A hard copy containing bitcoin wallet information such as bitcoin addresses and their corresponding private keys. Paper wallets are often used to store bitcoins securely in a non-software capacity.

A paper wallet is a method for storing cryptocurrency offline to enhance security. It involves printing your public and private keys on a piece of paper, often including QR codes for easy scanning.

Creating a Paper Wallet:
1. Generate Keys: Use a reputable tool or website to generate a pair of cryptographic keys offline.
2. Print the Keys: Print the public and private keys on a piece of paper.
3. Secure Storage: Store the paper wallet in a safe place, such as a locked drawer or safe, to protect it from theft, damage, or loss.

Advantages:
- Offline Storage: Immune to online hacking and malware.
- Cost-Effective: No need for specialized hardware.

Disadvantages:
- Physical Vulnerability: Susceptible to physical damage or loss.
- No Backup: If lost or damaged, funds may be irretrievable.

A paper wallet is an old-fashioned, physical method for storing cryptocurrency offline, known as "cold storage." It is a piece of paper on which a public address for receiving crypto and its corresponding private key are printed, often as QR codes for easy scanning.

To use it, you send funds to the public address. To spend or transfer those funds, you must "sweep" the paper wallet by scanning its private key into a secure software wallet, which imports the key and allows transaction signing. Crucially, once swept, the paper wallet should be considered empty and destroyed, as using the key online exposes it.

While once popular for being completely offline and immune to digital hacks, paper wallets are now generally discouraged. They are prone to physical damage, loss, and user error, and modern hardware wallets offer more secure and user-friendly cold storage.