Stage Technician sorting gobo patterns

Lighting Gobo Storage Solutions for Theatre and Live Events

Effective storage and organization of lighting gobos (templates) is essential for any stage electrician, lighting technician, or production manager. Gobos, which are small discs—usually metal or glass—used to project patterns and shapes in stage lighting, quickly multiply in any busy shop. Without an organized system, valuable templates can become misplaced, damaged, or hard to browse during production.

Below are proven, widely used methods for organizing gobos, including both traditional and innovative solutions. These approaches can be adapted for everything from a small theater’s collection to the extensive stock typical of a large venue or AV company.

Popular Gobo Storage Methods

Binder and Sleeve Systems

Binders remain one of the most popular solutions for gobo storage due to their portability, compactness, and ease of labeling.

Photo Slide Sheets & Print Preservers: Photo sleeves sized 3.5″x3.5″, designed for prints or slides, fit many gobos perfectly. These hold templates securely in three-ring binders for quick reference and inventory checks.
Baseball Card and Trading Card Pages: B-size gobos fit neatly into standard baseball card pages, while oversized pages are available for larger A-size gobos. This method makes browsing and sorting fast and intuitive.
Specialized Gobo Binders: Gobo-sized plastic pocket sheets can be purchased or custom-made, providing a professional solution tailored for stage lighting equipment.

Tip: Label each pocket or page with gobo size, manufacturer, or design type for maximum efficiency.

Box, Case, and Drawer Organization

For larger collections or permanent installations, box-based systems provide robust protection and category sorting.

Index Card Boxes and Recipe Boxes: Sturdy, easy to find, and cost-effective, these boxes use labeled dividers to keep gobos sorted by pattern, size, or project.
Floppy Disk Holders: Repurposed 3.5″ and 5.25″ floppy disk containers are well-suited for storing metal gobos, thanks to their compatible size and protective design.
Library Card Catalog Drawers: Especially beneficial for large venues, vintage card catalog cabinets make it simple to browse large inventories by theme, number, or manufacturer.
Craft Storage Cases and File Bins: Plastic craft organizers, parts bins, and expandable file folders (marketed for office or craft use) are frequently adapted for both gobos and gels.

Tip: Keep gobos in category-labeled compartments and use color-coded dividers for quicker access.

Repurposed Media Storage

CD, DVD, and media cases—especially those with soft sides or polycarbonate shells—have become top choices for gobo transport and storage.

Gobo or Template storage in CD sleeves

CD Albums and Wallets: Zippered CD wallets keep gobos from falling out during travel and are available in high-capacity options for large collections.
CD Jewel Cases: Removing the plastic “CD stem” transforms these into compact, stackable storage for gobos, especially if the spines are clearly labeled.
Media Binders and Polycarbonate Wallets: Purpose-built CD/DVD media binders offer even greater capacity, durability, and labeling options for theatres or production companies with extensive inventories.

Tip: Include images or reference cards in each sleeve to aid designers and technicians during quick selections.

DIY and Alternative Solutions

Manila Folders: Standard folders can be stapled closed on the sides, labeled with template details, and filed in a box or cabinet.
Plastic Tins or Containers: Small plastic tins (such as those formerly used for snuff or mints) can individually protect gobos, but work best for a small number of discs.
Expanding Gel Swatch Booklets & Craft Boxes: Repurposed from other theater or hobby needs, these solutions adapt well for both gobos and color gels.

Additional Recommendations

Glass Gobo Care: Always keep glass gobos in their original packaging for maximum protection.
Clear Labeling: Clearly label every sleeve, compartment, or folder with the gobo’s size, design, and manufacturer to save valuable setup and troubleshooting time.
Weight Consideration: Distribute heavy steel gobos across several binders or boxes to prevent damage.
Ease of Browsing: Organized collections encourage lighting designers to make use of stock gobos, increasing efficiency and reducing operating costs.

Organizing Gels Alongside Gobos

Most methods for storing gobos can also be adapted for gels. Expandable file folders, office cases, and craft organizers excel at keeping gel cuts sorted by color and size. Some technicians prefer to keep gel in rolls and make fresh cuts at the venue for maximum flexibility.

Conclusion

There is no universal solution for storing and organizing lighting gobos. The best approach depends on the size and mobility of the collection, available storage space, and production needs. Techniques such as binders, CD cases, index boxes, and repurposed craft containers each offer unique advantages in protection, organization, and portability.

Consistent organization not only protects your investment but also streamlines production—saving time, reducing stress, and empowering designers and technicians to be more creative with stock gobos.

Storing and Organizing Lighting Gobos