Stepped Inserts: Paper, Printing, Specs & FAQs
FolderPrinters.com uses premium 100# Gloss Book stock for stepped inserts, chosen for its bright, smooth surface that makes full-color graphics, labels, and tabs pop on every visible step.
Question: How thick is 100# Gloss Book?
Answer: 100# Gloss Book has a caliper of 4.7pt (0.0047 inches) per single sheet.
Question: Do you also offer a 100# Matte Book option?
Answer: Yes. We also stock 100# Matte Book, which has a caliper of 5.2pt (0.0052 inches) per single sheet — slightly heavier and non-reflective, for a more subtle, less glare-prone finish than gloss.
Question: Gloss or Matte — which should I choose?
Answer: Gloss book makes full-color graphics and photos pop with a vibrant, reflective finish — ideal for marketing-heavy kits. Matte book is also a coated stock and has a slightly thicker caliper. It has dull surface, which reads as more understated and professional, and is easier to read under bright light or in photos/scans.
Question: Should I print 4/0 or 4/4?
Answer: 4/0 means full-color (CMYK) printing on the front of each step only, with the back left blank — the most economical option when only the visible tier matters. 4/4 means full-color printing on both sides, which is worth the upgrade if a step's underside is also visible when the insert is lifted, or if you want branding on every surface.
Note: If you're unsure about your artwork, please submit it for a free file check by one of our experts at:
https://www.folderprinters.com/file-check
Add any relevant details in the notes section, including your folder size and step count.
Question: How much does a custom stepped insert cost per piece?
Answer: The price per piece is based on the quantity and step count you order. We are proud to keep the prices of our Premium Stepped Inserts among the lowest in the industry, while offering only the highest quality. Here is the FolderPrinters.com price for our most commonly ordered quantities:
Set of 4 Stepped Inserts:
1000 Stepped Inserts is $.22 each ($880)
500 Stepped Inserts is $.37 each ($737)
250 Stepped Inserts is $.66 each ($660)
100 Stepped Inserts is $1.47 each ($588.50)
Question: How do I choose between 4, 5, or 6 steps?
Answer: Count your distinct document sections. If you have 4 or fewer, choose 4 steps. For standard kits with a cover letter, main content, and supporting materials, 5 steps covers most cases. Choose 6 steps for detailed packets that need maximum separation, such as RFPs or multi-department reports.
Question: Are stepped inserts cut to fit my folder automatically, or do I need to specify a size?
Answer: Yes, they are cut to fit in our Standard 9x12" Presentation Folder
Question: Can I order stepped inserts without also ordering a folder?
Answer: Yes, they can be ordered separately!
Question: Can each step have different artwork, or does one design repeat across all steps?
Answer: Yes, each page is meant to be different artwork. We recommend that the header for each flyer should maintain a consistent format to have an organized design continuity.
Question: I'm still not sure my document set fits, how do I know which configuration works?
Answer: Not all document sets divide evenly into steps. If your kit has an unusual number of sections or mixed paper sizes, our team can help you plan the layout before you order. Call (866)936-5337)
Note: If you're unsure about your existing artwork or step layout, please submit it for a free file check at:
https://www.folderprinters.com/file-check
Include details about your folder size, step count, and how many documents you're organizing.