Abstract: A paper attribute detector for use in combination with a strip chart recorder includes a paper web having a plurality of connected pages. Each of the pages has electronically scannable indicia preferably on an unrecorded side of the paper. In the preferred embodiment, the indicia are realized in bar code form and are used to encode various attributes such as page number, paper quality, paper sensitivity, and so on. Indicia scanning means are provided for detecting the page indicia as the paper web travels through the recorder. In the preferred embodiment, the scanning means includes one or more electro-optical sensors. The indicia may be aligned parallel to or transverse the travel direction of the web.