Staedtler Gridded Bond Paper Pads

By activity

• Drafting and layout planning (grids for spacing, alignment, and proportions)
• Early-stage design work and mockups
• Clean presentation prints and handouts
• Graph-style note taking, charts, and measured sketches

By skill level

• Beginners: grid makes it easier to keep things straight and consistent
• Intermediate to advanced: fast, efficient planning paper for precision work

By compatibility (tools & techniques)

• Works well with pencil, eraser, and most everyday pens
• Handy with rulers, triangles, templates, and technical drawing tools
• For ink-heavy work, test first—bond paper can show through with very wet markers

Explore compatible drawing pencils • Browse technical pens • Shop rulers & measuring tools

This is a bright white bond paper that’s meant to feel smooth and clean for planning and presentation. The 18 lb weight is light enough for quick iterations, while still feeling tidy for sharing or printing.

• Paper feel: crisp, smooth bond—great for fast lines and clean lettering
• Grid visibility: blue grid gives guidance without visually taking over your drawing
• What “non-repro blue” does: the grid is designed to be faint or disappear when copied/scanned, so your artwork/notes read cleanly

What’s special about non-photo lines? Non-photo (non-repro) blue is a light blue colour that traditional copy processes and many scan/copy settings don’t pick up strongly. In practice, it means you can use the grid for spacing while working, then copy/scan a cleaner-looking result where the grid is far less noticeable.

Surface prep

• Use a clean backing board if you’re working on your lap or a textured table.
• If you need extra crisp lines, pair with a ruler and a harder pencil grade.

Application tips

• Use the grid to keep margins consistent, align elements, and scale rough layouts quickly.
• For presentation prints, keep smudge-prone media (soft graphite/charcoal) light or set it with care.

Copying/scanning

• When scanning, try “Document” mode or adjust contrast if you want the blue grid to fade further.
• If the grid still shows, increasing contrast slightly often reduces it.

Cleanup

• Standard erasers work well—use a gentle touch to keep the sheet bright and clean.

Storage (including Canadian winter notes)

• Store flat in a dry spot to prevent curl and waviness.
• In winter, let the pad acclimate to room temperature before heavy erasing or folding—paper can feel a bit stiffer when it’s cold.
• Avoid leaving paper in a car overnight in freezing temperatures; condensation during warm-up can cause subtle buckling.

• Paper type: bond paper
• Paper weight: 18 lb
• Colour: bright white
• Ruling: non-reproducible blue grid

If you’re choosing between formats, think about how you’ll use it: smaller pads for field notes and quick thumbnails, larger pads for layouts, drafting, and presentation boards.

The standout feature here is the non-repro blue grid: you get the benefits of a grid while you work (alignment, spacing, quick measuring), with a cleaner-looking result when you copy or scan. Compared to standard graph paper, it’s a more presentation-friendly way to plan and share drafts without the grid visually competing with your lines.

See our full range of sketchbooks & pads • Explore drafting & layout supplies

What does “non-reproducible blue grid” actually mean?

It’s a light blue grid designed to reproduce faintly (or not at all) on many copiers and common scan settings, so your copied/scanned page looks cleaner and less “graph paper” heavy.

Will the blue grid disappear on every scanner and copier?

Not always. Results vary by machine and settings. If the grid shows more than you’d like, try increasing contrast, switching to “Document” mode, or adjusting brightness to reduce the blue.

Is this paper meant for finished artwork?

It’s best for planning, drafting, and presentation prints. For finished pieces (especially wet media), you’ll usually want heavier drawing or watercolour paper.

Can I use markers on it?

You can, but bond paper can show through with wet or alcohol-based markers. For marker-heavy work, a marker pad is a better fit.

Is it classroom-friendly?

Yes—this is a straightforward paper pad. For younger users, standard guidance applies: supervise the use of sharp tools (utility knives, compasses) and ink products as needed.

Any safety concerns?

There are no special safety concerns for the paper itself. If you’re pairing it with sprays, solvent inks, or fixatives, use good ventilation, avoid skin/eye contact, and follow the product label directions.

How should I store it during Ottawa-area winter weather?

Keep it flat and dry. If the pad arrives cold from delivery, let it warm to room temperature before heavy erasing or bending sheets to reduce stiffness and avoid condensation-related waviness.

What’s the best way to get the cleanest scan for sharing?

Use even lighting, flatten the page, and scan in document mode if available. A small contrast bump often helps push the blue grid back while keeping your lines crisp.