Standard size for instructions

[Ye Olde Republic]

Dear LEGO, being a collector as much (perhaps even more) as being a builder, I like to save at least one copy of all my instruction booklets. Obviously being paper booklets, they are quite prone to being ripped, folded or just generally wrecked so I like to keep them in page protectors in binders. My kids like to flip through my binders of instructions too and we were recently looking through them and I noticed that some pages are only 'half full' and some of the larger booklets stick way out the top of the page protector. We used to hole punch these things if we wanted to put them in binders but that ruins them before age/use gets a chance to do so.
My request is as such: Please make a standard that will fit in the page protector. If the large booklets start at 8"x11" with the smaller size being 5.5"x8". They could likely be mad on the same paper stock as the large books could be glue bound like the small books are currently and the small size could be stapled along it's 8" spine*, allowing it to be unfolded to a flat size of 8"x11" which would conveniently fit in a page pocket perfectly. Of course, the single sheet instructions that are used simply be the correct size as well.

*Set #6066 is the perfect example of what I'm looking for.

[Bruce N H]

I've got that exact same problem with my smaller set instructions slipping to the bottom of the page protectors. So my big binder of instructions is significantly fatter at the bottom than it is at the top.

Bruce

[Bluesecrets]

This is a GREAT idea. I have the same problem you both do! As a result all of mine have ended up in a large bucket, waiting for a better system. I'd love for standardized sizes of instructions.

[davee123]

Unfortunately, LEGO has sort of switched sizes over the years-- however, I seem to recall being told that "A10" size holders will fit some of the "sticking-out-too-far" instruction booklets. It's a standard size in Europe that I believe LEGO used to conform to with its larger booklets. As such, it isn't as easily available here in the USA (where 8.5" x 11" is the more-or-less standard paper size), but you may be able to find them online or from non-US sources. I'm not familiar with other European sizes, but it could be that looking through other non-US-standard size paper holders may result in some better fits.

I have noticed that some paper sizes seem to differ, however, even within the same set! I don't recall which set it was recently, but one of them had two or three instruction booklets, each of which was a SLIGHTLY different size (all being "large").

DaveE

[Rick-Ricks]

Hehe, I have the same problem, if you look at my too large one there's a strip on the top that's rattier than the rest due to them not fitting into the binder.

[Robin Hood]

Hmm, standardized instruction booklets. Now there is a very novel idea, considering the somewhat randomness they seem to be getting in the last few years. The multiple booklets is espically annoying, but I'm sure TLC has some wacky reason for it. If the sizes were standardized though, that would be great. I remember back 10-15 years ago, instructions came typically in four different sizes, and it was reasonably possible for me to sort them. Now, I don't even bother, I just chuck then into one big, ever growing pile, until some year as I decide to sort them. Standardization would be great.

Dan

[Handar]

This suggestion just makes sense. I'd like to see it happen too.

[rogue27]

I'd like to see a standardized size as well. Perhaps a few different sizes, to account for large and small sets.

I'd especially like if they were sized like comic books so I could use the bags and backboards that are available at many any comic book and hobby stores.

[Count Blacktron]

I file mine in two drawers of a standard file cabinet, and each theme has it's own hanging file folder. With only one copy allowed in each file, it's not so much of a problem until you scan the late 1990s Town and early 2000 World City sets. The set numbers are all you have to go on to match the loose and varied size booklets. I don't mind instruction booklets of different sizes, but the BEST booklets are done like nearly all of the Star Wars sets which seem to be closest to the Classic Space, Town and Castle instructions of the 1980s for the sake of organization, durability and easy re-use. NOTE: Keep all the instructions required to complete a numbered set in ONE or TWO equal size booklets. I hate it when parts of a building are in different books.

BTW, if I open both drawers at the same time... the cabinet falls over. It's pretty heavy. So if you ever read in the news of a man crushed by a LEGO file cabinet remember to check the estate sales.

[Yegos]

I think this would be a nice thing to have but I highly doubt it will ever happen. Can't hurt to ask though, right?


Although I have to break my themes out over several folders do to the sheer number of booklets, Count Blacktron and I appear to have the same setup. I also order them by set number. Ditto on the weight and crushing potential when the two drawers are out. Lucky(?) for me that I've started on the third drawer.

For those who don't have the money for that, I suggest an accordion file folder (or two). They may not fit the instructions for the sets like the Death Star II but for the vast majority of the instructions, they work fine.

[Count Blacktron]

I think this would be a nice thing to have but I highly doubt it will ever happen. Can't hurt to ask though, right?


Although I have to break my themes out over several folders do to the sheer number of booklets, Count Blacktron and I appear to have the same setup. I also order them by set number. Ditto on the weight and crushing potential when the two drawers are out. Lucky(?) for me that I've started on the third drawer.

For those who don't have the money for that, I suggest an accordion file folder (or two). They may not fit the instructions for the sets like the Death Star II but for the vast majority of the instructions, they work fine.

The top two drawers are for my wife... though she's not taken up the offer yet. I may expand upward also. I have a similar 4 file cabinet just for road, raised and standard baseplates, and it is full! Those empty shelves might house my ship and boat hulls as well as an expansion of more booklets.

As you collect sets and instructions it is important to have some sort of organized file system and the sets that are easiest to enjoy are those with an 8 x 11 inch booklet width as they stay opened better. Smaller sets work well into half size format. The impulse size sets should be quarter sized from standard college rule paper.

A plastic file box like a lot of people use for tax or school work is how I started out and it did not take long to fill up at all. Work with what you have budget and space for when filing.

[Papy.G]

Unfortunately, LEGO has sort of switched sizes over the years-- however, I seem to recall being told that "A10" size holders will fit some of the "sticking-out-too-far" instruction booklets. It's a standard size in Europe that I believe LEGO used to conform to with its larger booklets. As such, it isn't as easily available here in the USA (where 8.5" x 11" is the more-or-less standard paper size), but you may be able to find them online or from non-US sources. I'm not familiar with other European sizes, but it could be that looking through other non-US-standard size paper holders may result in some better fits.

A10 will be very little, given the A3 is 420x297, A4 210x297mm, A5 148,5x210 and so on.
The more common is the A4, I recently tried to print instructions I don't have to A4 leafs to make A5 booklets (6061 and 6067 to begin, available in PDF), I'm quite happy with them, even in W&B, but for some bigger sets, it won't be readable.