The Tab Department faq page

The standard paper is 90lb index stock. This is the same or better than commercially available index tabs from big box stores. We also offer a premium 140lb coated stock which we recommend for colour printed index tabs. We can also make index tabs using any stock of your choice. In the past, we have made tabs from linen and even synthetic paper that is impossible to tear. For custom stocks please contact us directly to discuss your project.

It is very easy. While The Tab Department does offer templates for customers that want to design their own tabs most of our tabs are set up by us for you at no extra cost. When you order your custom tabs you will be asked to provide the headings. Someone from our staff will set up the headings for you and send you a proof so that you can approve the final product before printing.If you would like to add a logo to the body of your tabs no problem. There is no extra cost for that and as long as you provide us with a print-ready version of your logo and instructions of where you would like it we are happy to include it at no extra cost. If you need more extensive design work then we can discuss your project and give you a personalized quote.

• Step 1: Fill out the online order form where you supply the project, payment, and shipping information required to make your tabs.
• Step 2: Our prepress department will create a proof and e-mail it to you within a day of receiving the specs and files.
• Step 3: Confirm that everything is correct on the proof and respond by e-mail that your job is approved for production.
• Step 4: You are done! Production will begin on your index tabs and you will receive an e-mail when they ship. Typically the whole process takes a few days.

Probably. If you take a picture or a scan and e-mail it to us we can make you either the exact same tabs or something similar.

The most common tab extension is a half inch tab. All the tabs sold on our online store involve a half inch tab extension. The Tab Department can also manufacture index tabs with a three eighths tab extension. A slightly smaller tab extension is an attractive choice for undersized books. If you believe your project would benefit from a three eighths tab extension call us to discuss it.

A bank of tabs is a complete row of tabs. Banks of index tabs are referred as a cut. For example 5^th cut tab would have 5 tabs per bank. An 8^th cut would have 8 tabs per bank.

A set of index tabs is your complete set of tab dividers, from first to last. A set of ten might be made as two banks of five, or a bank of ten.

A set of index tab dividers is your complete number of tabs. A bank of tabs is a single row of tabs in a set. For example, a set of 10 index tabs could be a single bank in a 10^th cut or it could be two banks in a 5^th cut. How you set up your index tabs will depend on the space required for the headings. We generally prefer a set of tabs as a single bank if the heading text allows for it. If your heading text is lengthy or you wish to make use of a larger font, then using longer tab extensions and additional banks is preferable. For example, if your custom headings are a single word a set of 12 index tabs would work well. If you headings are greater than 3 words or require multiple languages than the set of 12 dividers would likely be better as 2 banks of 6 or 3 banks of 4 tabs each.

No. You can have sets of tabs that have banks using different cuts. This is useful to distinguish dividers for main units from dividers used for sub-categories. Here are some examples.

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We can even make your sub-category index tabs with a special cut that positions them all behind their master category index tab. This makes your documents stand out and is a very sophisticated look.

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Because the number of combinations are infinite, tabs of different sizes require contacting us directly for a custom quote.

Edge reinforcing involves adding a strip of plastic tape to the binding edge of your index tabs. It is used to strengthen the sheet. Our preprinted index tabs come with reinforcing unless you request otherwise. For custom index tabs we generally suggest getting reinforcing if you are going to use your tabs in binders. If you plan to bind them with coil binding then reinforcing is typically unnecessary.

Body art is printing on the tab sheet. With custom index tabs you are not limited to just custom headings on the index tab. You can customize the entire tab divider.