Are you an artist searching for the ideal way to showcase and protect your work? Whether you’re transporting your masterpieces or organizing your projects, finding the right artist portfolio case is essential. From A3 portfolio folders to extra-large art carrying cases with dividers, we’ve got all the tips to help you select the perfect fit for your artistic needs.
What Is an Art Portfolio Case?
An art portfolio case is a tool designed to store, carry, and protect creative works. Whether you’re an art student, a professional, or a hobbyist, this case ensures your pieces remain pristine during transport or storage.
Understanding Sizes: European vs. US Standards in Portfolio Folders
When choosing your artist portfolio case, one important—but often overlooked—factor is size standard. Not all portfolios are created equal, and depending on where you’re located or where you’re presenting your work, the dimensions can vary significantly.
In Europe and much of Asia, art portfolio cases are typically designed to match the ISO A-series paper sizes, which are widely used in schools, studios, and professional presentations. Here’s a breakdown of the most common sizes:
Art Portfolio Case Size Chart
| Portfolio Size | Dimensions (mm) | Dimensions (cm) | Dimensions (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 594 × 841 mm | 59.4 × 84.1 cm | 23.4″ × 33.1″ |
| A2 | 420 × 594 mm | 42 × 59.4 cm | 16.5″ × 23.4″ |
| A3 | 297 × 420 mm | 29.7 × 42 cm | 11.7″ × 16.5″ |
| A4 | 210 × 297 mm | 21 × 29.7 cm | 8.3″ × 11.7″ |
Art Portfolio Case vs. Ring Binder Portfolio: Choose What Works for Your Creativity
As a manufacturer specializing in Art Portfolio Cases, we offer a wide range of solutions designed to support every type of artist—from students and designers to professionals preparing for international exhibitions.
The Art Portfolio Case is our most classic and straightforward option. It’s simple, sleek, and ideal for those who prefer a clean, professional way to carry and present their artwork. This style is particularly suited for displaying a full set of works in a fixed order, without the need for frequent adjustments.
For creators who need more flexibility, we also offer the Art Portfolio Case with Ring Binder. This design allows you to add, remove, or rearrange artwork easily. It’s perfect for portfolios that are always evolving—such as freelance illustrators, photographers, or designers who often update their work for different clients and presentations. The binder mechanism supports refill sleeves, making it a safe and organized way to store a growing body of work.
📌 Also read: Top 5 Portfolio Sizes Every Artist Should Know
On the other hand, the US market uses inch-based sizing, and you’ll often see portfolios labeled with the following dimensions:
As a manufacturer of professional art portfolio cases, we offer a complete selection based on U.S. inch-based sizes, tailored to meet the needs of photographers, illustrators, students, and professionals alike.
Fixed Page (Display Book) Style – For Compact & Mid-Sized Artwork
Non-ISO Art Portfolio Size Chart
For artwork in small to mid-range sizes, our fixed-page display books offer a clean and sleek presentation. Each page is pre-bound and crystal clear, perfect for direct viewing without removal. These styles are ideal for:
| Portfolio Size | Dimensions (mm) | Ideal For |
| 4 × 6″ | 102 × 152 mm | Photo albums, visual references, travel sketchbooks |
| 5 × 7″ | 127 × 178 mm | Greeting card designs, mini prints, postcard collections |
| 8 × 10″ | 203 × 254 mm | Headshots, small artworks, portfolio snapshots |
| 8.5 × 11″ | 216 × 279 mm | Resumes, digital art prints, presentations (Letter size) |
| 9 × 12″ | 229 × 305 mm | Hand-drawn sketches, school projects, client samples |
| 11 × 14″ | 279 × 356 mm | Student artwork, illustration portfolios |
| 11 × 17″ | 279 × 432 mm | Layouts, posters, tabloid-size design spreads |
| 13 × 19″ | 330 × 483 mm | Fine art prints, giclée editions, portfolio reviews |
| 14 × 17″ | 356 × 432 mm | Commercial artwork, large sketchbooks, balanced-format portfolios |
These display books provide professional appearance, ease of use, and long-lasting clarity.
Binder Style – For Large, Heavy, or Expandable Portfolios
For larger format sizes, we recommend using our ring binder style portfolio cases. These allow for more stability, protection, and flexibility—especially important when dealing with heavy paper stock, mixed media, or ongoing collections.
Recommended for:
- 17×22″ – Excellent for full-page spreads, illustration boards, or fashion sketches
- 18×24″ – A common format in fine art studios and exhibition prep
- 24×36″ – Suitable for posters, architectural drawings, blueprints, or oversized artwork
The binder system makes it easy to insert, remove, or reorder sheets, while keeping every piece protected with durable sleeves and firm support.
🧷 Need a custom portfolio size or OEM production? We offer flexible solutions for private label, wholesale, and global distribution. Let us know what you need—your artwork deserves the perfect presentation.
- 🧭 Need help figuring out your size? Check our Portfolio Size Chart for a full comparison between A-series and inch-based dimensions.
