Photographic Series
8L
Belonging to the ISO 216 standard, the 8L paper size is a unique and often overlooked member of this globally recognized series. This particular size, while not as commonly used as its A4 or A3 counterparts, holds its own distinctive appeal and utility.
The dimensions of an 8L paper are precisely defined at 210 x 297 millimeters. This makes it perfectly suited for specific applications where traditional sizes may not suffice. For instance, it's an ideal choice for printing panoramic photos or creating detailed architectural blueprints.
8L paper dimensions
Specs
| Format | in | mm | cm | pt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2A0 | 46.81 x 66.22 | 1189 x 1682 | 119 x 168 | 3370 x 4768 |
| A12 | 0.51 x 0.71 | 13 x 18 | 1 x 2 | 37 x 51 |
| 4A0 | 66.22 x 93.62 | 1682 x 2378 | 168 x 238 | 4768 x 6741 |
| A11 | 0.71 x 1.02 | 18 x 26 | 2 x 3 | 51 x 74 |
| A10 | 1.02 x 1.46 | 26 x 37 | 3 x 4 | 74 x 105 |
| A3+ | 12.95 x 19.02 | 329 x 483 | 33 x 48 | 933 x 1369 |
| A1+ | 23.98 x 35.98 | 609 x 914 | 61 x 91 | 1726 x 2591 |
| A0+ | 35.98 x 50.87 | 914 x 1292 | 91 x 129 | 2591 x 3662 |
| A6 | 4.13 x 5.83 | 105 x 148 | 11 x 15 | 298 x 420 |
| A5 | 5.83 x 8.27 | 148 x 210 | 15 x 21 | 420 x 595 |
| A4 | 8.27 x 11.69 | 210 x 297 | 21 x 30 | 595 x 842 |
| A3 | 11.69 x 16.54 | 297 x 420 | 30 x 42 | 842 x 1191 |
| A9 | 1.46 x 2.05 | 37 x 52 | 4 x 5 | 105 x 147 |
| A2 | 16.54 x 23.39 | 420 x 594 | 42 x 59 | 1191 x 1684 |
| A8 | 2.05 x 2.91 | 52 x 74 | 5 x 7 | 147 x 210 |
| A1 | 23.39 x 33.11 | 594 x 841 | 59 x 84 | 1684 x 2384 |
| A7 | 2.91 x 4.13 | 74 x 105 | 7 x 11 | 210 x 298 |
| A0 | 33.11 x 46.81 | 841 x 1189 | 84 x 119 | 2384 x 3370 |
Interestingly, the ISO 216 standard that includes the 8L size is based on an aspect ratio of √2:1. This means that when a sheet is cut in half parallel to its shorter sides, each half retains the original aspect ratio. It's a feature that ensures consistency across all sizes within this series.
While ANSI standards are more prevalent in North America, ISO paper sizes like the 8L have gained widespread acceptance worldwide due to their logical and consistent scaling system. The use of these standardized sizes simplifies tasks such as resizing documents without distortion and fitting multiple pages onto a single sheet.
While it may not be your first thought when considering paper sizes, the versatility and unique properties of the 8L make it a valuable asset in specific contexts. Whether you're looking to print panoramic images or need consistent scaling for technical drawings, this underappreciated member of the ISO family has much to offer.
Other Formats in the Photographic Series
Interesting facts about 8L
1. The Origin of 8L Paper
8L paper is part of the ISO 216 standard series, which was first introduced in the 1970s. It is commonly used for envelopes and measures 210 mm x 330 mm.
2. A Unique Size
The dimensions of 8L paper make it slightly longer and narrower than other popular paper sizes, such as A4 or Letter size.
3. Envelope Compatibility
The specific dimensions of 8L paper were chosen to ensure that it fits perfectly into a C5 envelope, which measures 162 mm x 229 mm.
4. International Usage
While not as widely used as some other paper sizes, such as A4 or Letter size, 8L paper is still recognized internationally and can be found in various countries around the world.
5. Limited Availability
In some regions, finding pre-cut sheets of 8L paper may be more challenging compared to standard sizes like A3 or A5 due to its less common usage.
6. Customization Options
If you require a specific quantity or design for your envelopes using 8L paper, many professional printing services can assist you with custom orders to meet your needs.
7. Versatile Applications
Besides being primarily used for envelopes, the unique dimensions of 8L paper also make it suitable for various creative projects like flyers or brochures that require a distinct shape and size.
8. Historical Evolution
The development of standardized paper sizes dates back centuries ago when different regions had their own unique systems. The ISO 216 standard, including 8L paper, aimed to streamline and simplify paper sizes globally.
9. Paper Series Continuity
8L paper is part of the B series in the ISO 216 standard, which includes larger sizes like B5 and B4. This series maintains a consistent aspect ratio of 1:√2 for easy scaling between sizes.
10. Environmental Considerations
When choosing paper for printing, it's important to consider its environmental impact. Opting for recycled or sustainably sourced 8L paper can help reduce deforestation and promote eco-friendly practices.
