A file folder (US usage) or folder (British and Australian usage) is a kind of folder that holds loose papers together for organization and protection. 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 supply stores. In the UK, one of the oldest and best known filing companies is Railex. The Smead Manufacturing Company holds a similar status in the United States.

File folders are usually labeled 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 labelmakers 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 fiber, such as kraft paper or manila paper.

The exact way to refer to this kind of folder is somewhat unclear. There does not appear to be an 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 called a “vanilla folder”.

Another commonly used folder type is the hanging folder (also known by the trade name Pendaflex) 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 utilized for storage.

For example, one might say, “Would you get me the file on the Paterson 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.

Making marketing print catalogs is not just about catalog printing. It is actually more about catalog design. You need to design a good layout for catalog printing that is effective and delivers your message quickly and in the best possible manner.

For effective catalog marketing, there are four ways that can help you make your full color catalogs more effective.

1. “Table of contents” marketing – The first way to make your catalog effective for marketing is by adjusting your table of contents. Most people miss out on designing an effective table of contents. This is usually skipped, and just glossed over before printing. However, the table of contents is actually a crucial section for color catalogs. It is the second part of the catalog that people see (the first is the cover) and also, it is the main section where people look for the product that they are interested in.

You can increase the effectiveness of your catalogs by integrating your marketing message and design into the table of content itself. Do not just list “topics” or “categories” in your table, add marketing phrases and pictures into the items themselves. For example instead of listing down “cameras” then “lenses” and “tripods” why not rewrite that as “Photography needs: great cameras!” or “the best photography accessories lenses and tripods!” By adjusting your table items to a more welcoming tone, you can engage your readers better giving you a better marketing catalog.

2. All page marketing – Also, studies have shown that not all people look at the cover and table of content first. A total of almost one third (1/3) of readers actually start somewhere at the middle of print catalogs and then just work their way to the front or back. For catalog printing layouts, this means that you must compose your catalogs with marketing messages in all pages. Treat each page like it is a cover page.

Pay good attention to the message, images and details of each page rather than focusing on the cover only. For an effective catalog, all pages must entice and engage readers. Also don’t forget to add little teasers on each page that relates to the other pages of the catalog. You can print things like “Back to great cameras!” or “on to the best lenses” to advertise the last or next page of the print catalog. This should help the reader out in browsing your catalog faster and more efficiently.

3. The more pictures the better – As a standard catalog printing tactic, the more pictures you have in your catalog the better and more effective it is. Peoples like pictures that is why they like catalogs. They can judge a product by its look, feel and size just by looking at an image. That is why most studies have shown that effective catalogs are the ones with the most images. So don’t forget to include high quality, and well composed photographs of your products and services in your color catalogs. They are one of the most crucial things to add in an effective catalog.

4. Word marketing – Finally, even though there is a focus on images in a catalog, do not forget about your words. More precisely, do not forget your “power words” for your catalogs. Besides images, people can also respond to big power words that entice people to read about a certain product or service. Words like “Free” or “Best Buy” for thrift seekers or quality words like “state of the art” or “newest model” for enthusiast all have an immediate effect for certain people. By printing choice words in big and bold fonts, you can effectively catch a reader’s eye on the type of product that they really want. So do not forget to manage your words too for effective catalog marketing.

These four items should get you within the best range to create effective and engaging marketing catalogs. Most of these things only require little adjustments to your overall layout without having to overhaul any of your other catalog printing options. All you need is a little effort in reorganization and some imagination for images and words, and you should be all set to do effective print catalogs.

Know more about print catalogs or catalog printing.

written by Katie Marcus