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How do softwood fibres and hardwood fibres affect paper differently?

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paper mill — papermaking Paper mill in British Columbia, Canada.

In papermaking, the primary difference between softwood and hardwood fibres lies in their physical dimensions, which dictate their specific contributions to the final paper product:

Softwood fibres: Derived from coniferous trees, these fibres are longer, typically measuring between 2 and 4 millimetres. Their greater length is essential for providing structural strength to the paper.1
Hardwood fibres: Sourced from deciduous trees, these fibres are shorter, ranging from approximately 0.5 to 1.5 millimetres. Because of their size, they are primarily used to fill in the sheet, which improves the paper's opacity and creates a smoother surface finish.1

By combining these two types of fibres, manufacturers can balance the need for mechanical durability with the requirements for surface quality and appearance.21