Folio

Summary

A folded piece of paper forms a folio.

A folio is a large piece of paper folded in half. These are often nested together into groups of three or more, called signatures (also referred to as pecia, although it is an outdated term). These signatures can then be stacked atop one another and bound together to form the book block. Some folios remain as they are, and can be used for many things, such as professional portfolios.

History

The development of the folio coincides with the production of the codex, which was used most prominently by the early Christians as religious pamphlets and literature. They were easier to produce and disseminate to the larger populace, and they were also easier to reference, as they could be propped open in one hand or laid flat for copying. Codexes were also easier to transport since they were more compact, and their design made them less susceptible to tearing. Also, the double-page format of the codex allowed text to be printed on both the front and back of each page, which maximized space efficiency. The physical construction of the codex can be owed to the use of folios to form the book block.

Uses

Open, blank portfolio.

While folios are frequently integrated into larger texts, some folios can be used on their own for a variety of purposes, such as a portfolio. Clarke University defines a portfolio as, "a compilation of academic and professional materials that exemplifies your beliefs, skills, qualifications, education, training, and experiences. It provides insight into your personality and work ethic." A portfolio can be adapted and modified to fit many career- and education-based opportunities. They are a tool used by the interviewer to get a general sense of one's values to the company or initiative they wish to join. They can be a very powerful tool of persuasion and professionalism. In this way, even a simple folio, a folded piece of paper, can be a useful tool.