The 7 Best Automatic Paper Folders

This wiki has been updated 15 times since it was first published in November of 2018. Whether you're working in a small business, church, or school, you're most likely way too busy to sit around repeatedly creasing documents, trying to get them ready for mailing or distribution. That's why you'll want one of these automatic paper folders, which take a time-consuming job and shift the labor onto a machine. Since needs differ, we've included models with varying capabilities. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

This wiki has been updated 15 times since it was first published in November of 2018. Whether you're working in a small business, church, or school, you're most likely way too busy to sit around repeatedly creasing documents, trying to get them ready for mailing or distribution. That's why you'll want one of these automatic paper folders, which take a time-consuming job and shift the labor onto a machine. Since needs differ, we've included models with varying capabilities. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Martin Yale 1611

The Martin Yale 1611 (appx. $825) is called the "Ease-of-Use Machine" for an impressive array of reasons, from a color-coded folding chart that makes setting it a snap to a removable table for unjamming without any hassle. The self-centering guides are a nice touch, too.

Doesn't require pre-fanning sheets
No complicated setup
Good price-to-quality ratio

2. MBM 98M

Designed for light to moderate workloads, the MBM 98M (about $629) has, at the very least, two benefits that make it worth consideration. First, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to learn how to use it, and second, it's compact enough for offices that are tight on space.

Integrated quick reference guide
Just over 7000 pieces per hour
Stops automatically

3. Duplo Manual

You won't need to babysit the Duplo Manual (around $2450), as it gives you an ample 500-sheet feed capacity that helps you tackle large jobs easily. It has plenty more to offer, as well, including a cross-folding feature that creates right-angled folds.

Fine-tune adjustment knobs
Good for high-volume environments
1-year warranty for mechanical parts

4. Martin Yale P7200 Premier

Although the Martin Yale P7200 Premier (appx. $284) provides just four outputs -- letter, half, Z, and double parallel -- it isn't terribly expensive and it's got a sizable stacking tray. Not only that, but it can handle either A4 or 8.5-by-11 for added flexibility.

Continuous feed for up to 50 sheets
Doesn't power off by itself
Seems prone to jamming

5. Pitney Bowes FD10

Operating the Pitney Bowes FD10 (about $119) probably won't knock your socks off, especially since you'll need to feed each page in by hand, but it beats preparing your documents manually, and the price isn't prohibitive for even smaller organizations.

Handles both a4 and letter sizes
Not overly loud
Auto on-off feature can be buggy

6. Formax FD 38X

The Formax FD 38X (appx. $4299) isn't for everyone, but for those who can afford the investment, this beast of a machine will blaze through nearly any job you can throw at it. For instance, it can potentially finish 500 sheets in 2 minutes and hold 35 custom settings in its memory.

Mode for thick stock
Removable roller cover
Both large and heavy

7. Martin Yale Desktop

The Martin Yale Desktop (about $130) has one job, which is to take standard US-sized paper and give it a quick letter fold so that it's ready to drop into an envelope. As a bonus, it accepts stapled sets as long as they contain no more than three pages.

Output of 30 sheets per minute
Some find it noisy
Insertion is finicky

Last updated by Melissa Harr

Melissa Harr is a language-obsessed writer from Chicagoland who holds both a bachelor of arts and master of arts in English. Although she began as a TEFL teacher, earning several teaching certificates and working in both Russia and Vietnam, she moved into freelance writing to satisfy her passion for the written word. She has published full-length courses and books in the realm of arts & crafts and DIY; in fact, most of her non-working time is spent knitting, cleaning, or committing acts of home improvement. Along with an extensive knowledge of tools, home goods, and crafts and organizational supplies, she has ample experience (okay, an obsession) with travel gear, luggage, and the electronics that make modern life more convenient.

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