Community hub
0 subscribers8 pages, 0 posts
Recent from talks
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Welcome to the community hub built to collect knowledge and have discussions related to File folder.
Nothing was collected or created yet.
File folder
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (May 2016) |
A file folder (or simply folder) is a kind of folder that holds papers together for organization and protection.[1] File folders usually consist of a sheet of heavy paper stock or other thin, but stiff, material which is folded in half, and are used to keep paper documents. They are often used in conjunction with a filing cabinet for storage. File folders can easily be purchased at office supplies stores.
File folders are usually labelled based on what is inside them. Folders can be labeled directly on the tab with a pen or pencil. Others write on adhesive labels that are placed on the tabs. There are also electronic label makers that can be used to make the labels.
File folders can be made from plastic or paper. When paper is used, it is preferable that it is made from paper pulp with long cellulose fibre, such as kraft paper or manila paper.
File folders are a core organisational tool of bureaucracy, business administration and scientific management. The medical profession, in particular, make heavy use of file folders for individual patient records, usually collated ready to hand in rows of filing shelves of filing cabinets in alphabetical order, and continues to do so in many practices despite the ongoing migration toward electronic health records. File folders are also prevalent in the filing systems of the legal profession.
Elimination of paper records, and the file folders used to organise these, is a goal of the paperless office. Document imaging through document capture software remains a labour-intensive process for archival materials; archival records often end up boxed in Bankers Boxes packed with file folders in secure storage facilities, with a retrieval time of hours to days.
Terminology
[edit]File or folder are other terms used for file folders, but file folders is a common name for the item in the United States. Manila folders are likely the most common, but file folders come in many different forms. In the United States, letter and legal sizes are common.
The exact way to refer to this kind of folder which is somewhat unclear. There is no internationally standard term. The term file folder seems to be one that dominates North American language, but does not seem as common in other countries. As stated, some refer to file folders simply as folders, but in North America, this is confusing because folder can refer to several different things. Others use the term manila folders, but this is confusing because not all file folders are made of Manila hemp. This type of folder is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a "vanilla folder."
Another commonly used folder type is the hanging folder, which has hooks on all four corners that slide over a rail. Normally, hanging folders are used to file one or more manila folders, and it is not a common practice to put loose sheets directly into hanging folders. When some documents need to be retrieved, the corresponding manila folder(s) are removed from the hanging folder. The hanging folder itself is left in its place on the rails.
Occasionally, the term for the item changes based on its context. Some may refer to file folders as files when they are being used for storage. For example, one might say, "Would you get me the file on the Patterson case?" Or someone might say, "That information is with the files on the insurance claims." File folder or just folder seems to be how many refer to the item when it is being purchased or not containing any paper yet. For instance, someone might say, "Would you give me an empty folder from the box? I need to make a file on the Thompson estate." Or someone might say, "When you run to the store would you get me some legal size file folders?" Then again, office furniture that holds paper documents is invariable referred to as a Filing cabinet or simply a file cabinet, and never a folder cabinet.
The terms are even more distorted in their digital counterparts. In computing, the word "folder" (or, in some cases, "file folder") is often used as a synonym for "directory", while the word "file" is universally used for actual data items on a disk (sometimes called "documents", especially on the Apple Macintosh). In Unix-like systems, this is resolved to some degree by the creed "everything is a file"; folders are themselves just a special type of file, and many commands (to copy, delete, move, or rename) can be executed without knowing whether the file identifies an entire folder or not.
Tabbed file folders
[edit]Tab style/cut
[edit]
File folders can have tabs in them. Tabs are often helpful when many files are being stored together and there needs to be an easy way to differentiate them. The tabs can be on the top of the folders (common in business offices) or on the end/side (common in medical offices). Tab sizes vary and are designated based on the size of each tab in proportion to the total length of the folder. They can be:
- Straight cut. There is one long tab.
- 1⁄3 cut. There are three tab positions, each is approximately 1⁄3 of the total length of the folder. Essentially, tabs are cut to be in the left, center, or right positions.
- 1⁄5 cut. Similar to the 1⁄3 cut, except there are five tab positions, each being 1⁄5 of the total length of the folder.
- 2⁄5 cut. There are only two tab positions, the right and the right of center (ROC) positions. ROC is somewhat like a left position, but doesn't extend to the end of the folder because the tabs are only 2⁄5 of the total length.
- 1⁄2 cut. There are two tab positions, left and right.
Tab positions
[edit]Since tabs can be cut in different positions, the position of the tab can be referred to as well. For instance, for the 1⁄3 cut style, folders with tabs in the furthest right position are considered to have a tab in position number three.
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^ "Definition of FOLDER". www.merriam-webster.com.
External links
[edit]
Media related to file folders at Wikimedia Commons
| History |
| ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Types of paper |
| ||||||||
| Materials | |||||||||
| Specifications | |||||||||
| Manufacture and process | |||||||||
| Paper industry | |||||||||
| Uses | |||||||||
File folder
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
A file folder is a folded container, typically made from a single sheet of stiff paperboard or similar material, designed to organize, protect, and store loose papers, documents, and other flat items in an orderly manner.[1] These folders are commonly used in office and archival settings to hold correspondence, records, and reports, often featuring tabs for labeling and fitting standard filing cabinets or drawers.[2] Originating as a key component of modern filing systems, file folders revolutionized document management by enabling efficient retrieval and reducing the chaos of unbound papers.[3]
The development of file folders closely paralleled the rise of vertical filing systems in the late 19th century, amid the growth of American businesses and the explosion of paperwork during industrialization.[3] Prior to this, documents were often stored in bound ledgers or scattered piles, but innovations around 1891 introduced manila folders with tabs, allowing for alphabetical or subject-based organization that made information "at your fingertips."[3] Influenced by library systems like Melvil Dewey's Dewey Decimal Classification (introduced in 1876), these folders became standard in offices by the early 20th century, supporting sectors from insurance to government administration.[3] Early examples trace back to rudimentary storage in ancient civilizations, such as papyrus rolls in Egypt, but the modern form emerged with advancements in paper production and printing.[4]
File folders come in various types and materials to suit different storage needs and durability requirements. Common varieties include manila folders, which are lightweight and economical, often without tabs for basic use; pressboard folders, thicker and expandable up to 3 inches with dividers for multi-section organization; and pocket or jacket folders, which secure documents without fasteners via enclosed sides.[5] Tabs can be positioned on the top (for open-shelf or box storage) or side (for drawer files), facilitating quick identification.[5] For archival purposes, folders must meet strict standards, such as being made from lignin-free, alkaline paperboard with a pH of 8.0–10.0 and thickness of 0.0095–0.015 inches, ensuring long-term preservation without degradation.[6] Dimensions are standardized, with letter-size folders measuring 11 3/4 inches wide and legal-size at 14 3/4 inches, often reinforced at edges and folds.[6]
In contemporary use, physical file folders remain essential for records management, compliance, and hybrid workflows, though they have inspired digital equivalents in computing—where a "folder" (or directory) serves as a virtual container for files, mirroring the hierarchical organization of their physical counterparts.[7] Accessories like metal fasteners and colored dividers enhance functionality, promoting efficiency and reducing search times in professional environments.[5] As digital tools evolve, physical folders continue to play a vital role in secure, tangible storage, particularly for legal and historical documents.[6]
Definition and Terminology
Core Definition
A file folder is a flat or folded container made from paper, cardboard, or plastic, designed to hold loose papers and documents together for organization and protection.[8][9][10] It typically consists of a single sheet of material folded along one edge to form an open pocket, allowing contents to be inserted and removed without fastening mechanisms.[6][9] The primary purpose of a file folder is to enable efficient sorting, storing, and retrieval of documents in office or archival settings, while safeguarding them from physical damage such as creasing, tearing, or exposure to environmental elements like dust and humidity.[6][11] This design promotes systematic filing in cabinets or drawers, reducing clutter and facilitating quick access during reference or review.[6] Physically, file folders are usually rectangular in shape, featuring one or two internal pockets or folds to secure papers, and are standardized to hold letter-size (8 1/2 × 11 inches) or A4 paper, with typical dimensions of about 9 1/2 × 11 3/4 inches for letter-size folders.[6] They differ from binders, which employ rings to bind hole-punched sheets for multi-page compilations, and from envelopes, which are sealed along multiple edges for secure transit or temporary enclosure rather than ongoing filing.[9][12] Many include tabs along the top edge for labeling to support alphabetic or numeric organization in storage systems.[10]Regional and Historical Naming Variations
In English-speaking regions, the term "file folder" refers to a basic container for organizing loose papers, while "manila folder" specifically denotes the common tan-colored variant made from durable paper stock, a name originating from the 19th-century use of Manila hemp fiber in its production.[13] The Oxford English Dictionary traces the earliest recorded use of "manila folder" to 1943, though the material's application to office folders dates back to the late 1800s when abacá-derived paper was patented for its strength during a U.S. cotton shortage.[14] In general office contexts, "folder" alone is often used interchangeably with "file folder" to describe these items, emphasizing their role in simple document storage without fasteners or expansions.[15] Regional variations reflect linguistic adaptations to the concept of a document-holding container. In French-speaking areas, such as France and Canada, the equivalent is "dossier," which encompasses both physical folders for papers and compiled sets of documents, deriving from the Middle French "dossier," meaning the back (as in the labeled spine of a bundle of papers), evolving to denote an organized file by the 19th century. German-speaking countries, including Germany and Austria, commonly use "Ordner" or "Aktenordner" for a file folder, where "Ordner" literally means "organizer" and "Aktenordner" specifies a folder for records or files, a term standardized in office supplies by the early 20th century. In Spanish-speaking regions like Spain and Latin America, "carpeta" is the standard term, often implying a folder, binder, or portfolio for documents, distinct from "alfombra" for carpet, and rooted in the Latin "carpetta" for a small cloth covering that extended to protective cases.[16] The term "file folder" became standardized in the early 20th century with the adoption of vertical filing systems. Before the widespread adoption of paper file folders, documents were typically stored in loose piles, bound ledgers, or simple containers, but vertical filing systems in the early 20th century promoted the use of "file folder" for organized retrieval. This evolution aligned with the growth of bureaucracy, where "file" emphasized sequential organization, supplanting earlier informal names by the mid-20th century.[13] Industry-specific nomenclature adapts the core terms for specialized use. In medical settings, "chart folder" or "medical chart folder" designates reinforced folders for patient records, often with end tabs and color-coding to facilitate quick access in healthcare facilities.[17] For law offices, "legal folder" typically refers to elongated (14-inch) folders sized for legal documents, sometimes featuring dividers for case files, a convention established in U.S. office supplies to handle court papers efficiently.[18] These variants maintain the functional essence of organization while tailoring to professional workflows.History
Early Origins and Invention
The earliest precursors to modern file folders can be traced to ancient record-keeping practices, where documents were organized using rudimentary protective enclosures. In ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, clay tablets and papyrus scrolls were stored in simple clay boxes or woven baskets to protect them from damage, facilitating retrieval in administrative centers.[4] In Roman archives, papyrus rolls containing legal and administrative records were often bundled with string and stored in wooden cabinets, shelves, or protective leather cases in libraries and administrative centers.[19] During the medieval period, European monasteries maintained scriptoria where parchment manuscripts were housed in armaria—wooden shelves or cupboards—and occasionally wrapped in leather pouches or cloth for transport and preservation, supporting the church's role in preserving knowledge.[20] The widespread availability of affordable paper in the 19th century, driven by advancements stemming from the printing press, laid the groundwork for paper-based filing tools. Although Johannes Gutenberg's printing press in the 1440s revolutionized book production and increased paper demand, it was 19th-century innovations like the Fourdrinier machine (patented 1801) and the shift to wood pulp processing around 1840 that drastically reduced costs and boosted output, making paper suitable for everyday office use.[21] By the mid-1800s, annual paper production in the United States alone exceeded 100,000 tons, enabling the proliferation of disposable document wrappers and early folders as bureaucratic needs grew during industrialization.[22] The invention of dedicated file folders emerged in the late 19th century amid rising office demands for efficient document management. One pivotal early design was patented by J. Nelson Jacobs in 1860 (U.S. Patent No. 28,755), describing a "portfolio paper file" consisting of folded paper sheets for holding correspondence without binding.[23] William A. Amberg further advanced the concept with his 1869 patent for a self-indexing file and binder (U.S. Patent No. 92,141), which utilized loose-leaf paper folders in a wooden tray system for alphabetical organization, marking a transition to modular, mass-producible office tools.[23] These innovations built on earlier adhesive stub files from the 1850s, shifting toward flexible enclosures that could accommodate growing volumes of paperwork.[23] Around 1891, the Library Bureau introduced manila folders with pre-printed tabs, enabling efficient vertical filing and alphabetical organization, which became the basis for modern file folders.[24] By the 1890s, file folders saw initial adoption in U.S. government offices to handle expanding bureaucratic documentation during industrial expansion. The Library Bureau, founded in 1876, promoted vertical filing systems using paper folders in government agencies like the U.S. Department of State, where central files transitioned from bound volumes to folder-based storage for improved accessibility.[24] This period's embrace of folders reflected broader administrative reforms, with railroads and banks also implementing similar systems by the late 1880s to manage records efficiently.[23]20th-Century Developments and Standardization
In the early 1900s, significant innovations in file folder design emerged to improve organization and accessibility in growing office environments. Smead Manufacturing Company, founded in 1906 by brothers Archie and John Smead in Hastings, Minnesota, introduced the bandless file system in 1908, featuring durable metal clasps that replaced unreliable rubber bands for securing documents within folders.[25] This paved the way for expanded product lines, including standard file folders, dividers, and pockets by the 1910s, with early adoption of top-tab configurations to facilitate alphabetical or numerical indexing.[25] Companies like Smead further advanced these by developing color-coded index systems, using colored folders and tabs to enable quick visual identification and reduce retrieval errors, particularly in high-volume settings such as insurance offices.[25] Mid-century developments focused on standardization to support expanding bureaucratic needs. Letter-size (8.5 x 11 inches) and legal-size (8.5 x 14 inches) formats became widely adopted by the early 20th century, aligning with U.S. paper standards, and were further standardized in records management practices by the mid-century.[23] The Association of Records Managers and Administrators (ARMA), formed in 1955, contributed to these norms by advocating uniform filing systems in professional guidelines, enhancing interoperability across offices. Color-coding gained prominence in the 1950s and 1960s, especially in medical and legal sectors, with innovations like TAB Products' CompuColor labeling system launched in 1967 to integrate numeric coding with hues for efficient file tracking.[26][27] Following World War II, file folders saw a surge in corporate use amid a "paper explosion" driven by expanded government regulations, business growth, and administrative complexity, necessitating robust storage solutions in modern offices.[24] In the 1960s, preservation concerns led to the development of acid-free variants, spurred by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z39.48-1969 standard for permanent paper, which specified low-acidity, lignin-free materials to prevent document degradation over time. These folders, typically made from buffered stock with an alkaline reserve, became essential for archival applications. By the 1970s, plastic-coated or fully plastic file folders emerged, offering improved durability, water resistance, and reusability in response to growing office needs.[23]Types
Flat and Manila Folders
Flat and manila folders represent the foundational type of file folder, consisting of a single sheet of card stock or paperboard folded at the bottom to form an open-top container with sides open for easy insertion and removal of documents.[28] These folders are typically constructed from buff-colored or bleached manila paper, originally derived from abacá fibers but now produced from uncoated, solid bleached sulfate paperboard for durability and cost efficiency.[29] The design allows for straightforward stacking in file cabinets or drawers, with a protruding tab for labeling and quick identification.[30] The term "manila" traces its origins to the late 19th century, when American papermakers began importing abacá (Manila hemp) fibers from the Philippines to address shortages in cotton and linen rags for paper production.[13] This strong, yellowish fiber, initially used for nautical ropes, was recycled into pulp through a patented boiling and beating process, yielding the characteristic pale yellow paper that provided tear resistance superior to wood pulp alternatives.[13] By the 1880s, manila paper had become a staple for file folders, with the first printed references to "manila envelopes" appearing around 1889, marking the evolution from simple folders to more versatile document holders.[31] Today, while the hemp-based material is largely replaced by modern paperboard, the name persists due to the enduring association with this imported fiber.[30] These folders offer several key advantages, including their lightweight construction, which facilitates easy handling and space-efficient stacking in office environments.[30] They are inexpensive to produce and purchase, making them ideal for high-volume, short-term document organization in professional settings like legal offices or administrative filing systems.[29] The inherent strength from their paperboard material provides moderate protection against tearing, supporting typical capacities of 50 to 100 sheets of standard letter-sized paper without expansion mechanisms.[32] Within this category, variations include top-tab designs, where the label tab extends from the upper edge for front-to-back filing in drawers, and end-tab versions, which position the tab along the trailing edge for shelf-based or open-shelf systems.[33] Both types maintain the basic flat profile but differ in tab placement to suit specific storage orientations, with reinforced options available for added longevity in frequent-use scenarios.[34]Hanging and Accordion Folders
Hanging folders are specialized file folders designed for vertical filing systems, featuring integrated metal or plastic hooks or recesses that suspend them from horizontal rails within file cabinet drawers. This mechanism allows users to slide folders along the rails for easy access to contents without fully removing them, enhancing efficiency in document retrieval. The design was refined through patents in the mid-20th century, such as U.S. Patent No. 2,877,772 filed in 1953, which introduced dual recesses per side wall—one for the front rail to enable opening while suspended and another for the rear rail to ensure secure retention against vertical and lateral movement.[35] Building on earlier 19th-century concepts like those adapted by Melvil Dewey for library systems, modern hanging folders gained prominence in the 1950s as office standardization advanced, providing superior stability over flat folders by distributing weight evenly and preventing contents from sagging or spilling. They support alphabetical or numerical sorting through positioned tabs, typically 1/5-cut and adjustable for custom labeling, which facilitates organized storage in professional environments. Reinforced bottoms, often constructed from pressboard inserts, add durability to handle heavier loads without tearing.[23][24] Accordion folders, distinct yet complementary to hanging types, incorporate pleated, expandable sides that allow the folder to stretch like an accordion, accommodating thicker accumulations of documents in a compact form. First documented in use around 1892, these folders evolved through innovations like U.S. Patent No. 2,151,469 granted in 1939, which described collapsible triangular containers grouped for visibility and adjustability via eyelets and hooks. Capable of holding up to 1,000 sheets depending on the number of compartments—often 5 to 24 pockets—they are particularly common in portable briefcases for mobile professionals needing to transport expansive files without bulk.[36][37] Both hanging and accordion folders offer key advantages in vertical and expanding storage, such as resistance to sagging through suspension or reinforcement, and seamless integration with file cabinets for sorted access. Hanging variants align with standard letter (8.5 x 11 inches) and legal (8.5 x 14 inches) sizes, while accordion designs emphasize portability and scalability for varying document volumes. Adjustable tabs and reinforced construction in both ensure long-term durability against frequent handling and weight stress.[38]Specialized and Expanding Folders
Specialized file folders cater to niche requirements in various industries, offering enhanced durability, security, and functionality beyond standard office applications. Waterproof plastic variants, constructed from tear-resistant polypropylene, are commonly employed in construction and fieldwork to shield documents from moisture, dust, and rough handling. These folders maintain document integrity in adverse conditions, such as outdoor sites or wet environments, and are available in heavy-duty designs that resist water penetration while allowing easy access.[39] In healthcare settings, antimicrobial file folders incorporate treatments to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew, thereby minimizing infection risks and product degradation. Made from coated paper or polypropylene, these folders support hygienic filing practices in clinics and hospitals, where contamination control is paramount. Manufacturers like Smead produce such folders with reinforced tabs for repeated use in high-traffic medical environments.[40][41] Expanding folders feature gusseted sides made from poly or fabric materials, enabling them to accommodate bulky contents with multiple internal compartments for segmented organization. These designs facilitate project management by separating documents, notes, and resources within a single unit, often expanding up to 2 inches or more for substantial volume. Reinforced gussets, such as those using Tyvek material, enhance durability against wear from frequent expansion and contraction.[42] Unique adaptations include folders with secure clasps for document retention, transparent windows for quick indexing without opening, and eco-friendly constructions using recycled materials. Clasp-equipped poly folders provide a snap-closure mechanism to prevent contents from spilling during transport, ideal for mobile professionals. Transparent display windows on the front cover allow insertion of labels or cover sheets for visible identification, streamlining retrieval in large collections. Post-2000 environmental regulations, such as those from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, recommend minimum recycled-content levels for file folders—30% post-consumer fiber—to promote sustainability in government and institutional procurement.[43][44] Representative examples illustrate these specializations: presentation folders often include slits on interior pockets to securely hold business cards, enhancing professional branding during client meetings. Legal-sized expanding folders, reinforced for high capacity, can hold over 500 pages, supporting extensive case files in law practices with dividers for chronological or categorical sorting.[45][46]Design and Features
Tab Configurations
Tab configurations on file folders vary in style, cut, and position to facilitate labeling, visibility, and efficient retrieval in stacked or filed arrangements. Common tab styles include straight-cut edges for a uniform appearance, rounded edges to prevent snagging during handling, and slanted or undercut edges that enhance visibility by angling the label outward in drawer or shelf systems. These designs ensure labels remain readable without excessive overlap when folders are aligned.[10] The cut of the tab determines its size and the number of positions available for placement across the folder's top or side, optimizing space in filing systems. A full-cut tab spans the entire width of the folder, providing maximum labeling area but limiting use in dense stacks due to overlap. In contrast, one-third-cut tabs occupy one-third of the width and allow three staggered positions (left, center, right), while one-fifth-cut tabs use one-fifth of the width for five positions, ideal for extensive alphabetic or numeric indexing in high-volume files. Smaller cuts like one-twelfth are used in specialized systems for finer granularity.[10][47] Tab positions are adapted to storage orientation: top tabs, the most common, suit horizontal drawer filing and flat desktop organization, with assorted positions preventing obscuration. End or side tabs are standard for vertical shelf or open-shelf cabinets, allowing quick scanning from the side. Bottom tabs, though rare, appear in reverse filing setups or lateral file dividers for visibility when files are pulled forward.[10][48] Tabs are typically integrated into the folder or attached via various methods for durability and flexibility. Adhesive or riveted tabs are bonded directly to the folder body, often using reinforced paper for longevity, while insertable plastic tabs—either fixed or removable—offer reusable labeling with transparent sleeves for paper inserts. Color-coding systems, popularized in the 1950s and 1960s by manufacturers like TAB Products, assign colors to categories or sequences on tabs, enabling at-a-glance identification and reducing misfiling.[10][26] These configurations provide key functional benefits by supporting alphabetic, numeric, or terminal digit sorting, which can reduce file retrieval time by up to 50% in large systems compared to non-tabbed or single-position setups. By minimizing search efforts and errors, tabbed folders enhance overall organizational efficiency in office environments.[49][50]Materials and Construction
File folders are primarily constructed from manila paper, an uncoated solid bleached sulfate (SBS) paperboard with basis weights ranging from 110 to 230 pounds per 3,000 square feet, providing the necessary stiffness and durability for everyday use. Other common materials include heavier cardstock for reinforced versions, polypropylene plastic for water- and tear-resistant options, and paper incorporating post-consumer recycled fiber content up to 30% for standard production. These materials are selected for their balance of strength, foldability, and cost-effectiveness in office environments. In archival applications, a shift toward lignin-free paper occurred in the 1980s to improve longevity by minimizing degradation from acidic breakdown; such paper maintains lignin content below 1%, often buffered to a pH of 8.0–9.5 with 3% calcium carbonate to neutralize potential acids. Acid content in these folders is kept under 1% to prevent document discoloration and brittleness over time, with many products meeting standards like ISO 9706 for permanent paper. Quality is further ensured through tear resistance testing, such as ASTM D689, which measures the force required to propagate a tear through multiple sheets, ensuring folders withstand handling without failure. Construction begins with large rolls or sheets of paperboard that are die-cut to precise dimensions for consistent caliper (typically 0.0095–0.0180 inches) and moisture content (6.0–6.5%). The bottom is then folded and glued along the side seams using automated folder-gluers to form the basic envelope shape, with rounded corners added for durability. Heavy-duty variants feature reinforced edges via double layering or tape application, while expanding folders incorporate pleated gussets—formed by scoring and folding additional material—for capacities up to 1 inch or more. Sustainability efforts intensified in the post-1990s period, with manufacturers introducing eco-variants made from 100% recycled paper, including high post-consumer content, to reduce reliance on virgin fibers and mitigate deforestation impacts. These recycled options maintain comparable strength through optimized fiber blends and are certified under standards like SFI or FSC Chain of Custody, promoting circular economy practices in office supplies.Sizes and Standards
File folders adhere to established dimensional standards to ensure interoperability with filing cabinets, shelves, and document storage systems. In the United States, the predominant sizes correspond to ANSI paper formats, with letter-size folders measuring 8 5/8 inches in front flap height, 9 5/8 inches in back flap height, and 11 3/4 inches in width, designed to accommodate 8.5 x 11-inch sheets. Legal-size folders follow a similar height profile but extend to 14 3/4 inches in width for 8.5 x 14-inch documents.[51] Internationally, the ISO 216 standard governs A4 paper (210 x 297 mm), with corresponding folder dimensions specified under ISO 623 as 220 mm x 315 mm for simple folders without a back, or up to 220 mm x 395 mm with a mechanism or larger back.[52][53] Specialized variations, such as 9 x 12-inch folders, are commonly used for photographs, presentations, or oversized letter materials, providing extra room for inserts up to 8.5 x 11 inches.[54][55] These standards reflect regional differences, with U.S. ANSI formats (e.g., Letter and Legal) differing slightly from European DIN equivalents, which align closely with ISO 216 for metric-based sizing to facilitate cross-border compatibility. Filing cabinets from manufacturers like HON and Steelcase are engineered for these norms, featuring drawers with rails that support standard letter- or legal-size hanging folders, ensuring seamless integration in vertical or lateral systems.[56][57][58] Capacity norms for standard folders typically range from 50 to 150 sheets of 20-pound bond paper, depending on thickness and construction, while expanding varieties offer 2- to 5-inch gussets to hold up to 800 sheets for bulkier applications.[59][60][61] The evolution of these standards traces back to the late 19th century, when the Library Bureau, founded by Melvil Dewey in 1876, pioneered vertical filing systems and uniform folder designs to replace flat-file methods, with widespread adoption by the 1890s through innovations displayed at the 1893 World's Fair. By the 1920s, library associations like the American Library Association contributed to further refinement, promoting consistent sizing for institutional use amid growing office bureaucracies. In the 2010s, archival guidelines from bodies like the National Archives and Records Administration adapted these physical standards for hybrid environments, incorporating protocols for co-storing digital media (e.g., USB drives) within folders without altering core dimensions, to support mixed physical-digital recordkeeping.[24][62][63][64]| Standard | Paper Size | Folder Dimensions (Height Front/Back x Width) | Region/Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANSI Letter | 8.5 x 11 in | 8 5/8 x 9 5/8 x 11 3/4 in | U.S. (NARA)[51] |
| ANSI Legal | 8.5 x 14 in | 8 5/8 x 9 5/8 x 14 3/4 in | U.S. (NARA)[51] |
| ISO A4 | 210 x 297 mm | 220 x 315 mm (simple) | International (ISO 623)[53] |
| Photo/Presentation | Up to 8.5 x 11 in | 9 x 12 in | General use[54] |