The invention relates to a process for making paper or paper board comprising forming a cellulosic suspension, flocculating the suspension, draining the suspension on a device to form a sheet and then drying the sheet, wherein the suspension is flocculated using a formation improving 3-component flocculation system comprising a) a linear cationic or ampoteric co-polymer of: i) acrylamide, and ii) a substance with formula (I) with a halide as counter-ion; b) at least one water soluble component chosen from the group of anionic polyacrylamide, non-ionic polyacrylamide and polyethyleneoxide; and c) inorganic microparticles, whereby the flocculation system does not contain a wafer-dispersible or branched anionic organic polymer. The invention also relates to use of the flocculation/retention system in the manufacture of paper or paper board, and to paper and paper board thus produced.