You probably came here to buy some file folders. Simple enough, until you realized there are way more options than you expected. Manila, hanging, expanding, classification… suddenly it’s not so simple. The good news is that those options exist for a reason. Let’swalk through the most common types of file folders and which ones work best for different office organization needs.
File folder types commonly used in offices
Not all file folders are created equal. Different styles are designed for different filing setups, document volumes, and work types. Here’s a quick overview of the most common options you might need for your office.
Manilla file folders
- A classic choice for everyday document storage
- Ideal for organizing loose papers in drawers or cabinets
- Available in letter and legal sizes
- One of the most widely used office file folders
Hanging file folders
- Designed to hang from rails inside file drawers or cabinets
- Help keep documents visible, organized, and easy to access
- Often used with labeled tabs for quick sorting
Accordion file folders
- Expand as documents are added
- Useful for organizing projects, receipts, or grouped paperwork
- A good option when files grow over time
Classification file folders
- Feature multiple dividers for organizing large or complex files
- Commonly used for legal, medical, and HR documents
- Help separate sections within a single folder
Pocket file folders
- Hold loose papers without the need for hole punching
- Useful for handouts, presentations, or temporary documents
- Easy to transport between meetings
Top tab file folders
- Tabs are positioned along the top edge
- Designed for standard drawer-based filing systems
- Easy to label and read when files are stored vertically
- Tabs come in 1/3-cut, 1/5-cut, or full-tab styles
End tab file folders
- Tabs appear on the side of the folder (side tab folders)
- Best suited for open shelving or lateral filing systems
- Common in shared or centralized filing areas
Plastic envelopes, folders
- Made from durable plastic for added protection
- Help guard documents from spills, tearing, and wear
- Useful for portable or frequently handled paperwork
Choosing the right file folders for your office
Selecting the right file folders depends on how your office stores, accesses, and manages documents. A few key factors can help narrow down the best options.
Selecting the right file folders depends on how your office stores, accesses, and manages documents. A few key factors can help narrow down the best options.
Filing location
- Desk drawers, cabinets, or open shelving all require different folder styles
- Top tab folders work best for traditional drawer systems
- End tab folders are designed for open shelves and lateral files
Everyday, high-volume documents
- Everyday paperwork may only require standard folders
- Larger or long-term files may benefit from heavier materials like pressboard
- Consider whether documents will be added over time
Size of documents
- Choose letter or legal size folders based on the documents you handle most often
Portability & durability
- Reinforced tabs and bottoms help folders stand up to frequent use
- File folders with fasteners keep papers securely in place
Organizing by label, color
- Clear labels improve visibility and speed up retrieval
- Color-coded folders can help organize files by department, project, or priority
Of course, the file folders you get should complement their respective file cabinets, and there you have a lot of great options. Check out the Quill Ultimate file cabinet buying guide to help with your choice.
File it under, “Now I know!”
At the end of the (work) day, the best file folders are the ones that make your job easier. Match folder types to your filing system and document needs, and you’ll spend less time searching or dealing with unnecessary clutter.
Explore Quill’s full lineup of office filing and storage solutions to find file folders that fit your workspace and your workflow.