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Discovering Fotospeed Test Pack
Categories:
General Blogs
27/Aug/2026
Choosing an inkjet paper from a screen is difficult because paper is a physical part of the finished photograph. Its surface, weight, white point and reflectivity can alter the way we experience colour, contrast, detail and mood. Fotospeed Test Packs let you print the same image on a carefully selected range of papers using your own printer, inks and viewing conditions. You can see and feel the differences for yourself, identify the surface that best supports your work and avoid committing to a full box before you know it is right.
Whether you are making your first serious print, searching for a new everyday paper or selecting a finish for an exhibition, a test pack makes paper choice practical, affordable and personal.
More than a sample
Why use a paper test pack?
01
See the real difference
A monitor cannot show paper texture, sheen, weight or how a print reacts to light. A physical comparison can.
02
Match paper to image
A vivid landscape, quiet portrait and detailed black and white photograph may each benefit from a different surface.
03
Choose before buying
Compare several papers at a modest cost before investing in a full pack for a portfolio, exhibition or client project.
04
Build print confidence
Testing develops your understanding of how paper and ink work together, making future paper choices faster and more intentional.
Ready to explore the complete range?
Compare Fotospeed packs alongside test packs from Hahnemühle, Canson and Ilford.
A fair comparison
How to get the most from your test pack
The most useful test is controlled and repeatable. Keep the image, printer settings and viewing conditions consistent so the paper is the main variable.
1
Choose a revealing image
Use one photograph containing highlights, shadows, fine detail, saturated colour, subtle tones and, if possible, a neutral area.
2
Use the correct profile
Download the free Fotospeed ICC profile for each paper and printer combination, then use the recommended media setting.
3
Change one thing at a time
Keep the file, print size and output settings consistent across every sheet.
4
Let the prints settle
Allow each print to dry fully before making a final judgement, particularly when comparing density and colour.
5
View in consistent light
Compare prints together in the type of light in which they will normally be displayed.
6
Make notes on the back
Record the paper, profile, media setting and your first impression. The second sheet lets you confirm the result with another image.
What should you look for?
Compare black depth, highlight detail, colour intensity, skin tones, sharpness, reflections, surface texture, paper colour, weight and, most importantly, how well the finished print supports the feeling of the photograph.
Watch the guide
See the Test Packs in action
Now you know what to compare, watch how the Fotospeed Test Pack range helps you explore different surfaces, finishes and paper characteristics before choosing a full pack.
Choose your starting point
The Fotospeed Test Pack range
The range includes packs organised by surface, paper function and print format. Choose the one closest to what you want to discover, from a broad A4 comparison to double sided, A3 and panoramic printing.
4 papers · 2 A4 sheets of each
Fotospeed DUO Test Pack
A focused introduction to papers coated for printing on both sides. DUO papers are ideal when the reverse of the sheet matters as much as the front, including portfolios, photo books, albums, cards and presentation pieces.
What is inside?
High White Smooth Lite DUO 225
A lighter, bright white smooth paper for books, portfolios and multi page presentation.
A lighter, bright white smooth paper for books, portfolios and multi page presentation.
Art Smooth DUO 210
A smooth double sided art paper suited to images, illustration and creative publishing.
A smooth double sided art paper suited to images, illustration and creative publishing.
Matt DUO 240
A versatile matt surface for clean, reflection free printing on both sides.
A versatile matt surface for clean, reflection free printing on both sides.
PF Lustre DUO 280
A double sided lustre paper combining photographic colour and detail with practical handling.
A double sided lustre paper combining photographic colour and detail with practical handling.
Best for: Portfolios, photo books, albums, cards, invitations and any project that needs a high quality image on both faces of the sheet.
8 papers · 3 A3 sheets of each
Fotospeed A3 Mixed Test Pack
A larger format selection combining four fine art and four photo papers. Printing at A3 makes it easier to assess fine detail, tonal transitions and the physical impact of a finished print at a more substantial size.
What is inside?
Fine art papers
Platinum Etching Cotton 310
Platinum Gloss Art Fibre 300
Platinum Baryta 300
Smooth Cotton 300
Photo papers
Photo Smooth Pearl 290
PF Gloss 270
PF Lustre 275
Matt Ultra 240
Best for: Photographers with an A3 capable printer who want a broad photo and fine art comparison at a size closer to a finished display print.
7 papers · 210mm × 594mm
Fotospeed Panoramic Test Pack
A specialist pack for long, letterbox style photographs without the need to use roll paper. The 210mm × 594mm sheets can be used by compatible A4 printers and larger models with a rear paper feed.
What is inside?
The pack contains four panoramic sheets of each paper, plus one A4 sheet of each to assist with profiling:
PF Lustre 275PF Gloss 270Matt Ultra 240Photo Smooth Pearl 290Platinum Baryta 300Platinum Etching Cotton 310Smooth Cotton 300
Best for: Landscapes, cityscapes, stitched panoramas, wide crops and photographers who want a more cinematic print format.
Printer check: Panoramic sheets require a compatible rear or back paper feed and will not work with duplex fed printers. Check your printer specification before ordering.
10 papers · 2 A4 sheets of each
Fotospeed Photo Quality A4 Test Pack
The broadest mix of finishes, spanning gloss, lustre, pearl, metallic and matt. This is the ideal starting point if you want to understand how reflectivity and surface finish change colour, contrast and impact.
What is inside?
PF Gloss 270
A bright, smooth gloss for crisp detail, rich colour and punchy presentation.
A bright, smooth gloss for crisp detail, rich colour and punchy presentation.
PF Gloss 310
A heavier gloss paper with a substantial feel and strong photographic impact.
A heavier gloss paper with a substantial feel and strong photographic impact.
PF Lustre 275
A versatile, lightly textured photo finish that controls reflections well.
A versatile, lightly textured photo finish that controls reflections well.
PF Lustre 310
The same practical lustre character with a thicker, more premium weight.
The same practical lustre character with a thicker, more premium weight.
Photo Smooth Pearl 290
A refined pearl surface balancing colour, detail and low glare.
A refined pearl surface balancing colour, detail and low glare.
Metallic Lustre 275
A shimmering lustre finish that can add depth to metal, water and vivid colour.
A shimmering lustre finish that can add depth to metal, water and vivid colour.
Metallic Gloss 275
A highly reflective metallic surface for images that benefit from drama and luminosity.
A highly reflective metallic surface for images that benefit from drama and luminosity.
Matt Ultra 240
A clean, smooth matt paper for an understated, reflection free finish.
A clean, smooth matt paper for an understated, reflection free finish.
Matt Infinity 265
A smooth matt option with extra weight for photographs and creative presentation.
A smooth matt option with extra weight for photographs and creative presentation.
Matt Proofing 170
A lighter matt paper useful for proofing, test prints and economical everyday output.
A lighter matt paper useful for proofing, test prints and economical everyday output.
Best for: Photographers comparing everyday photo papers, anyone new to printing and images where colour, clarity and surface sheen are important.
6 papers · 2 A4 sheets of each
Fine Art Matt Smooth A4 Test Pack
Six smooth fine art papers with different weights, base materials and white points. This pack demonstrates how a matt surface can feel restrained and elegant while retaining detail, tone and physical presence.
What is inside?
Smooth Cotton 300
A substantial smooth cotton paper with a soft, refined fine art character.
A substantial smooth cotton paper with a soft, refined fine art character.
High White Smooth 315
A smooth, bright white surface suited to clean whites and vivid colour.
A smooth, bright white surface suited to clean whites and vivid colour.
Platinum Cotton 305
A premium cotton matt paper for detailed fine art and photographic printing.
A premium cotton matt paper for detailed fine art and photographic printing.
Platinum Matt 280
A versatile, smooth matt surface with a lighter but still substantial feel.
A versatile, smooth matt surface with a lighter but still substantial feel.
Matt Baryta 310
A smooth matt baryta paper created for excellent tonal depth and photographic detail.
A smooth matt baryta paper created for excellent tonal depth and photographic detail.
Natural Smooth 310
A natural white smooth paper that brings warmth and subtlety to the image.
A natural white smooth paper that brings warmth and subtlety to the image.
Best for: Fine art photography, soft landscapes, portraits, illustration and work that needs a calm, glare free presentation without visible texture.
5 papers · 2 A4 sheets of each
Fine Art Matt Textured A4 Test Pack
Five fine art papers that explore surface texture and white point. Texture catches the light, gives a print a tactile quality and can become an expressive part of the photograph rather than simply its support.
What is inside?
Platinum Etching Cotton 310
A cotton paper with a gently etched surface and natural white base for tactile fine art prints.
A cotton paper with a gently etched surface and natural white base for tactile fine art prints.
Natural Textured 315
A pronounced texture with a natural white tone for warmth and strong physical character.
A pronounced texture with a natural white tone for warmth and strong physical character.
Natural Textured Bright White 315
A more pronounced surface paired with a brighter white base for extra clarity and contrast.
A more pronounced surface paired with a brighter white base for extra clarity and contrast.
Natural Soft Textured Bright White 315
A gentler texture with a bright white base, balancing tactile character with clean colour.
A gentler texture with a bright white base, balancing tactile character with clean colour.
Natural Soft Textured 315
A softly textured natural white paper for a warm and understated fine art finish.
A softly textured natural white paper for a warm and understated fine art finish.
Best for: Expressive landscapes, monochrome work, painterly images, fine art reproductions and photographs where the surface should contribute to the final piece.
3 papers · 2 A4 sheets of each
Fotospeed Fine Art Glossy A4 Test Pack
Three premium fine art glossy papers that combine photographic depth and clarity with the weight, character and presentation of a fine art sheet. This pack is ideal for comparing baryta and unglazed gloss surfaces.
What is inside?
Platinum Baryta 300
A natural white baryta paper with a smooth unglazed gloss surface, excellent depth and strong tonal separation.
A natural white baryta paper with a smooth unglazed gloss surface, excellent depth and strong tonal separation.
Platinum Gloss Art Fibre 300
A substantial fine art paper balancing a gloss finish with fibre based paper character.
A substantial fine art paper balancing a gloss finish with fibre based paper character.
Legacy Gloss 325
A heavyweight cotton paper with an unglazed gloss finish for rich blacks and an elegant, traditional print feel.
A heavyweight cotton paper with an unglazed gloss finish for rich blacks and an elegant, traditional print feel.
Best for: Monochrome work, exhibition prints, detailed landscapes, portraits and photographs that need deep blacks and fine art presence with a gloss finish.
Which test pack should I choose?
| If you want to explore... | Start with... | What you will compare |
|---|---|---|
| A subtle fine art look | Fine Art Matt Smooth | Smooth surfaces, white points, materials and weights |
| A tactile, expressive finish | Fine Art Matt Textured | Texture strength, white point and surface character |
| Fine art depth with a gloss finish | Fine Art Glossy | Baryta, art fibre and heavyweight cotton gloss papers |
| Everyday photographic finishes | Photo Quality Test Pack | Gloss, lustre, pearl, metallic and matt |
| Printing on both sides | DUO Test Pack | Four double sided papers for books, albums and portfolios |
| Long, cinematic photographs | Panoramic Test Pack | Seven papers in 210mm × 594mm panoramic format |
| Comparing papers at a larger size | A3 Mixed Test Pack | Eight photo and fine art papers in A3 |
Useful answers
Test pack questions
Should I print the same image on every paper?
Yes. A consistent image makes differences in colour, contrast, detail, texture and reflections much easier to judge. Use the second sheet for another image once you have narrowed down your favourites.
Do I need an ICC profile?
For the most accurate result, use the appropriate Fotospeed ICC profile and recommended media setting. Fotospeed provides free generic profiles and a free bespoke profiling service for Fotospeed papers.
Is the heaviest paper always the best?
No. Weight affects handling and physical presence, but the right choice depends on the image, printer, presentation method and personal taste. Surface and white point may make a greater visual difference.
Can one photographer use several different papers?
Absolutely. Many photographers keep a dependable everyday paper and select a different fine art surface when a particular image or project calls for it.
Print it. Feel it. Choose it.
Your best paper choice begins with a real print
Explore the Fotospeed Test Pack range, compare the results in your own hands and find the surface that completes your photograph.
Explore Fotospeed test packs