Abstract: A device for handling a sheet pile in a printing press includes a pile chamber with at least one opening of a size at least through which the pile is passable horizontally, a lifting platform in the pile chamber for receiving the sheet pile thereon, a lift drive for vertically adjusting the platform, and a screen assigned to the opening and adjustable between a first operating condition wherein the screen covers the opening, and a second operating condition wherein the opening is free from being covered by the screen. A conveyor section horizontally shifts the pile through the opening when the lifting platform is at a transfer level. The conveyor section includes a first conveyor subsection within the pile chamber and at least a second conveyor subsection outside and adjoining the pile chamber. The first and second subsections have alternating states of occupancy during operation. They are alternately occupied by a pile and not occupied by a pile.