A Step-by-Step Guide with Dave The Printer Inc.

In the world of print marketing and business materials, pocket folders are an essential tool. These folders not only serve a functional purpose but also offer businesses the opportunity to create a lasting impression with their branding. But how do these pocket folders come to life, from concept to final print? In this post, we will walk you through the printing process and highlight how Dave The Printer ensures that your custom pocket folders are produced to perfection.

Before we dive into the printing process, let’s quickly define what a pocket folder is. A pocket folder is a sturdy, often customized folder with one or two pockets inside, designed to hold documents, brochures, business cards, or promotional materials. It’s widely used in corporate environments, schools, and events for both organizational and branding purposes.

These folders are typically made from high-quality cardstock and come in various sizes, colors, and designs to match the business’s branding needs. The pocket folders can be printed with logos, taglines, contact information, or even custom designs to help enhance a company’s image.

1.  Design and Customization

Before any printing takes place, the design of the pocket folder must be finalized. The design process typically starts with selecting the style, colors, and layout for the folder. Whether you have a design ready or need our help in crafting the perfect look, we work closely with you to ensure your vision comes to life.

Creating your own print file; Dave has templates for several standard sizes of folders that will ensure the positioning of everything to be printed is in the correct place. Just call us at 214-630-4017 or email us at service@davetheprinter and tell us you would like a template and we will send it if we have it.

9 x 12 template. Not actual size!

Our team at Dave The Printer Inc. specializes in working with graphic designers to ensure that your branding shines through. If you’re unsure about the layout or need guidance on best practices for print, we’re here to help.

2. Prepress and Proofing

Once the design is finalized, we move into the prepress phase, where our team prepares your file for printing. This involves checking the design file for issues such as color discrepancies, resolution problems, and bleed areas. At Dave The Printer, we ensure that the file is set up correctly to avoid any printing mistakes.

Next, we provide a pdf proof—a sample of your pocket folder—so you can visualize how it will look in real life. This is your opportunity to make any necessary changes before the final print run. Once the proof is approved, we’re ready to print!

Artwork file including die lines for cuts and tabs

3. Printing the Pocket Folder

Now that everything is set, we move on to the printing stage. At Dave The Printer, we use the latest offset printing and digital printing technologies to produce high-quality prints that are crisp and vivid. Pocket Folders are printed using a large offset printing press because your folders will be printed on large flat sheets and then converted into the final product.

• Offset Printing: Ideal for large quantities of pocket folders, offset printing uses plates to transfer ink onto the paper. This method ensures high-quality, consistent prints across large batches. The colors are more vibrant, and the paper’s texture and quality can be tailored to suit your needs.
• Customizations, Finishes or coatings: Customization options include selecting specific sizes, colors, logos, and other branding elements. Dave offers standard sizes of 6” x 9”, 5.25” x 10.5”, 9″ x 12″ and 9” x 14” with options for one or two pockets. Additional features like business card slits, foil stamping, embossing, and special coatings (e.g., silk or suede laminate, aqueous coating or UV coating) can enhance the folder’s appearance and functionality.

4. Cutting and Scoring

Once the folders are printed, the next step is to cut them into their final shape. This is where precision is crucial. Our team at Dave The Printer Inc. uses advanced cutting and scoring equipment to ensure the folders are cut cleanly and accurately.

Scoring creates creases in the paper so that the folder can be folded neatly without damaging the material. This step ensures the pockets fold correctly. They are finished by folding and gluing the pockets to the folder.

The same Pocket folder as above after converting. The Finished Product!

The same Pocket folder as above after converting. The Finished Product!

Any other questions about printing please feel free to contact us at service@davetheprinter.com, or give us a call at 214-630-4017