home office, and I appreciate that this product is made with 30% recycled materials and comes in affordable pastel colors. The 20lb thickness is just right—no jamming issues, and the color looks neutral and professional. I love the fact that it arrives quickly and works flawlessly with my printer."

"My printer is pretty old and has issues with cheaper paper, but this Amazon Basics paper feeds smoothly and doesn't jam. The brightness is decent, and ink doesn't bleed, so I can print double-sided without problems. It's not fancy, but for everyday printing, the quality and value are great."

"I often print shipping lists and prefer using different colors so they don't get lost in packages. This paper is light enough for clear printing and looks professional. The price is excellent, and I'll definitely be ordering more for my business needs."

#TOP 6

Astrobrights Mega Collection Colored Cardstock 320 Sheets

Astrobrights Mega Collection Colored Cardstock 320 Sheets Cover

Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Cardstock,"Classic" 5-Color Assortment, 320 Sheets, 65 lb/176 gsm, 8.5" x 11" - MORE SHEETS! (91630)

The Astrobrights Colored Cardstock Pack offers 320 vibrant sheets in five bright colors, giving you plenty of material for both personal and professional projects. The heavyweight 65 lb cardstock is sturdy and ideal for making flyers, invitations, scrapbooks, and more, ensuring your creations look polished. You can easily print on these sheets using just black ink, saving you time and money since you don’t need colored ink. Plus, the paper is fully dyed through, so when you cut or fold it, you won’t see any white edges, keeping your projects neat and colorful throughout.

9.2
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Vibrant, eye-catching colors
  • Thick, sturdy cardstock
  • Great for arts and crafts
  • Works well with printers
  • Excellent value, large sheet count

What Customers Say

"As a teacher, I find this cardstock to be a classroom essential. The bright, sturdy paper really enhances student projects and adds a pop to our bulletin boards. It's my go-to choice for everything from center activities to creative displays."

"My daughter is always thrilled to pick a color from this collection for her crafts and handmade cards. The 65 lb weight is just right for her projects, and the fact that the colors are fully dyed with no white core makes a big difference. I love that her art will last since it's acid- and lignin-free—definitely a great buy for creative families."

"I purchased this cardstock to use with my Cricut machine, and it cuts perfectly every time. For the quantity and quality, it's absolutely worth the price. No issues with printing either—zero smearing or bleeding!"

#TOP 7

Astrobrights Mega Collection Colored Paper

Astrobrights Mega Collection Colored Paper Cover

Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, "Brilliant" 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5" x 11 - MORE SHEETS! (91684)

The Astrobrights Mega Collection Colored Paper gives you the "Brilliant" 5-Color Assortment of 24 lb paper with 625 sheets, providing 20% more paper and all the benefits of Astrobrights. The paper is perfect for everyday projects, including color-coding, crafting, school projects, and more. You can save money on ink by printing on Astrobrights and enjoy all the benefits of color without the high cost and extra printing time. The fully dyed paper is easy to cut, fold, and tear without a white core, and it's printer-compatible with inkjet and laser printers for jam-free every day printing. Plus, the paper is lignin and acid-free for long-lasting results.

9.1
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Vibrant bold colors
  • Thick durable paper
  • Excellent print quality
  • Versatile for crafts and printers
  • Great value pack

What We Don't Like

  • Not cardstock thickness
  • Photo may show smaller ream

What Customers Say

"I'm really impressed with the bold, bright colors and sturdy feel of this colored paper set. Prints come out great, and it's perfect for everything from school projects to crafts and signs. The large pack lasts a long time and gives fantastic value. Overall, I'm extremely satisfied with the quality."

"As a teacher, I absolutely love Astrobrights paper. The vivid colors truly stand out, making my classroom and handouts look so much more engaging. The paper is high quality, not flimsy, and I've never had any issues with printing on any of my printers. Plus, the ream is bigger than I expected, which is a nice bonus."

"I got the Mega Collection Colored Paper for my son's teacher, and she was thrilled! The vibrant assortment saves on colored ink and adds eye-catching flair to classroom displays. The thickness and durability make it great for crafts, and even after lots of handling, the colors stay bright. Highly recommend for teachers wanting to brighten up their classroom without the hassle of ink."

#TOP 8

Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Bright Orange, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5" x 11"

Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Bright Orange, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5" x 11" Cover

Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Bright Orange, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5" x 11" - MORE SHEETS! (91619)

Astrobrights Bright Orange Colored Paper is the perfect choice for all your everyday projects. With its vibrant color, this 24 lb. paper will make your documents and projects stand out and command attention. The Mega Collection offers 625 sheets, giving you more than enough to complete all your colorizing needs. Not only does it save you money on ink, but it also works with both inkjet and laser printers for jam-free printing. The fully dyed paper ensures seamless cutting, folding, and tearing without a white core. Plus, it's lignin and acid-free for long-lasting results. Let Astrobrights bring your ideas to life!

9.0
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Vibrant bold colors
  • Excellent print quality
  • Good paper weight
  • Cost-effective pricing
  • Reliable delivery

What Customers Say

"The colors on this paper are really vibrant and the price is much better than what I’ve found at local office supply stores. Having it delivered to my office is incredibly convenient and makes it a great deal."

"I use this paper for flyers every year, and the color always stands out beautifully. It runs smoothly through all my printers, never causing jams, and the weight is just right for what I need. I end up reordering several reams annually and definitely recommend the Astrobright line, especially since it's cheaper than buying from office supply stores."

"I bought this for my typewriter and really like both the quality and the shade of orange. It’s a nice stock and the bundle price was fantastic."

#TOP 9

Astrobrights Mega Collection Colored Paper

Astrobrights Mega Collection Colored Paper Cover

Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper,"Classic" 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5" x 11" - MORE SHEETS! (91623)

Astrobrights Mega Collection Colored Paper features a 'Classic' 5-Color Assortment, 625 sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, and 8.5" x 11" size. The paper is 20% thicker than regular paper and perfect for printing documents, flyers, crafting, school projects, color-coding, and more. It is fully dyed throughout and works with printers including inkjet and laser for jam-free and seamless printing. Astrobrights paper is a cost-effective option since it enables printing with black ink instead of color ink.

8.9
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Vibrant, bright colors
  • Thick, good quality paper
  • Runs smoothly in printers
  • Large, multi-color packs
  • Great for crafts and organization

What We Don't Like

  • Not as thick as cardstock

What Customers Say

"I’m really impressed with the bright, vivid colors and the high-quality feel of this paper. It moves through my printer without any issues and is perfect for everything from crafts to school projects. The large pack size means it lasts a long time, which is great for both kids' and adults' use. I’m very satisfied and will definitely buy it again."

"As a teacher, this colored paper is my top pick. The sturdiness and bold colors really stand out, and my students love using it for their art assignments. It’s versatile for all my classroom needs and I truly believe it’s worth every penny."

"I needed to organize large files, and the assorted vibrant colors made it so easy to color-code everything for quick reference. The paper’s good weight and brightness are perfect for home or professional projects, so I would confidently recommend this collection to anyone."

#TOP 10

Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Bright Green, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5" x 11" - MORE SHEETS! (91622)

Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Bright Green, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5" x 11" - MORE SHEETS! (91622) Cover

Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Bright Green, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5" x 11" - MORE SHEETS! (91622)

Astrobrights Colored Paper is a perfect choice for those who want to make their documents and projects stand out. With 625 sheets, this Mega Collection offers MORE SHEETS than regular paper. The Bright Green 24 lb. paper is 20% thicker and boasts a vivid color that commands attention, making it perfect for everyday projects such as color-coding, crafting, flyers, school projects, and more. Printing on Astrobrights saves money on ink, as you can print with black ink and still enjoy the benefits of color. The paper is fully dyed throughout, making it easy to cut, fold, and tear without a white core. It is also printer compatible, working with inkjet and laser printers for jam-free everyday printing. Plus, it is lignin and acid-free, ensuring long-lasting results.

8.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Bright, eye-catching color
  • Good weight and sturdiness
  • Smooth texture
  • Prints well
  • Ideal for signage and posters

What Customers Say

"I’ve been using this vibrant green paper for years in my business. The color stands out perfectly for staff signage and is still easy on the eyes. It’s my go-to for keeping things organized and noticeable."

"We needed a way to clearly distinguish our important accounts paperwork, so we went with this bright green Astrobrights paper. No more confusion or mix-ups—the color is hard to miss and the 24lb weight feels substantial. It even works great for posters."

"As someone who buys this paper monthly for our pharmacy, I can say it’s consistently high quality. My printer handles it easily and I love pairing it with colorful envelopes for a coordinated look."

Colored Paper Comparison Table

#TOP 1 Astrobrights Color Paper Assortment Cover

Astrobrights Color Paper Assortment

#TOP 2 Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Blue Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11-1 Ream (500 Sheets) Cover

Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Blue Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11-1 Ream (500 Sheets)

#TOP 3 Astrobrights Bright Color Paper Cover

Astrobrights Bright Color Paper

#TOP 4 Astrobrights Punchy Pastel Colored Paper, 625 Sheets Cover

Astrobrights Punchy Pastel Colored Paper, 625 Sheets

#TOP 5 Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Pastel Pink Copy Paper Cover

Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Pastel Pink Copy Paper

#TOP 6 Astrobrights Mega Collection Colored Cardstock 320 Sheets Cover

Astrobrights Mega Collection Colored Cardstock 320 Sheets

#TOP 7 Astrobrights Mega Collection Colored Paper Cover

Astrobrights Mega Collection Colored Paper

#TOP 8 Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Bright Orange, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5" x 11" Cover

Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Bright Orange, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5" x 11"

#TOP 9 Astrobrights Mega Collection Colored Paper Cover

Astrobrights Mega Collection Colored Paper

#TOP 10 Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Bright Green, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5" x 11" - MORE SHEETS! (91622) Cover

Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Bright Green, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5" x 11" - MORE SHEETS! (91622)

Brand Neenah Hammermill Neenah Astrobrights Amazon Basics Astrobrights Astrobrights Astrobrights Astrobrights Astrobrights
Color Yellow,Orange,Blue,Green,White Blue Multi-colored Multicolor Pastel Pink Classic Brilliant Bright Orange Classic Bright Green
Paper Finish Smooth Uncoated Premium Glossy Smooth Smooth - - Smooth Smooth Smooth
Sheet Size 8.5x11 8.5 x 11 inch 8-1/2-x-11-inch Inches 8.5 x 11 Letter - - 8.5x11 8.5x11 8.5x11
Item Weight 1.8 Pounds 5 Pounds 6.02 pounds - - 3.43 Kilograms - - 89 Grams -
Sheet Count - - - 625 500 - 625 625 - 625
FTB Score
9.8
9.7
9.5
9.4
9.4
9.2
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.8
Where to Buy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can we print on color paper?

Yes, it is possible to print on colored paper. Using colored paper for printing can help draw attention to fliers or other printing projects. It can also provide a background color to save ink on your projects.

2. How do they color paper?

There are different methods to color paper. It can be done by adding dye or pigment to the pulp before the sheet is formed, adding color at the sizing press while the paper is still wet, spraying color in the post dryer section or at the calender, or coating the paper with colored pigment.

3. Why do people use colored paper?

People use colored paper for various purposes. For example, colored overlays or tinted overlays are used to make reading more accessible for individuals with visual processing disorders. It can also be used in art projects, classroom settings, flyers, posters, and to emphasize important notes in business settings.

4. Can I print in color but not black?

If your printer is not printing black, it could be due to a fault or issue with the printer. Before replacing cartridges, it is recommended to check for any other possible faults. However, if all other possibilities are exhausted, replacing the printer cartridges may help solve the problem.

5. What is colored paper used for?

Colored paper, such as printer paper or cardstock that has been dyed during the printing process, is used for various purposes. It is a great choice for emphasis in art projects or classroom settings, as well as for creating flyers, posters, and highlighting important notes in business settings.

6. What can I use to color paper?

To dye paper, you can use paints such as watercolor or acrylic paint. Simply mix the paint with water, submerge the paper in the dye for a few seconds, and then allow it to dry on a piece of paper towel.

Editor's Notes

During our colored paper research, we found 24 colored paper products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 146,395 customer reviews through our big data system to write the colored paper list. We found that most customers choose colored paper with an average price of $16.76.

The colored paper are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of colored paper, including Neenah, Hammermill, Astrobrights. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by

Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.