Paper cutters are a common tool found in offices and educational facilities. As the name suggests, they are used to cut large volumes of paper to a desired size. There are a few different types of cutters, each appropriate for handling different volumes of paper. While an environment that cuts large volumes of paper on a regular basis may want a more heavy-duty, electric paper cutter, a less-expensive guillotine paper cutter might be suitable for someone whose paper cutting needs are minimal.

A guillotine paper cutter is a manual machine. The user determines the proper sizing and makes cuts using the sharp, guillotine-like slicer. The cutting mechanism is usually quite sharp, allowing the cutter to go through many pieces of paper at one time. Some heavy-duty guillotine cutters can cut up to 800 sheets at once.

The electric paper cutter is much easier, as the cuts can be made with just a push of a button. The electric cutters are significantly more expensive than the manual cutters, but their efficiency and user-friendliness make them popular with many users. They are most appropriate in environments that go through large volumes of paper daily--such as an educational institution.

For smaller volumes of paper, a trimmer is often ideal. These machines are similar to the paper cutter, but are meant to make smaller cuts. Paper trimmers are useful for home offices or hobbyists, since they can also be used to cut a variety of materials, including felt and cloth.