If your organization binds large reports presentations or proposals then chances are you are either using index tabs or should consider using index tabs. Index tab dividers can be bound right into your document to help organize the contents and make it easier to read and reference. However, if you are interested in creating your own index tabs or ordering custom index tabs you will have some decisions to make. Here are some of them.
1. What color do you want your index tabs to be. Index tabs are most commonly produced in white but they can be special ordered in either cream or a number of other custom colors. White will be the most cost effective choice.
2. What weight of paper do you want your index tabs to be created from. The most common choices are 90lb index and 110lb index. Other weights are available but are usually considered custom.
3. What size of paper do you want the tabs to be made from? Standard index tabs will be letter sized with a ½" tab extension from the side of the divider. However, tabs can also be ordered in half letter size, legal size and even in 11" x 17" size depending on your needs.
4. Do you want the binding edge to be reinforced? A clear laminate can be added to the binding edge of your index tab to prevent it from ripping out of your document. This is especially useful for documents that are frequently referenced.
5. How many tabs do you want? This question really has two parts. First, you need to decide what cut of tabs that you want (how many tabs will the edge of your document be split into). Second, you will need to determine the total number of tabs that you want in each set. If you needed an alphabetical index of tab dividers you could order a single bank of 25th cut tabs or you could order 5 banks of 5th cut tabs. It really depends on what you are looking for.
6. What edge of the paper do you want the tabs to be on? You can choose to place the tabs on the long or the short edge of the document depending on the side of the book that you are planning on binding.
7. What printing do you want to put on the tabs? You will need to decide if you are going to need to print anything on the body of the index divider. You will also need to choose the text to place on each of the index tabs. Index tabs can be printed on both sides or just one side. It is really up to you.
8. Do you want the tabs to be coated? The tabs can be coated with a Mylar sealant that will keep them from being damaged or bent. This sealant can be clear or can be in one of about ten transparent color choices.
When you are looking and buying custom index tabs, these are all questions that you will need to ask yourself before you make your purchase.
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