presentation folder design

11 Superb Presentation Folder Examples & Design Tips

A professional pocket folder does a lot more than just keep the documents inside neat and organized. It also gives those materials an entirely different tone, depending on the folder’s design. For that reason, it’s very important to spend extra time and attention making a folder design that perfectly matches the associated company’s brand, goals, and message.

Creating the ideal presentation folder design can be tricky, especially if it’s a medium you don’t have much experience with. We’ve assembled these 11 inspiration tips and techniques (with some visual examples) to help you out.

1. Choose colors that match the brand’s personality

Even when creating a relatively simple design, color choice can make all the difference. This elegantly minimalist folder design for Renaissance Charter School at Cooper City makes use of straightforward color psychology; the blue background is suggestive of safety, security, and studiousness, while the gold ink suggests prestige, victory, and value.

2. Use bright colors to attract attention

When audiences have a lot of different media competing for their attention, it’s important to stand out. Using bright and vibrant colors, as seen in this presentation folder example for ParMed, is one effective way to do that. This is particularly useful when you want to accentuate a specific part of the design (such as the call to action).

3. Use vivid photography

Full color photography can give recipients a better look at a company’s products or a more personal connection with their staff—or even just paint a more vivid picture of what the brand represents. Advance Graphic Systems displays images of their manufacturing facility inside this example folder design to help audiences understand how their products are made.

4. Make the logo prominent

It’s often important for recipients to recognize the business’s brand as soon as they look at a folder’s cover. You’ll most likely want to place the company’s logo in a prominent position, at a large enough size that the audience is bound to notice it. Renaldo Auto Mall did this with their presentation folder (printed by Company Folders, Inc.), placing the company’s name front and center.

5. Highlight contact information

The contact information in a design often serves as its primary call to action, encouraging audiences to call, visit a website, or visit the business’s brick and mortar location. It’s a good idea to highlight this information in some way so that recipients are more likely to notice it. Bransys did this by adding a dark color background behind it, in contrast with the bright orange in the rest of the design.

6. Make use of visual texture

You don’t necessarily have to use textured stock or embossing to give your presentation folder some visual texture. Notice how The Libre Initiative used a printed pattern to create the illusion of a snakeskin texture (even though the folder itself is actually smooth). Texture gives your design some visual interest and encourages recipients to engage with it on a tactile level.

7. Try an unusual die cut

Even with the most unusual, out-there printed designs imaginable, most pocket folders are still a simple rectangle shape—which means that one of the best ways to make your design stand out is with a unique die cut. You don’t need to completely reinvent the wheel here; Lakewinds Food Co-Op’s folder is still essentially a rectangle, but the cover is cut into a distinctive serpentine shape.

8. Include a QR code

Getting audiences to take action can be difficult, especially if you intend for them to visit a specific web page with a complicated URL. One way to make this a bit easier is to include a QR code as seen in this example from Western Specialty Contractors. This way, users can go straight to your desired destination with just the click of their mobile device.

9. Create a background from typography

You can use words in ways other than just conveying information. They can also form a part of the visual design itself. This proposed design for a Rutgers admissions folder, for instance, forms a typographical background from the university’s name. With this technique, you can make your cover visually engaging while also reinforcing the brand identity.

10. Be consistent throughout the design

Each aspect of your design should be consistent with each other aspect. The inside and outside of the design don’t necessarily need to be identical, but they should at least be visually compatible as seen in this folder design for Myofolic. Avoid using too many different fonts or colors, or you’ll end up overwhelming your recipients.

11. Keep other marketing collateral in mind

No design is an island. You can’t just think of your design in a vacuum; you must consider the other marketing collateral that it will be compared against. In terms of brand identity, that typically means a business card, stationery, and any other materials that might conceivably be placed inside the folder. Make sure that each of these pieces is visually consistent with one another as seen with this brand identity for Creative.

How to Design a Presentation Folder

To design a presentation folder, don’t rush into creating the bare minimum in the interest of getting it done. Take your time to craft a look that perfectly encapsulates the brand and convinces the audience to take the desired action. If you’re still having trouble coming up with ideas, try browsing a folder design gallery get some extra inspiration.

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Presentation Folder Design Guide

Last updated on November 22nd, 2023 at 01:14 pm

The Importance of Presentation Folder Design

In the professional landscape, a presentation folder is more than a document holder — it’s a branding powerhouse. 

With a creative design, presentation folders can make a great first impression, which is crucial in how your brand is perceived. Whether meeting potential clients, investors, or associates, a meticulously designed folder speaks volumes about your company’s professionalism and attention to detail.

Presentation folder examples abound, but what sets yours apart? It’s the tangible quality that digital methods can’t replicate. A well-crafted folder is a functional, new marketing asset. It continues to promote your company whenever viewed, subtly reinforcing brand recognition and loyalty.

Customization is key. Your folder can tell your brand’s story through its creative elements. 

This is where presentation folder printing services come into play, allowing for high-quality materials, vibrant colors, and precise finishes. These small details can distinguish your brand in a competitive market.

Moreover, the design process doesn’t have to be complex. With easy-to-use tools and templates, you can create compelling pocket folder designs that resonate with your audience and convey your company’s values and identity.

Investing in your presentation folder’s design is not just prudent; it’s essential. As a tangible extension of your brand, it communicates your commitment to excellence and leaves a lasting impression. With this understanding, let’s explore the basics of crafting a memorable presentation folder.

Know The Basics

Sometimes designing for a specific product, like presentation folders, might seem intimidating compared to a simple color copy or business card. But when you break it down to the basics, you will see it’s simple to design a folder!

The initial setup for your presentation folder file should start like any other product that you are designing for print. Open a fresh file in whichever program you feel the most comfortable designing in to start your professional print presentation folders. We recommend designing in InDesign because of the advanced color management and the flexibility of control of your presentation folder design. Verify that the color profile is set for CMYK .

*Pro tip: Printivity offers Pantone color matching and hard copy proofs upon request for color-critical orders.

All images and visual content should be designed at 300 DPI for high-quality folder printing. If content is designed under 300 DPI it runs the risk of being blurry and/or pixelated.

The Right Dimensions

9”x12” is the standard dimension of presentation folders in order to neatly fit letter size sheets in the 4” pockets. Adding pockets is a traditional option for folders, and you can choose to have them on the right side, left side, or both sides.

For the sake of this article, we will use the full bleed dimensions for a folder with both pockets, 16.25” x 18.25”. You will need to extend the background of your design an additional .125” on each side for the full bleed effect. In addition to adding full bleed , please be aware of the folder safety margin, which is the additional .125” from the final “cut line” that starts at 16”x18”. It is important to accommodate for the safety margin in order to avoid the risk of important content from getting cut.

Designing Page 1

Now let’s take a couple steps back. A presentation folder with pockets is printed on a single sheet of paper, folded, and glued for the finished product. Because of this, page 1 of your file will include the outside front and back cover as well as the outside of both pockets. The covers are the top 12” of the file, with the right side being the front cover and the left side being the back cover. The bottom 4” will be the pockets. We’ll get into more details about designing for the folder pockets later on in the article.

Designing Page 2

If you are planning on ordering single-sided printing and you want the interior of the presentation folder to be white, you can skip this section and go straight to pockets! However, if you want to utilize all printing space for branding and advertising, we recommend taking advantage of double-sided printing. This modern approach ensures you have more room for promotional content and keeps your brand at the forefront.

Due to the pockets at the bottom, the top 8” of the folder’s design will be the most visible. It is still recommended to extend your presentation folder design to cover the full sheet for a cohesive look.

When choosing what to include in the design of the interior of the folder, remember that this part of the design will be covered by your brochures, flyers , and other marketing materials. Choose content that emphasizes your brand, separates you from competitors, and leaves a lasting impression. This is a perfect opportunity to incorporate your logo and other key elements of the company identity.

Take Advantage of Printed Pockets

Adding pockets to your custom presentation folders gives you more opportunity to reach your customers. The pockets will be the most visible content when your folder is open, so be sure to include eye-catching images and branding.

Setting up the design for the pockets is the most unique part of designing presentation folders. As previously stated, the pockets will be printed on the same side of the sheet as the outside covers. In order to keep your design in the correct orientation, you will need to flip the pocket design upside down. Also remember that the left pocket will need to be designed on the right side (front cover) of the folder.

Other unique features of the presentation folders pockets are the center die cut and the optional business card slits. Be aware that pocket folders require a diagonal die at the center fold that could cut up to .625” at the farthest point on each side. The best practice would be to keep all important text and content away from this cut line.

Business Card Slots

When your presentation folders include pockets, take advantage of the opportunity to give a customer a small piece of you and your brand to be remembered by. When including business cards in your folder, it comes with numerous options for the orientation and number of slits that hold the card. Business cards are not automatically included, so remember to order custom business cards in your presentation pocket folder order!

You will need to make this decision before completing your presentation folder design, otherwise you run the risk of covering your design. The business card slits will be located in the center of the pocket and approximately 4” long. Horizontal slits are 2.5” in from the center fold and outside cut line, 1” from the top of the pocket, and .75” from the bottom of the pocket. Vertical  slits are 3.25” from the outside cutline and 3.5” from the center fold, and .25” from the top and bottom of the pockets.

Save as PDF-X1a

If you have designed your pocket folder file in Photoshop or Illustrator , you are able to save your file as a PDF-X1a, which is the preferred file format to be submitted to Printivity. Once you have completed your design, go to “File” in the left-hand corner and click “Save As” in the drop down. Change the format to “Adobe PDF” in Illustrator or “Photoshop PDF” in Photoshop in the format field at the bottom, then click “Save”. Another pop-up will appear. In the “General” section update the “Adobe PDF Preset” to “High Quality Print Modified”. Under that, you will need to update the “standard” to “PDF/X-1a”. Before saving, make sure that the compression is set at “Do Not Downsample” in order to maintain high resolution. Once you press “Save PDF” you are done!

If you are unable to save as a PDF-X1a, Printivity also accepts PDF, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Indesign files.

Other Quick Tips For Custom Presentation Folders

Enhancing the utility and attractiveness of your custom presentation folders goes beyond the initial design and print. After all, you’re not just ordering a utility item; you’re investing in a powerful component of your company’s branding. Here are more advanced tips to ensure your folders are not just functional but also aesthetically appealing and memorable:

Select the Right Material: The material of your folder can make a significant difference. A thicker, heavier stock exudes quality and professionalism. Printivity offers a variety of paper stocks, ranging from eco-friendly options to premium, heavy-duty materials that enhance durability and the perceived value of the folder’s contents.

Maintain Color Consistency: When ordering folders, especially in bulk, ensure color consistency across the batch. This maintains a uniform brand image. Printivity utilizes advanced color-matching technology to ensure your hues are consistent and true to your brand.

Choose an Appropriate Finish: While glossy finishes add a bright sheen, there might be better choices for environments with intense light due to glare. Matte finishes, on the other hand, offer a more subdued, sophisticated look and feel, which is perfect for high-end brands or formal events.

Embrace Sustainability: If your company values environmental responsibility, communicate this through your print materials. Opt for recycled or sustainably sourced paper.

Add a Touch of Luxury: Once you have completed the layout and presentation folder design, you are ready to place your order! To add a luxury look to your custom folders, we recommend choosing any of our coating options. Printivity offers two types of gloss coating: UV Coating and Gloss Lamination. Both options add a shiny finish, enhance the colors of your design, and protect your prints from normal wear and tear.

UV Coating is only able to be applied to the outside of the pocket folders regardless of single or double-sided folder printing. While Gloss Lamination would be applied to each side of the folders that have been printed on. For a more soft and dull appearance, we offer Matte Lamination that will be applied to each folder side that printing was ordered.

Download folder templates directly from Printivity.com before you start designing. Once you’re ready to order, or have questions during the ordering process, contact our expert customer service department at 1-877-649-5463.

Don’t have time to design your presentation folder? Printivity has you covered! We offer graphic design services to help you get your designs ready and printed quickly!

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13 presentation folder designs to inspire you

These attention-grabbing presentation folders designs strike the perfect balance between functional and beautiful.

Designing a presentation folder that stands out but still looks business-like is a real creative challenge. You need something that's functional and doesn’t distract from the actual presentation, but also attention-catching enough that it will be remembered. To inspire your own creations, here are some inspiring presentation folder designs that have caught our eye recently...

• Also check out these innovative business cards

01. Ivy Hotel

Los Angeles-based CRU Agency created a design for San Diego's Ivy hotel that looks deceptively plain and simple, but is actually quite smart and very elegant. You can tell just looking at the ornate logo that this hotel is very high-end.

02. Lewis & Arnold

Showcase Creative created this eye-popping design for Lewis & Arnold that makes great use of the Spot UV technique, which causes the company’s name, logo, and 'blueprint' to have a high-impact, glossy sheen that jumps out and grabs you.

03. Serpentine Cut Corporate Folder

Created for visual communications agency Riot Creative Imaging by CF Folder Designers , this sleek design is bold but deceptively simple on the outside, and a riot (no pun intended) of colour on the inside.

04. Baneron Corporate Design

How important is a good, bold logo? It absolutely makes this folder, and Tobias Bechtle’s decision to go with a clean, empty background allows it to stand out that much more.

05. Realty Austin

If you’ve never been to Austin, TX, it's a vibrant, creative, colorful city. So it may seem strange that the bulk of the interior of Realty Austin’s folder is just white space, but I think it’s brilliant. It really makes you take notice of the one huge call to action in the centre - "make the move", and the rainbow-colored border on the top hints at all Austin has to offer.

06. London4yoo Folder

Tasked with making a folder for a company that's about seeing all different corners of London on the web, GraphicTank offers just that: London. The city spreads out before you on the page in a light, ethereal manner that just begs you to look deeper.

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07. Accrete Presentation Folder

Something about this design from Discovery Design for training provider Accrete just pops. Maybe it's the soothing shades of blue. Or the sharp lines and corners. Whatever it is, it makes you sit up and take notice.

08. Cidma Group Corporate Folder

Gill Cad clearly likes to challenge our expectations of shape. This design for home and building consultantcy The Cidma Group surpasses the one above in terms of how far it's willing to stray from the norm, and this very inventiveness makes it a winner.

09. Zarqa Projects Folder

Designer Aljonaidy keeps the design relatively simple here, but what he does incredibly well is to pick the right colours and focus on QIT company Zarqa's logo, even going so far as to make the 'Z' a part of the overall look of the folder.

10. Hartland Builders Presentation Folder

Though relatively simple, this design gets so many things right. It makes the fantastic logo the focus, really selling the sunny, happy community this company can create. That great in and of itself, but when coupled with the dark wood finish on the bottom half of the cover, it creates a sense of strength and permanence.

11. Laptop folder

Now this is how you create a presentation folder that stands out. Msalah 's design looks so much like a real laptop computer that you might even be tempted to open it up and start hitting keys. And the functionality fits the design, too, with a 'disk drive' that holds a real CD or DVD.

12. Tensports folder

With a design that looks like a random tagger left his mark, this folder by Workstation for sports channel Tensports has a real vibrancy.

13. University of Arts Presentation Folder

This design may be, as creator Horhew says, just a "homework assignment", but the decision to use a "doodling" style gives it a cool, artsy vibe that really works.

Words : Darryl Tott

Darryl Tott is a blogger for Showcase Creative , a presentation media printer that provides high quality short-run presentation folders and printed ring binders based in Camberley, UK.

Liked this? Read these!

• Great examples of doodle art
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How to design presentation folders: 5 practical tips for your custom branded folders

Want to skip to a particular presentation folder design tip? Follow these quick links for pocket folder design tips:

• Use just your logo.
• Don’t use stock photos.
• Information is great. Too much information is harmful.
• Use the colors you want to use for your brand.
• Keep your branding consistent.

Want to buy custom folders for your business? That’s great; pocket folders can play an integral role in your business’ branding and marketing strategies .

But if you’ve never designed folders before, there might be that one nagging thought in your mind: how to design presentation folders that convey your branding.

We’ve been helping business owners and organization leaders design custom presentation folders since 2009, so we have a lot of experience helping people create the pocket folder design they envision.

Need some help with your branded folder design? Read these four practical tips—and real-use scenarios—on how to design presentation folders.

But first, a word of advice: Don’t be afraid to be an anomaly in your marketplace.

This requires a little research, but find out what everyone else in your niche is doing with their visual branding and… don’t follow suit.

Have you ever opened your mailbox to find a dentist flyer that looks something like one of these?

Kind of boring, right? Let’s look at what you could do to stand out from these designs.

1. Use just your logo.

Believe it or not, this is the most popular folder design layout for businesses, churches , realtors, and non-profits .

Ever feel like trying to get noticed by your target audience is like trying to yell at someone on the other side of Solider Field? Apologies if you’re not a Chicago Bears fan. Branding design can often feel like that.

We see a lot of marketing folders that are jam-packed with visual branding, images, and information; the folders were designed to fit as much as possible into the space available.

Truth be told, they’re kind of an eyesore.

The ones that often stand out among the pile of marketing flyers, branded folders, and promotional materials is the one that use just the logo—and not much else. They are the ones that use white space to let their branding “breathe.”

2. Don’t use stock photos.

Realistically, your target audience won’t care if you just use photos that you took on your phone. If you want to increase consumer confidence through design, use authentic, real photos. This could be pictures of the business founders, company staff, or your product or service in action.

This folder we made for CrossFit Max Effort (they designed it; Style XZ Mini Folder ) is the perfect example of using pictures in a presentation folder design. This is a real, genuine, authentic photo of their customers—and it shows what their service can do for you.

3. Information is great. Too much information is harmful.

We see a lot of folder designs that include juuust enough information about the product or service to intrigue the end-user. These types of designs are great for two main reasons:

• Small bits of information don’t clutter up the visual design. If you are designing a letter-sized pocket folder, don’t fill the entire 9″ x 12″ back cover with text. As much as you might want to share your full story with them, save it for brochures or pamphlets inside the folder, or add a custom URL to direct them to your website.
• Less is more… intriguing. Minimalism is a popular trend , and it stretches further than just a minimalist lifestyle. Less stuff in a pocket folder design  gives consumers more time to really think about your message . Just like leaving white space around your logo is important, white space around informational bits let the user focus more intently in the message you are trying to convey.

Not sure what kind of business info to include in your presentation folder design? Choose one or two subjects from this list, and keep it to under three sentences or five bullet points.

• List of services
• Company history
• Customer testimonials or success stories
• Organization mission
• What your product or service can do for the consumer
• Business or product reviews
• Statistics–present in graphs or charts for better visual appeal

4. Use the colors you want to use for your brand.

If you are a dentist office manager, and you’ve already established that your brand color palette is centered around the color blue, that’s fine. But if you want purple and gold, go for it.

There’s no governing brand council that says you must abide by what’s popular or standard in your niche. Though there is evidence that color affects emotions and consumer buying habits , you can safely take that advice with a grain of salt.

5. Above all, keep your branding consistent.

We’re going to go a little off-topic for a bit here. Bear with us; there is a good point being made here:

Take a look at your wardrobe. We’re willing to bet that—while your closet might not be quite as monotonous as  Mark Zuckerberg’s —your clothes look visually similar or give off the same “vibe.”

If your wardrobe is full of bright neon t-shirts and ripped jeans, and that’s all you wore everyday, people would know how to find you. If, however, one day you wore an earthy, forest green button up shirt with khakis, one of two things could happen:

• People would be looking for the neon-clad you. Not seeing the neon, they completely look over you, since you are dressed in different attire.
• People would be looking for the neon-clad-you. If there isn’t too much other visual “noise” around, they could still see you, despite the wardrobe change. But you’re making them work harder to find you, since you are not dressed as they expect you to be dressed.

In both of these scenarios, what you’re doing is throwing off their perception of you. Inconsistent visual branding is very similar to this wardrobe snafu.

You might find yourself asking: is it bad to shake things up every now and then? No, not always. In fact, sometimes a little visual branding shakeup can be a good thing, to make sure your audience is still paying attention to you.

When it comes to designing custom presentation folders, brand consistency is key .

Pocket folders are often either part of the first impression, or they’re part of the sales-clinching toolkit. These can be pivotal points in the sales process, so it’s best to present your visual branding as usual.

Visual brand consistency is important because consumers shouldn’t have to work that hard to see your brand’s image or hear your message.

Read more presentation folder design tips

Still a little unsure on how to design presentation folders? We’ve compiled a big list of pocket folder design tips  that’s full of design ideas, sample layouts, imprint suggestions, paper stock recommendations, and more.

Or, give our customer service team a call at (800) 346-3063 or send us your ideas .

Whatever you envision, we can make it happen.

Let’s make your folders.

17 Ways to Customize a Presentation Folder Design

Vladimir Gendelman has been designing inspirational presentation folders for business clients for nearly a decade and offers a plethora of unique cuts at his online folder emporium, CompanyFolders . He is a master of clever printing techniques and this is a guest blog post on the many ways to customize a presentation folder design.

Enter Vladimir

There’s a common misconception that designing for digital media is no different from designing for print media, and that knowing how to design graphics for a website is basically the same as creating a presentation folder. While it’s true that the basic tenets of design are universal no matter the medium, there are still special considerations you need to take into account when designing for print – mainly due to the fact that you are creating a physical object.

That means not only do your presentation folder designs have to look good, they have to create a sensory experience when they’re physically touched. Folder designs also need to be functional so that people can properly interact with it. Since there are many things you can accomplish with print that you can’t accomplish on a computer screen, there are more possibilities available to you when customizing a presentation folder.

1. Custom die-cut pockets and panels

Custom die-cuts let you alter the entire shape of the folder, essentially changing the canvas to your liking, so to speak. Not only are unique die-cut designs fun to look at and interact with, they let you fully customize the folder design to match the contents inside or establish a brand identity.

The texture of printed materials is very important and custom die cutting gives you the tools to manipulate the way your folder feels. In a pile of papers and other printed materials, you can always find the one that has a custom die-cut design using touch alone.

There are a variety of interesting design ideas to apply to your custom die cuts. For example, the folder panels and pockets can be shaped to highlight a strong design element, such as a logo. If you’re looking for something a little more playful, use die cuts shapes that have relevance to your brand identity, such as a car-shaped pocket for an auto dealer.

2. Media slits

Die cut media slits give you the ability to easily display and store business cards, brochures, CDs and other items directly on top of the pocket, instead of inside the pocket itself. This not only ensures that these media items will be out in the open for people to see, but that they won’t be lost in the shuffle.

Many printers include shaped media slits as a standard feature on their folder templates. However, these are usually just your standard tab or corner-style slits. With custom die-cuts, your business card slits can be cut into any reasonable size or shape. Find more information on slits here .

3. Die-cut windows

Since folders open like a book, we naturally think of the front panel as the “cover” while the inside panels are the “content.” A die-cut window can allow you to display this content directly from the cover by offering a sneak peek of what’s inside. This tantalizes people and makes them eager to flip open the folder to see what lies within.

Die cut windows can be any shape, allowing you to conform to the shape of the design element you want to highlight. Alternatively, you can let the window itself be the design – cutting a design into the front and having a color or pattern behind it.

4. Stock thickness

Stock thickness or weight can affect the way your audience perceives your design, even if it’s not directly part of the design itself. You know how cheap items can feel flimsy and poorly made? It’s the same thing for stock thickness. Thicker, heavier stock has a higher quality feel, reflecting well on both your design and the brand it represents, but thinner stock has the opposite effect.

5. Stock texture

Stocks come in a variety of texture – even some that mimic other materials, such as vellum and linen. These textures make your folder have a unique feel, but they can alter the look of your printed designs, so using them can limit your options.

On the other hand, uniquely textured stock leaves a lasting impression on your audience because it feels new and unfamiliar, which creates a stronger sense memory. Textured stock is also a good option for embossing, which adds even more touch sensation to your design. There’s more than a few great stock options available for presentation folders, here are some examples .

6. Stock color

Stocks come in a variety of colors, but the color of your stock can alter the appearance of your printed elements. Some designers embrace this quality and use colored stock to play with different color combinations, creating new effects when the ink is applied to the colored stock. It’s also possible to print on colored stock by using a layer of white ink first; but there will still be some loss of color quality.

Designers usually print a colored background instead of relying on colored stock, but colored stock has an advantage in the fact that the color goes all the way through the paper. If you use white stock to print a colored background, that white stock will be visible along the edge of every cut.

7. Embossing

The embossing process creates a textured impression on the stock that is raised off the page, just like the seal on an official document. Embossed elements are as irresistible as bubble wrap – they practically beg to be touched. Think of embossing as bait you can use to ensure that the audience makes a tactile connection to your design.

Embossing is the most compatible design option because it can be combined with nearly any other imprint method to create distinctive raised design elements. You can make printed pictures pop off the page or create the illusion of real metal by combining it with foil stamping. Blind embossing is when you use embossing alone to create your design, which gives your folder an elegant, sophisticated look.

8. Debossing

Debossing is like the identical twin cousin of embossing – it’s the same process, but in reverse. Instead of the imprint popping out at you, it’s depressed directly into the page. This creates a similar effect to embossing, but debossing has a unique quality that sort of pulls the audience into the design itself. For maximum variety in texture, use a combination of both techniques.

9. Metallic foil stamping

Metallic foil is a reflective material that mimics the appearance of metal. Metallic foil stamping is often paired with dark stock or colored stock to make the foil really stand out. This technique used by itself can be subtle and elegent, or you can go for big bold designs by pairing it with other imprint methods.

Since the foil is a different material than the stock, it adds a smooth texture to your folder. When combined with embossing, the two effects create a realistic metallic look that also feels somewhat like metal that’s been affixed to the page.

10. Non-metallic foil stamping

Non-metallic foil stamping uses the same process and provides a lot of the same benefits as metallic foil, such as a compatibility with colored stocks and embossed designs. There are several different types of non-metallic foils, such as colored foils that resemble vinyl or special effect foils that have holographic or three-dimensional properties.

11. Metallic ink

Metallic ink represents the middle ground between printing in ink and using metallic foil. The shiny effect comes from actual metal shavings mixed into the ink. This creates a subtle effect that is less flashy and a bit more diverse than metallic foil.

Metallic ink still acts primarily like normal ink, so you’re able to create more detailed imagery than what’s available to you with foil stamping. It’s also better for small details, since it doesn’t require adhesion like foil. This technique is capable of producing a greater variety of tones since it can be applied in multiple layers.

12. Textured coatings

Coating not only adds protection to your folder, it can add texture to your design. Aqueous coating comes in a wide variety of styles and will protect against weathering, bleaching and general wear and tear.

Laminate and matte coatings are both smooth, but laminate also has a shiny effect while matte is static. Soft-touch coating creates a feeling that is reminiscent of velvet, which guarantees a tactile connection with your media. Vinyl coating has a texture like satin, which is silky and pleasing to the touch.

13. UV coatings

UV coating helps make your colored print designs look brighter and pop off the page, especially designs that use color photography. In fact, it’s best to think of UV coating like the coating of a glossy photograph – it offers some minimal protection for the folder, but is only available in a smooth texture. Therefore, UV coating is more about making your design look its best instead of getting the audience to interact with the folder.

14. Spot coating

Different coatings can be applied to the same design, allowing you to create textural variety in your folder. You could choose to make your logo or other important design element in a highly-textural coating while making the rest of your folder smooth. The audience’s fingers will gravitate towards the different texture, creating a stronger connection to that element.

15. Spot printing

There are two standard ink printing options for folders, 4-color process and PMS ink. 4-color process is similar to what your computer printer uses – it creates colors from cyan, magenta, yellow and black (CMYK) tones. Meanwhile, PMS inks are pre-mixed, which ensures that the colors are always accurate.

4-color process is usually the standard for designs that use more than two or three colors. However, much like spot coating, you can also spot print with PMS ink, letting you have a larger variety of colors to work with than what’s normally available with just 4-color process. This lets you correct color inaccuracies, use precise branding colors or add metallic ink effects to any 4-color design. Check out these tips for designing for 4CP.

16. Spine attachments

Custom spine attachments let you utilize your folder like the cover to a book. These can be used to bind your materials into the folder itself instead of using pockets. You can also opt to use the spine to attach additional materials such as a stitched brochure. Attachments not only make your information more easily accessible, they put it front and center and make it the star of the folder’s interior.

17. Folder accessories

A presentation folder is a great tool for making an impact, but it can only do so much on its own. You require additional folder accessories to create a full presentation packet and it’s best to design all of these contents at once to establish a consistent brand image. Likewise, having one printer who can create all of your materials at once lets you save time and money. At CompanyFolders, we carry six accessories to choose from.

The most popular accessory is folder inserts, which help you create an attractive package by displaying your leading points on stacked, cascading information pages. These not only look nice, they make it easier for recipients to find what they’re looking for.

If you plan mailing your folder, pair it with a portfolio sleeve. These are specially designed for folders and can be created using many of the same special print options available for folders, allowing you to maintain a consistent design scheme.

Your best bet for an alluring presentation folder is to have a strong relationship with your printer. They can tell you what type of special options are available and how to best use them to make your folder design truly unique.

Do you have any question on designing presentation folders? Is there something you need more information about? Let us know in the comments!

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Design custom presentation folders for any business or organization! Create custom full color printed folders, foil stamping & embossing folders, and add specialty coatings like Raised UV & Raised Foil to your folders. We've created several Raised UV texture's that can help any presentation folder design stand out - you can easily add one of these Raised UV texture's to your folder using the interactive designer tool. Create custom and unique folders your clients will love!

15 Impressive Presentation Folder Designs to Inspire You

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16 Amazing Presentation Folder Ideas

When you think about it, a presentation folder really is like the wrapping on a gift. Great wrapping paper tells the recipient how much you care by demonstrating the time you spent wrapping it. This builds anticipation for what’s inside. And that’s what a great presentation folder can do for you. Even more than the gift itself, it’s the time that you’ve spent putting everything together that matters.

Your presentation folders should follow this logic. Unlike a wrapping paper that is vague about its contents, a good folder hints at what is inside.

Below are some inspiring examples that can help you to follow this thought process and hopefully move you to improve your materials. For more ideas, you can browse these presentation folders from CompanyFolders.com.

The best part about this piece is its perfectly executed design. It’s simple, the look and feel is consistent across it’s contents and there are no distracting elements to take your focus away from the brand.

A tri-fold design provides a greater surface area to work with. This gives you an opportunity to further push your own unique brand message.

By using a finishing technique similar to a UV gloss, the spot varnish on this folder creates a fantastic looking design element, without the use of color.

Using a creative cover clasp is another effective way to set your piece apart. In this case the clasp is die cut from the inside pocket.

A pattern helps to fill space on your presentation folders without having to rely on an image or some other specific piece of art. If it can be tied to your logo or another of your brand elements, as it is in this case, all the better.

Here’s a great example of using a custom die cut as a way to reinforce other established design elements. In this case it evokes the look and color of the logo by allowing the page behind it to show through.

This is a great reminder about not forgetting to include the back cover when designing your presentation folder. It’s an easy way to expand your content and doesn’t cost anything extra.

A simple, straightforward design will always function the best. Everything is laid out exactly where the audience needs to find it, and your information can be presented in a clear and succinct fashion.

The goal with your presentation folder is to be able to use it with as many of your marketing materials as possible. While it may seem that there is a lot going on, in terms of images and graphics, it still is versatile enough where it can be used regardless of the contents of the folder.

Clean and concise layouts lead to great results. The example illustrates that point perfectly. The use of color on the inside of the folder is inviting and provides good relief to the cover as well as the pocket.

These are all great examples of the potential that can be achieved with your presentation folders. The key is to remember that the content is the most important part. If you keep this in mind, you’ll go far in creating a versatile and effective folder that reflects well on your company and provides critical information to your clients.

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2 Responses to “16 Amazing Presentation Folder Ideas”

I’m shopping for presentation folders and wanted to see how much each folder costs? I’d be placing a small order to start, say 25 to 50 folders. Can I get sample pricing (I won’t hold you to it, just a ballpark idea?)

Robert Gertz

There are a ton of folders from which to choose at companyfolders.com. You can get a quote and a sample.

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15 Free Presentation Folder Mockup & Design Templates

In this article, we have compiled together some of the best and realistic presentation folder mockup and design templates (PSD & AI) available for free download.

Presentation folders are used to organize documents and are an essential stationary item for a company/business. While designing the brand identity of a company, you would often need to have it presented on various mockups such as a on a notepad, business letter, business card or on a presentation folder. You would even have the need to design a vibrant presentation folder which matches the company needs.

Here, we have compiled together a useful list of presentation folder mockups and design templates (PSD & AI download available) which you can use freely in your own projects. You can use these realistic folder mockup templates to showcase your work to your clients or use these amazing folder design templates to customize them with your own text, photos and logo.

Green Eco-Friendly Presentation Folder Design Template

Warm Home Real Estate Folder Template

Creative Folder Mockup

School Pocket Folder Design Template

Stylish Presentation Folder PSD MockUp

Six Design Services Folder and Business Card Template

Open Folder Branding Identity Mock Up

This Looks Great – Folder Mockup

Polygonal Cut-out Business Folder

Front and Inside Folder Mockup Template

Dual Stacked Presentation Folders Mockup Template

New York City Skyline Presentation Folder and Business Card Template

Ornate Wedding Planner Pocket Folder Template

Folder, Letterhead & Business Card Mockup Template

Dream Home Real Estate Folder Template

If you’re working on a brand identity design project, you will also find these resources useful:

• Professional Business Card Design Templates
• Branding & Stationery Mockup Templates (PSD)
• Business Letterhead Templates
• Business PowerPoint Templates

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Presentation Folders

Give a polished and professional look with custom folders. Customize the front, back and even the pockets. See details

Keep it organized and professional with custom presentation folders.

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Sleek, cohesive branding Uniquely crafted with your logo and look, our custom folders offer a seamless blend of style and functionality. They help you present materials for business meetings, conferences and events with a professional, branded touch. And, with 2 inside pockets and an included business card slot, you can keep all the essentials in one place.

Array of options These high-quality printed folders come in 3 sizes, with our reinforced 9.5” x 12” size offering vertical flaps on the inside for added durability. You can choose from matte or glossy paper stock, with a thicker, premium option available. And, for an eye-catching special finish, our foil accent upgrade adds a colorful, metallic overlay to details on the front, back or inside pockets.

Professional design templates Ready to create? Start by browsing our assortment of fully customizable designs. Once you’ve found a favorite, make it yours by adding personal touches and choosing the options that work best for you. After that, we’ll take care of the rest – professionally printing and shipping your order. Your custom folders will arrive looking crisp, polished and ready to show off.

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This product to used to give documentation to clients when we are doing sales, but were impressed with the quality that we will be using it for more than promo products.

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