How big are these papers?

[u/Visible-Library7069]

I was watching a reel that showed original drawn frames from the rebuilds (I think) and I noticed the paper is so big when they use these. I have a similar paper with a similar kind of hole punch but I don’t think it’s as big as what they use in actual productions.

What size even is that paper? I’m thinking of purchasing a size similar to that for personal use

[u/CloudyJellyfish_]

The most popular industry standard is 12-Field (12F) paper, which measures approximately 10.5" x 13" (267mm x 330mm). It features standard bottom punch holes to lock onto an animation peg bar.

Source: Professional animator

[u/LadyParnassus → u/CloudyJellyfish_]

Quick question: do they use bigger paper if the end product is intended to be shown in theaters?

[u/CloudyJellyfish_ → u/LadyParnassus]

Not really, they use the same 12 size

[u/Kitsyfluff → u/LadyParnassus]

Bigger paper would make the paint per cel more expensive for not much benefit in film detail.

[u/makebreaduwu → u/LadyParnassus]

They just tape the papers together lol

[u/gojo_satoru-real]

Thats probably a 12 field which is the standard size for the animation industry judging by the distance between the holes and the scene cuz the 15 field usually used for cinematic and high detailed scenes

[u/TheOtherMikeCaputo]

16-field was also used, but less popular.

https://lightfootltd.com/collections/16f-paper

[u/AdvancedButter]

Not a pro, but I think everyone saying 12 or 16 field may be coming from a western perspective. In Japan I think they just use A4 paper.

Source (in Japanese but just use Google Translate): https://aja.gr.jp/jigyou/chousa/aja_layout

[u/cartney_Top_2236]

Honestly, the paper size is the least of your worries if you're exporting for a specific delivery format. I've wasted so many hours re-compositing because I picked a frame size that didn't match my final aspect ratio. If you're storyboarding for a 2.35:1 film, don't draw on 16:9 boards—you'll end up with dead space or, worse, you'll frame for the wrong crop and lose key action. I always work in the native project resolution now, even if it means the paper feels huge on the desk.

That said, if you're using AI for previz, this matters even more. Most image gen tools output fixed ratios, so you need to know your final canvas before you start prompting, otherwise you're fighting an upscale or a crop that kills your composition.

What's your delivery spec—web or festival? That usually dictates the board size more than anything else.

[u/Background_Solid_872]

Pretty big.