Suspension Files

How to choose the right suspension files

Filing works best when the files suit both your cabinet and the documents you store. Start with size. A4 suspension files fit most office printouts and modern drawers, while Foolscap is a little wider and often matches traditional UK filing cabinets. A3 and A1 options in this category are for plan and drawing systems rather than standard desk pedestals. Next, match orientation to the content. Vertical hanging files are standard for drawers and portable boxes, while landscape filing helps with wider sheets that read across the short edge. Finally, check your furniture. Filing cabinet folders need to match the rail size in your cabinet or A4 filing box so they slide smoothly and avoid bent pages. Once the fit is right, choose a capacity style to suit how much each file will hold, then refine by material, colour for quick coding, and any eco criteria you follow.

Pick a base/capacity

Materials and sustainability

Pick a construction that matches usage and handling in your workplace.

• Manila or paper files have a classic, writable surface. Heavier paper feels sturdier and glides better. Many options here include recycled content and labels such as Blue Angel, FSC or PEFC.
• PP (polypropylene) is moisture resistant and tough, a good choice for shared storage or high-traffic files. These usually come with plastic tabs for headings.
• Metal components feature in complementary items like filing boxes, trolleys and plan racks to add strength where it matters.
• If sustainability is a priority, use the Eco filters (for example Blue Angel UZ14b, FSC, PEFC or recycled percentages) to narrow choices without giving up usability.

Systems and accessories to finish the setup

Add the right pieces around your suspension files to speed filing and retrieval.

• Tabs and printable inserts keep titles clear and consistent. Stock spare file tabs and card inserts so indexing stays readable.
• Colour-coding with options like green, blue or assorted sets helps split teams, years or document types at a glance.
• Portable storage, such as A4 filing boxes supplied with hanging files, suits desk sides, hot-desking and small archives.
• Mobile and plan storage, including suspension file trolleys and wall or plan racks with A1 binders, handles bulk filing or large drawings outside standard drawers.
• For structured runs within a drawer, suspension file dividers and hanging file folders can help group stages of a project.

Viking stocks sizes and systems that match common UK cabinets and plan storage, so you can mix standard A4 or Foolscap hanging files with the accessories that keep everything easy to find.

Questions & Answers