Index Tabs for Binders: Pre-Printed Styles

Pre-printed index tabs are the most efficient choice when you need a standard labeling scheme across multiple binders and do not want to print, trim, and apply individual labels. The most common pre-printed formats are numbered tabs from 1 to 25 or 1 to 31, alphabetical A-Z tabs, exhibit tabs (printed "EXHIBIT A" or "EXHIBIT 1"), monthly Jan-Dec tabs, and roman numeral tabs. "Index tabs" and "binder index dividers" are the most common search terms for this product type, and most users are looking for the Avery-style format, which features Helvetica bold font on both sides of the tab extension for maximum legibility.

Bound index tabs are ordered with sequential numbers in a fixed set and are sold pre-collated (tabs organized 1, 2, 3 in order) or uncollated (all tab #1s together, all #2s together, etc.). For high-volume legal and financial environments where binders are built in large batches, uncollated tabs allow you to quickly pull just the tabs you need without separating pre-collated sets. Browse our Avery index tabs for the most popular brand in this category.

Numbered vs Exhibit vs Custom Index Tabs

TypeBest ForFormat
Numbered (1-25, 1-31)Audit binders, large case files, mortgage filesBold numbers, both sides of tab
Exhibit (A, B, C or 1, 2, 3)Court filings, legal exhibits, deposition transcripts"EXHIBIT A" or "EXHIBIT 1" printed on tab
A-Z AlphabeticalClient files, reference binders, contact directoriesSingle letter per tab, 26-tab set
Monthly (Jan-Dec)Financial reports, HR records, project binders by monthMonth abbreviations or full names
CustomAny application needing specific tab text or colorsBlack or full-color print, paper or poly tab material

Custom Tabs for Binders

Custom binder tabs are the right choice when your standard tab text needs to match a client name, project number, department title, or branded color scheme. Custom tabs for binders are available in both paper and poly materials, with printing from basic one-color text on the tab extension only up to full-color printing across the entire divider body. Custom tabs are particularly common in financial services firms, law firms, and compliance teams that need a uniform branded presentation across all client-facing binders.

For legal-specific tab formats, browse our Avery legal index tabs and Avery specialty index tabs. For copier-printable tabs you can run through your own laser printer, browse our Avery print-on index tabs. For more detail, see our knowledge base.

Why Buy from MyBinding.com?

Full Avery style range in stockNumbered, A-Z, exhibit, monthly, and specialty pre-printed tabs on 80 lb Mylar-reinforced stock, ready to ship same or next business day.
Custom tab printing availableCall our team for a quote on custom tabs in paper or poly, any tab text, any quantity.
Free shipping at $75Qualifying orders of $75 or more ship free within the continental U.S.
Binders and tabs in one placeWe carry ring binders, tab sets, and covers so you can source your complete binder setup without switching suppliers.
Easy ReturnsMyBinding.com offers easy returns on most items. Contact our team at (800) 944-4573 to arrange a return.

Need installation or operating instructions? Browse our product manuals page.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Index tabs are used to divide a binder or document set into clearly labeled sections for fast navigation. Common applications include legal case files organized by exhibit number, audit binders divided into numbered financial schedules, mortgage files tabbed by document type, corporate reports divided by quarter or department, and training manuals organized by section. They are also called binder index dividers or binder tabs depending on the industry.

Collated index tabs are packaged as complete sequential sets, for example one set of tabs numbered 1 through 25 in order, ready to insert directly into a binder. Uncollated tabs are packaged with all tabs of the same number grouped together, so all the number 1 tabs are in one pack, all number 2 tabs in another pack, and so on. Collated sets are convenient for small quantities; uncollated sets are more efficient for building many identical binders at once since you pull one tab from each stack in sequence.

An exhibit tab is a pre-printed index tab with the word EXHIBIT followed by a letter or number printed on the extension, for example EXHIBIT A or EXHIBIT 1. Exhibit tabs are used in legal documents, court filings, deposition transcripts, and trial binders where sections must be referenced by exhibit designation. They are available in both alphabetical and numerical series, and in collated and uncollated formats.

Yes. Custom binder tabs can be printed with any text, color, or branding. Basic custom tabs have black text on the tab extension only. Full-color custom tabs print across the entire divider body and can include logos, department names, client information, or any graphic. Custom tabs are available in paper or poly material. Call (800) 944-4573 for a quote on custom tab quantities and specifications.

Avery style is the most common index tab format in the US, featuring Helvetica bold type printed in all capital letters on both sides of the tab extension, on 80 lb white index stock with a clear Mylar coating for durability. Avery style is a dimensional and format standard that multiple manufacturers produce, not just Avery itself, so Avery-compatible tabs from other brands are fully interchangeable with Avery products in terms of size and fit.

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