Abstract: An automatic paper feeder for use with a character printer, the feeder having a dual cartridge capability and, alternatively, the capability of feeding envelopes to the printer. The feeder is constructed so that cut sheets or envelopes leaving the printer are delivered to a receiving station in a first in-first out arrangement. The dual cartridges are adapted to contain the cut sheets and either one or both of the cartridges can be inserted in the feeder for any given run. When both cut sheet cartridges are used the first and second sheets of a two page letter, for example, can be sequentially printed. Simultaneous use of both cartridges also permits sheets of different size and/or weight to be programmed into the feeder. In addition to cut sheets and envelopes, the feeder of the invention can be utilized for feeding continuous forms or the feeder can be deactivated to permit printing on a single "pre-empt" sheet.