Like any bi-partisan issue, the debate between letter size vs legal size presentation folders has support on both sides. Most people select their folder size without hesitation, depending on their particular business needs. After all, a salesperson uses letter size while a lawyer uses legal, right?
But what if it’s not that easy? What if you’re missing out on what the other side has to offer? Take a closer look at presentation folder sizes and decide for yourself which one would best help you to achieve your business goals.
The measurements for a standard letter size folder (SKU: 08-01).
In Favor of Letter Size
The letter size vs legal size debate seems almost one-sided when you consider that letter size paper is all around you. Most letter size presentation folders measure in at 9″ by 12 1/2″ and are made to fit any document sized less than 8 1/2″ by 11″-which is standard size for most documents.
Letter size provides flexibility so that you get the most use out of your presentation folder. Since letter size is used by all businesses, it has a greater degree of customization options including flash drive holders, expansion pockets and belly bands. Letter size folders are often used in marketing, so designs tend to focus on being visually stimulating through use of graphics and photos.
The measurements for a typical legal size folder (SKU: 14-01).
In Favor of Legal Size
If you work as a lawyer, contractor or real estate agent, then you have a much different view on the letter size vs legal size debate. Presentation folders in legal size are extended to 9 1/2″ by 14 1/2″ to fit legal documents that are sized at 8 1/2″ by 14″-which is standard for contracts.
Legal size folders may not be as versatile, but they make it easier to transport, organize and present your legal documents in an eye-catching way. Legal folders tend to go for function over fashion, with a lower emphasis on full-color graphics and photos. Instead, legal folders often use embossing or foil stamping for an elegant design that favors professionalism first.
Most businesses have a use for both folder sizes (SKU: 08-01).
In Favor of Both Sizes
The debate between legal size vs letter size can only end in a draw, because most companies will likely have a reason for using both. For example, a realtor may also use a letter size folder to draw up packets of information on housing listings. Legal documents are not exclusive to those working in law and contracting-every business requires legal documentation at some point.
Having both legal and letter size presentation folders on hand is the best way to ensure that your needs are always being met. Wow your customers with a letter size folder focused on marketing, and then finalize the deal with a contract in a formal legal size folder.
This post is a part of our Presentation Folders 101 product guide.
