Folder for every purpose
Whether at school, during study, during work or just private - folders are still indispensable and available in many different variants, colors and models. On this page you will learn everything about the folders, their distinguishing features, the matching accessories and the different areas of application.
Staplers, Folders, Ring binders - where are the differences?
There are many terms for folders, folders and Co. But the question is, is this the same product or how can the different names be subdivided? To begin with, there are basically the following types:
In a stapler, leaves have to be punched, whereas in a folder they are simply loose.
Stapler - the folder category
Folders are among the staplers because the sheets inside must be punched to be filed.
Folders are known as:
- File folders
- Folders for office
- Ring folder
There are both wide and narrow folders to meet both needs. The mechanism with which the sheets are to be clamped is fixed to a folder. This ensures that the stitched sheets do not slip. With a file folder, this mechanism is somewhat more pronounced than with a ring binder, whose ring mechanism is kept somewhat simpler.
Worth knowing: Many folders are also sold with additional pockets inside or outside. For example, supplementary papers can be accommodated, e.g. for a presentation or for documents that should not be punched.
Stand collectors - the inexpensive and simple folder alternative
Although it is not a classic folder, also standing collectors are often used in private and professional settings. It is a kind of open boxes in which documents, books, booklets and Co. can be inserted edgewise. Especially on the desk or on cabinets can thus create order between loose documents and notes. These stand collectors are made optionally from:
- Plastic / PVC
- Cardboard / cardboard
- Metal
- Wood
- Polystyrene
Register for better sorting in folders
In order not to staple all the perforated sheets in a folder in random order, many manufacturers offer matching registers.
With these registers the documents can be:
- for colors
- after letters
- by numbers
- by categories
sort and file. In most cases, an overview is included in the front section, which is filed in the first place in the folder. Here you can note which colors, letters or numbers for which areas or categories are.
Plastic register: Another alternative to integrate dividers in a folder is the thin plastic tab. This material is almost indestructible, tear-resistant and perfect for register.
Thaw Register: This register type is made of a special material, the Thaw. The Tauenpapier is very tough and stable, which is very advantageous especially for deposits or registers.
Cardboard register: Also in this variant the name is program. The cardboard register is made of cardboard, for example kraft cardboard, pendarec cardboard or manila recycled cardboard.
Label back folders with backplates
Inside the folder, everything is organized, but now it goes to the outside presentation. If all folders look the same, no distinction is possible. For this reason, all folders have possible labeling types. Partially back labels are glued (or are available once and can optionally be pasted over) to note certain categories, dates or other information on the back of the folder.
Another alternative is insertion backsplashes. Although you also need new spine labels for this label, you can replace them at any time. This saves nerves and also makes for a nicer look, instead of placing on a folder 5 adhesive spine labels on top of each other.
Our tip: Insert back labels are already very cheap to buy. Online you will find a wide selection of possible manufacturers, including Herlitz, HERMA, Elba, Leitz, AVERY Zweckform, FALKEN and many more.
Common folder sizes
In a "normal" folder is usually spoken by a spine width of 80 mm. Maybe you know the label 1080 from Leitz, the undisputed number one in terms of folder sales. Exactly this 80 in 1080 stands for a back width of 80 mm. However, the company offers the in-house folders in different sizes:
Apart from these "standard widths" there are many more offers. From 35 to 85 mm, more than ten different sizes are possible.
The standard format of a folder is DIN A4, so that A4 sheets can also be bound. The folders are also sold in small formats, such as A5 or A6. Thus, they are suitable, for example, for filing account statements or delivery notes. Some A3 formats (portrait or landscape) are also offered for folders in the trade.
Common material of today's folders
Most folders today are from a well known brand manufacturer (e.g., Leitz) and are therefore made from a high quality and high quality paperboard. There are many "no name" manufacturers, who also put on cardboard, but due to the lower prices a not quite as good quality. The lever mechanism of the folders has also been saved in this regard, so that, depending on the area of ??application, a best-in-class brand product should be used.
Good to know: Some folders are also made of plastic (or made of PP film or polypropylene). This material has the advantage that it is very stable and waterproof. Just where it is to be expected with dirt, these washable (but also a bit more expensive) folders are unbeatable.
Accessories and other contents of a folder
In the lower area almost all folders have a small grip hole. This grip hole is usually reinforced with metal, so it does not wear off during use. The goal is not the awkward herauskramen the folder, but to be able to pull out with a handle on the hole. Especially with full shelves with numerous folders, it is not possible otherwise, the folder conveniently (without squeezing his fingers) to get out of the closet. Incidentally, edge protection is also recommended if you need to pull the folder out of the shelf very often.
In addition, many folders, especially the narrow versions, have so-called space saving slots. These slots are for the lever mechanism, which does not hit against the lid and thus needs more space than actually needed. Instead, the levers protrude slightly through the slots to the outside, so that the folder can be folded to save space.
Thus, the folder adapts well to the included capacity and can also be stored in a folder round about. On the other hand, with a high filling volume, folders with ring slots also have a higher level of stability and are therefore always a very good choice.
As a further utensil to a folder, the hold-down serves to keep the stapled sheets low. By this fixation on the one hand a firmer state and on the other hand more space for more leaves on the inside possible.
Popular colors and imprints
A standard folder in the professional environment usually does not have a striking design, let alone a colorful color. These classic folders are available in black, gray or white. In addition, there is a wide range of printed folders to stand out individually.
This is especially popular in the private sphere. Students need folders for the school and want to prove their own individuality and "type" by choosing a suitable folder. Men and women alike like to choose matching folder themes for related themes (such as a chic New York design for their recent holiday memories or plans). In terms of pure color variety, the possibilities are endless. They are available in these variants:
- Simple: gray, black and white
- Noticeable: red, blue, green and yellow etc.
- Subtle: light blue, light green, light yellow, light red etc.
- Pastel shades: (for example turquoise or rosé)
- Bright colors: (for example pink, orange)
What folders are used in everyday life
As already mentioned, folders are an integral part of the professional environment. Although many areas are completely digitized today, folders and papers are among the standards in many industries. Even in private folders can be found in almost every household, including the following areas.
Monochrome folders
These monochrome folders are available either in very simple tones, as they are mainly used in the job environment, but also in colorful and bright colors. These bright tones are well received by children and young people and are deliberately chosen in their own favorite colors.
Application: Neutral colors in the job, colorful colors privately in children and primarily young people, e.g. for school, study, vacation planning, reminders etc.
Printed folders
With these folders, which have animal themes, Star Wars themes, holiday themes, and more, stand out from others (folders and people). You can live out your individuality and choose exactly the folder that suits you.
Application: e.g. for school, study, vacation planning, reminders etc.
Double folder
If you want to file bank statements and smaller papers, a double folder will serve you well. This folder not only has two rings but four rings.
Application: e.g. for filing bank statements
Cross folder
A "folder across", as it is called, is also intended for bank statements and small documents, since it is only half as large and thus used in landscape format.
Application: e.g. for filing bank statements
Plastic folder
Since it is a washable, waterproof and very stable material, these folders are designed precisely for such - rather rough - purposes.
Application: e.g. for construction sites, warehouses, workshops etc.
Record chart folder
In some professions folders are used, which do not show a lever mechanism, but pens, on which the archiving of tachograph discs is possible.
Application: e.g. for freight forwarding, local traffic and long-distance traffic