a device for the temporary guidance of successively transported sheets along a guiding surface defined by opposite side edges of a sheet , includes a sheet guiding element revolving in a given direction during operation . the guiding element has a groove oriented at least substantially in the given direction and the guiding element has at least one suction opening formed therein . the at least one suction opening has an aperture cross section in the groove to be temporarily covered by a sheet , and the at least one suction opening is subjected to a periodic underpressure exerting a suction effect on a sheet . such a device exhibits good guiding characteristics at high sheet speeds .