Selecting the Right Folder for Your Filing System
One of the first steps in creating an end tab or side tab filing system is choosing the right folder based on functionality. Side tab folders are available in a wide variety of styles, weights, colors and expansions to fit your needs. Some of the considerations to choosing the right folder are:
- How much will the file folders be handled?
- How long will the file folders be active?
- How many documents will be placed in the folder?
- Do you need standardized fast, efficient organization within the folder?
- Are there important documents that need to be secured inside the folder?
- Do you have other media that need to be stored within the folder?
- Do you need colored files to signify certain type or classification of folders?
standard manila and colored side tab file folders
The most common side tab and end tab file folders are standard manila file folders. While manila is the industry standard, these end tab folders are also available in a variety of different colors. Standard manila end tab file folders typically hold 3/4″ to 1″ of documents. Manila file folders come in several different thicknesses (11 point and 14 point being the most common) with either single or double reinforced end tabs where the name labels are placed. Folders can have optional document fasteners inserted in different locations within the file folder. Fasteners provide additional security and organization of documents within the folder and improve the integrity of the file. If you are not sure what type of end tab file folder you need, call us and one of our end tab filing specialists will be happy to help you determine the best folder for your application.
end tab expansion Pocket Folders and side tab Red Rope Pockets
End tab expansion pocket folders and side tab red rope pockets are typically used to store 3″ to 5″ of documents loosely. Often manila file folders are interfiled within an expansion or red rope pocket. Expansion red rope file pockets are closed on three sides so documents and interfiled file folders won’t fall out. End tab expansion pocket folders are available in a variety of sizes, colors and expansions. One of the most important features of the expansion pocket is the expanding accordion gusset material. Expanding gussets are available in several different materials, ranging from paper gussets (recommended for low usage) to tyvek gussets (recommended for medium to heavy usage). If you are not sure what type of end tab file pocket you need, call us and one of our filing specialists will be happy to help you determine the best folder for your application.
end tab Pressboard and side tab Classification Folders
End tab pressboard folders or classification type folders are heavy-duty folders (25 point thickness) used to hold 1″ to 3″ of documents. Pressboard and classification folders are excellent for numerous applications including:
- Files with heavy usage for a long period of time
- Files with a lot of different types of information needs to be organized for quick access
- When document security and integrity are important
Side tab pressboard and classification file folders usually have brads or fasteners to hold documents in place and often have partitions to organize and subdivide the contents of documents within the folder. Side tab pressboard and classification type folders provide fast and accurate location of documents and secured documents within the folder. Pressboard Folders are available in several different expansions and colors. If you are not sure which end tab pressboard or classification folders are right for you, call us and one of our side tab filing specialists will be happy to help you.
We can help you Choose the Right Folders based on Functionality
We can help you choose the right folder for your application. For more information choosing the right end tab and side tab folders, give us a call at 1-800-803-1083 or send us a message today.
