Index Tabs
Laying out tabs can be easy if you follow a few simple rules:
1.) Leave a gutter at each end of the sheet. Standard gutters are ½” and ¼” (used rarely – use when copy is very tight & you need a little more space).
2.) Tab width equals:
3.) Center position 1 equals:
Center pos. 1 = (tab width/2) + gutter
4.) Centers step-off:
center position 1 + tab width + tab width + …
Eample:
9” x 11” sheet, bank of 5, tabs on 11” edge with ½” gutters:
Center Pos. 1 = 2”/2 + .5” = 1 ½”
Centers: Pos. 2 = 3 ½”, Pos. 3 = 5 ½”, Pos. 4 = 7 ½” and Pos. 5 = 9 ½”.
We offer tabs in two heights: 1/2" and 3/8" . Center copy on 1/4" and 3/16" respectively from edge. Compute sheet size as follows: text sheet size + index tab height (extension).
Example: 8 1/2" x 11" sheet size with tabs on 11" edge with 1/2" tabs
Sheet size = 8 1/2" + 1/2" = 9"
Tab sheet size = 9" x 11"
InDesign inx templates are available for standard layouts with ½” gutters for both 8 ½” and 11” sheet lengths. Templates can be opened with InDesign. Templates include die line of how tabs will cut.
Click on the link below for either 11" or 8 1/2" tab edge to download a pdf that has tab outlines for banks of 2 through 11 you can place into your art to make sure the layout is correct.
11" tab edge: 11TabLayoutSheet.pdf
8 1/2" tab edge: 85TabLayoutSheet.pdf
If you have any questions, please call 1-800-533-2463 and we will be happy to assit you in creating your tab art.