A method of forming a print medium having porous and swellable properties. The method includes providing a coating formulation that has at least 50% by weight of crosslinked organic particles. The crosslinked organic particles have a particle size of less than approximately 1 .mu.m. The coating formulation is then applied to a substrate. The crosslinked organic particles may be formed from polyvinylalcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, gelatin, polyester, polyamine, polyimide, starch, cellulose, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, and mixtures thereof. The crosslinked organic particles may be formulated to absorb at least two times their weight of water. A print medium utilizing the crosslinked organic particles is also disclosed.