file folder
Unicode: 1F4C1
Description
A classic, three-dimensional brown folder, typically shown with a small flap or opening at the top, implying a container for documents or files.
Group:
Objects > office
Status:
fully-qualified
Emotion:
Neutral; primarily conveys organization, storage, or accessibility of digital or physical files.
Backstory
The folder icon has been a staple of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) since their inception, mimicking physical office folders. Its inclusion in emoji sets extends its utility to digital communication where it can represent anything from 'check your files' to 'this is where I keep my secrets.' It was approved as part of Unicode 6.0 in 2010.
Usage Examples
- Indicating a file location: 'Check the documents folder for the report. 📁'
- Representing a collection of items: 'Here's my collection of old photographs. 📁'
- Suggesting organization: 'Time to organize my desktop. 📁'
- Referring to hidden information: 'It's all in a secret folder. 📁'
Cultural Differences
Western culture:
Universally recognized as a symbol for file directories, document storage, or an organized collection of information within digital interfaces.
East Asian culture:
Similar recognition as a standard symbol for file management and organization in digital contexts.