Using the scanning electron microscope, Australian Newsprint Mills papers and other samples are studied by means of images showing either topographical or atomic number contrast, and chemical information from emitted X-rays generated by scanning the sample with a beam of electrons. Examples of topographical images discussed include the study of paper sheet surfaces and the cross-section structure, and changes in these properties with varying process parameters; improvements in sheet quality resulting from investment in plant up-grades; and investigation of the relationship between paper structure and its performance in pressrooms. Atomic number contrast images are used in product development, for example, to study the distribution of clay in surface coatings over base stock. Another typical application is to highlight particles of possible different chemical composition for further characterization by X-ray microanalysis.