A loose leaf binder is a type of binder, or notebook, used primarily for holding loose leaf pages of paper together. These pages are typically individual, not bound in any sort of way, and often have three holes punched into them to allow use of such a binder. The way in which the binder holds the pages together can vary, however, depending on the way in which the binder is made and how often the pages may need to be removed or added to. A loose leaf binder may also have other features, such as a window on the cover and pockets within the binder.
In general, a loose leaf binder typically refers to any type of binder designed to hold together sheets of loose leaf paper. Loose leaf papers are sheets of paper that are unbound, though they are often punched with holes to allow them to be bound together if desired. These pages of paper can be lined or unlined, but they are often made with lines for use in writing. Though three-hole punched paper is quite common for use with a loose leaf binder, there are other hole formats that can be used with different types of binders.
A loose leaf binder can hold the loose leaf pages together in a number of different ways, depending on how the binder is made. One of the most common types of binders is often referred to as “a three-ring binder,” which consists of a front and back cover and a spine of different widths. Onto this spine, three rings are connected that can be opened, allowing loose leaf paper to be inserted or removed, and closed again to keep them together. A loose leaf binder can also utilize other means of holding paper within the binder, such as metal pins that can go through two holes in paper then bend to secure them in place, and clips that can hold the pages within a binder.
Different features can be offered on a loose leaf binder, usually to allow the binder to be better used for presentations or reports. One of the most common features on such a binder is the inclusion of a sleeve or window on the covers and spine of the binder, which allows a cover page and title sheet to be placed for easier identification of the binder. A loose leaf binder will also often be designed with a pocket in the inside of the front and back covers, allowing miscellaneous papers or cards to be held in the binder without punching holes through them.