By style · 20 folder types
Folder Styles: Pockets, Panels and Fasteners
The style decides how your folder opens and what keeps the pages in place. Start here if you know what goes inside but not which build holds it best.
Choosing a style by what goes inside
Loose handouts want pockets. Pages that must stay in order want a fastener, such as brads or a 3 prong strip. Thick sets want a capacity pocket or an expanding gusset so the folder still closes flat.
How the folder is handed over matters too. A folder passed across a desk can be light and simple. A folder that lives in a car, a classroom or a field kit needs a tougher stock, or a poly build from our plastic folder range.
Most styles share the same sizes and finishes, so you can pick the style first and settle the stock later.
Pick a style in four questions
- Count the pieces that go inside, and note which ones must stay in order.
- Decide whether pages are loose, hole-punched or bound.
- Think about wear: one meeting, a full school year, or daily field use.
- Choose the opening you want clients to see first: a simple fold, three panels or a center reveal.
Before you choose
- Pocket height of 4 inches suits most letter-size inserts.
- Card slits can sit on either pocket, or both.
- Brads and prongs need hole-punched pages.
- Capacity pockets add room for 50 or more sheets.
- Every style can print inside as well as outside.
Folder styles compared
| Folder | Key feature | Also offered |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Presentation Folders | 9 x 12 in standard size | Printed inside and out |
| Custom Pocket Folders | Glued or locking pockets | Curved, angled or straight |
| Custom File Folders | Letter or legal size | 1/3, 1/5 or straight tab |
| Custom Ring Binders | Round, D or arch lever | Rigid board covers |
| Custom Tri-Fold Folders | 3 panels, 3 pockets | Opens to about 27 x 12 in |
| Custom 3 Prong Folders | 3 prong fastener strip | Fits 3-hole punched pages |
| Custom Expandable Folders | Gusseted spine | Accordion sections |
| Custom Die Cut Folders | Custom pocket shapes | Die-cut windows |
| Custom Clipboard Folders | Built-in metal clip | Rigid writing board |
| Custom Classification Folders | 1 or 2 divider partitions | Fasteners on each panel |
| Custom Hanging File Folders | Hooks ride drawer rails | Letter or legal width |
| Custom Gatefold Folders | Two flaps meet at center | Reveal-style opening |
| Custom Magnetic Closure Folders | Hidden magnets in flap | Snaps shut, no clasp |
| Custom Rigid Board Folders | Thick hardcover board | Printed paper wrap |
| Custom Padfolios | Letter-size writing pad | Pen loop built in |
| Custom Envelope Folders | Flap closure on top | String-tie or button |
| Custom 2 Pocket Folders | Left and right pockets | 9 x 12 in closed |
| Custom Brad Folders | Metal brad fasteners | Two inside pockets |
| Custom Single Pocket Folders | One full-width pocket | Open left panel for text |
| Custom 4 Pocket Folders | Four sorting pockets | Stacked or vertical layout |
Folder Styles: common questions
Still deciding? Call (503) 461-4788 and we will talk it through.
What is the difference between a pocket folder and a presentation folder?
A presentation folder is a pocket folder planned for meetings and proposals, usually 9 x 12 with two pockets and a card slit. Pocket folder is the wider name for any folder with glued or locking pockets.
Should I choose brads or prongs?
Brads are two round metal fasteners that fold flat behind the pages. Prongs sit on a metal strip and let pages slide on and off more easily. Both need three-hole punched pages.
Can one folder have pockets and fasteners?
Yes. Many brad and prong folders keep a pocket on the left panel for loose sheets and use the right panel for bound pages.
Which style holds the most paper?
Expandable and box pocket folders hold the most. A ring binder also holds a large set and lets you add pages later.