Guide · Material · Size · Clip · Colour
Buying a Clipboard –
what really matters?
Material, size, clip type and colour – choosing the right clipboard depends on how you plan to use it. This guide explains every difference with concrete recommendations.
Design it in the configurator now →1. The Material: Birch, HDF or PLEXIGLAS®?
The material is the most important decision – it determines the look, weight, feel and price. All three materials are available at klemmbrett.de in 5 shapes and 4 sizes.
Birch Plywood – the Classic
Birch plywood is the most popular material for clipboards. The wood grain is visible and gives every board a natural, warm character. Available in 37 stain colours – from natural wood tones to bold colours to black. Ideal for office, school, hospitality and anyone looking for a premium wooden clipboard.
HDF – Uniform and Affordable
HDF (high-density fiberboard) is a homogeneous wood-based material with no visible grain. Its brown surface is smoother than birch. HDF clipboards are the most affordable option – from €2.15 – and are especially suited to bulk orders and use cases where cost matters more than the look of natural wood. Also excellent for engraving. More on affordable HDF clipboards & bulk orders →
PLEXIGLAS® – Modern and Eye-Catching
PLEXIGLAS® clipboards are available in 17 colours – including transparent, frosted and neon variants. The smooth surface and colour brilliance make them a real eye-catcher. Coloured throughout rather than stained; eyelets not available. Especially popular for modern offices, trade shows and as a gift. More on the transparent PLEXIGLAS® clipboard →
Recommendation: For daily office use and hospitality → birch plywood or HDF. For gifts, presentations and trade shows → PLEXIGLAS®. For bulk orders on a low budget → HDF.
2. The Size: A3, A4, A5 or A6?
The size depends on the paper format you want to clip – and where you plan to use it.
| Size | Paper Format | Typical Use | Price From (HDF) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A3 | A3, A4 (landscape) | Construction sites, hospitality, warehouses, signage | €4.57 |
| A4 | A4, A5 (landscape) | Office, school, care, retail | €3.41 |
| A5 | A5, A6 (landscape) | Waitstaff, couriers, field sales | €2.37 |
| A6 | A6, notes | Notes on the go, compact companion | €2.15 |
Prices refer to the most affordable material, HDF. Birch plywood and PLEXIGLAS® cost more depending on shape and size – the exact price per material is shown live in the configurator.
Clipboards are available in portrait and landscape. Landscape is especially suited to forms and drawings, portrait to lists and documents.
Tip: Not sure which size fits? The configurator shows all dimensions in mm – for every shape and orientation separately.
3. The Clip: Spring Clip or Wire Clip?
The clip holds the paper in place – and the clip types differ in grip strength, handling and looks.
Spring Clip
The spring clip holds the paper securely with serrated teeth that grip it. It offers an especially secure hold – even with many sheets or outdoors in the wind. Available in 70 mm (for A5/A6) and 110 mm (for A3/A4). Available in 7 clip colours – all except Silver Carbon.
Wire Clip
The wire clip works like a spring – clip the paper, release, done. Gentler handling, especially for frequent opening and closing. Available in 70 mm and 120 mm, in 7 colours; the 120 mm clip also in Silver Carbon.
Recommendation: For outdoor use and many sheets → spring clip. For frequent paper changes and comfortable handling → wire clip.
4. The Clip Colour: 8 Options
Clips are available in 8 colours: Silver, Gold, Rose, Copper, Antique, Rainbow, Black and Silver Carbon (120 mm wire clip only). The clip colour can be freely chosen and combined with the board colour – visible instantly in the configurator.
Silver Carbon is the most exclusive option and only available with the 120 mm wire clip. For a subtle, professional look, Silver or Black are recommended. Gold and Copper pair well with warm wood tones.
5. The Shape: 5 Variants
All clipboards come in 5 shapes: standard shape, segment shape, concave shape, convex shape and wood board shape. The shapes differ in the board’s silhouette – the clip function is identical on all of them.
- Standard shape: A classic rectangle with slightly rounded corners – a timeless all-rounder.
- Segment shape: Top edge with a curve – an elegant accent at no extra cost.
- Concave shape: The sides taper toward the centre – a slim, modern design.
- Convex shape: The sides curve outward – a wide, inviting look.
- Wood board shape: Organic, irregular silhouette – especially natural. Eyelets only available at the top.
6. Eyelets: Useful or Unnecessary?
Eyelets (metal rings, 4 mm inner diameter) can be attached in up to 7 positions: top left/right, middle left/right and bottom left/centre/right. They allow the clipboard to be hung on hooks, lanyards or walls.
Eyelets cost €0.08 each and are available for birch plywood and HDF – not for PLEXIGLAS®. On the wood board shape, only the top positions are usable.
7. Engraving: Is It Worth It?
An engraving makes a clipboard personal or represents your company’s brand. Name, department, quote or logo – you can enter all of these in the configurator with a live preview. Engravings on HDF are especially even, on birch especially warm and organic. Engraving starts at a €1.00 base price plus a surcharge based on font size.
More on this: Clipboard with Engraving – the full guide
8. Volume Discounts When Buying Several Clipboards
From 10 pieces you automatically get a volume discount – no minimum order value or voucher code needed:
- From 10 pieces: −5%
- From 25 pieces: −7%
- From 50 pieces: −10%
- From 100 pieces: −15%
- From 200 pieces: −20%
More information for bulk orders: Clipboards for office and business
Shipping: €5.90 DHL parcel within Germany (with reduced CO₂e emissions via DHL GoGreen Plus on request, +€0.20) – free shipping from €79. Delivery in 3–5 business days. EU delivery also available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Clipboard
Which material is right for my clipboard?
Birch plywood is warm and natural with visible grain – ideal for a premium feel. HDF is more affordable and more uniform – perfect for bulk orders and heavy use. PLEXIGLAS® looks modern and upscale – available in 17 colours, including transparent and neon.
Which size should I choose?
A4 is the most universally popular size for use in the office, at school or on the go. A5 is more compact and lighter for mobile use. A3 offers plenty of room for large documents or drawings. A6 is ideal for short notes and as a handy accessory.
What is the difference between a spring clip and a wire clip?
The spring clip holds paper with spring pressure via toothed metal – it’s sturdier and holds thicker stacks too. The wire clip opens with one hand by pressing the wire lever – more convenient in everyday use when your other hand is holding the paper.
Is engraving worth it when buying a clipboard?
Yes – engraving starts at a €1.00 base price and turns the clipboard into a personal or company item. Name, department, quote or logo are all possible. The live preview in the configurator shows the result before you order.
Are there volume discounts when buying several clipboards?
Yes – volume discounts are calculated automatically from 10 pieces: −5% from 10, −7% from 25, −10% from 50, −15% from 100 and −20% from 200 pieces. No voucher code needed.
Can a clipboard be used as a script holder?
Yes – on stage, in the studio or at the lectern, the clip holds scripts, cue cards or speech notes securely together, and the sturdy board sits steadily in your hand. A5 or A6 suits cue cards, A4 suits scripts and manuscripts. With an engraving it becomes a personal script holder for presenters, speakers or the whole cast.
Configure Your Clipboard Directly
Material, size, colour, clip – all in one step with a live preview.
To the configurator →