Manila folder

A manila folder with a paperclip

A manila folder (sometimes referred to as manilla folder) is a file folder designed to contain documents, often within a filing cabinet. It is generally formed by folding a large sheet of stiff card in half. Though traditionally buff, sometimes other colors are used to differentiate categories of files.

The paper was traditionally produced with manila fibers from abacá leaves, also known as manila hemp.[1] This material was named after Manila, capital of the Philippines.

Before the end of the 20th century,[when?] papermakers replaced the abacá fibers with wood pulp,[2] which cost less to source and process.[3] Despite the change in production material, the name stuck and the color remained.[3]

  1. ^ The Far-Eastern Review: Engineering, Commerce, Finance. G.B. Rea. 1906.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference :1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).