Pocket Folders
Should I have a pocket folder for my organization?
Pocket folders are an elegant and convenient means of showcasing materials for your organization. They are a statement piece that announces your brand and your professionalism. They can be customized easily for your target audience and they give the recipient an easy way to store and retain the information you are distributing.
Are there different kinds of pocket folders?
Pocket folders can be designed with an endless variety of features depending on your needs. The folded size of a standard presentation folder is 9 x 12 inches, or 12 x 18 inches opened flat. It is designed to hold standard 8.5 x 11-inch sheets of printed material in the folder pockets.
Can I print non-standard presentation folder sizes?
Just about any custom size folder can be made. 6″ x 9″ and 4″ x 9″ folders are common mini-folder sizes, and legal size 9 x 14.5-inch folders are commonly produced and used in industries such as legal and financial, to hold standard 8.5 x 14 legal size paper.
Are there pocket options?
Here are some popular pocket formats:
9 x 12 with two 4-inch interior pockets
9 x 12 with slanted or straight vertical pockets
9 x 12 with one 4-inch interior pocket
9 x 12 with Trifold cover and one 4-inch pocket on the middle panel
9 x 12 single pocket (slanted or straight) with no flap
Are there slit options?
Either or both pockets can have slits to hold a vertical or horizontal business card, a CD, mini-CD or DVD, or a brochure or other printed piece.
What if I have booklets or other thicker items to go into my presentation folder?
If you want to include bound materials with a spine that is more than 0.5 inches thick, you might consider using a box pocket that will allow space. This means that in the design process, depth must be added to the spine of the folder.
Do I have a choice in paper for the folder?
The lightest weight paper we would recommend on a pocket folder is 80 lb. or 100 lb. cover. Most often we use a 10-point cover or 12-point cover. You want the paper to be sturdy enough to protect the contents. Textured papers such as linen, laid, metallic, and woven give a unique and extra touch to pocket folders.
How is a pocket folder printed?
Pocket folders are produced by printing flat press sheets like any other printed material. The press sheets are then cut down in bulk and die-cut using custom made dies to achieve the overall shape. They are finished by folding and gluing the pockets to the folder.
Can we have our own custom die?
Yes, absolutely! You can create your own die and we will hold it for you to use on future projects. Or, you can choose from a variety of standard dies we already have on hand.
What custom options are available for presentation folders?
Some of the many available custom printing and finishing options are die cutting, embossing, foil stamping, flood or spot UV coating, matte or gloss aqueous coating, specialty inks, Soft Touch® coating, increased capacity folders with spines, additional panels, custom pocket sizes and shapes, and more.
Can you insert items into my presentation folder for me?
Yes. We can print and insert a complete presentation kit and ship them completed to you or direct to destinations such as trade shows or conventions or mail them to specific individuals in a mailing envelope. Common inserts include sell sheets, flyers, brochures, catalogs and cover letters. Shrinkwrapping is also available for extra protection during shipping and handling.
Can I have inserts stapled or glued into my folder?
Yes, a large brochure or catalog can be stapled into the spine for a classy and permanent product catalog or sales presentation with additional materials in the pockets. Printed pieces, including notepads, can be glued into the inside of the folder.
How much do folders cost?
Folders are inherently expensive because of the many steps and specialty machinery needed. The good news is there is a dramatic economy of scale as the quantity rises. In the case of custom folders, it’s best to budget for a large quantity to keep the per-piece-cost low.
Step-by-Step
Step 1:
Select your format. Choose an existing die or create a unique die. Create a die line to build your artwork around, or we can furnish one. It’s always a good idea to construct a mockup at this point.
Step 2:
Submit artwork and mockup (if the format is unusual or unique). Get a price quote on your idea.
Step 3:
Review proofs. Tweak if necessary. Approve when satisfied.
Step 4:
Plates are output, and project is printed.
Step 5:
Flat press sheets are die-cut.
Step 6:
Die-cut sheets are then guillotine cut (final/straight cuts are made).
Step 7:
Flat sheets are folded and glued, typically on machine but by hand if unusual, complex or in very small quantities.
Step 8:
Folders are delivered! (Dies are stored for future use.)