I keep a variety of 3-ring notebooks in my job and at home. One of the ways I keep these notebooks organized is by using Avery Big Tab Dividers on Buff Paper with a Double Gold Edge – 5 Clear Tabs. Whew! I was worried the product name would be longer than the review.


Description

Each package comes with 5 buff-colored dividers, each one with a clear tab on the side. The tabs are staggered so that when the dividers are placed in a notebook, the tabs are easy to view. Along the opposite side from the tabs is a double-sided gold edge. This 1/2" gold edge has three holes punched in it for 3-ring notebook use. Each tabbed divider measures 9" wide x 11" high. The clear tabs measure 1/2" wide x 2" long.

Also included in the package is a single white sheet of perforated card stock. The perforations mark where the tabs begin and end. Once printed, these perforated paper tabs are separated from the sheet and fit into the clear tab holders. This sheet is the size of a regular piece of printer paper, 8 1/2" x 11".

Use the computer to create printed tabs. You will need Microsoft Word for Windows in any of these versions: 2002 / XP / 2000 or 97. Using a Microsoft Word template, one inputs the information into the computer to be printed on the tabs.


Special Features

* Buff divider paper is “heavy duty”
* Double-sided gold edging prevent the holes from ripping
* Clear tabs are “rip proof”
* Unique design prevents the inserts from falling out of tabs
* Clear tabs are 50% bigger than “normal” tabs
* Larger tabs means more printing fits onto a tab
* Larger tabs means larger fonts fit onto a tab
* Perforated sheet feeds through a laser or ink jet printer


Creating the Tab Inserts

I opened Microsoft Word and followed the instructions printed on the side of the perforated tabs. The actual tabs are aligned down the center of the paper with instructions printed on either side of the tabs.

I used Microsoft Word 2002. In Microsoft Word, I selected “Tools” then “Letters and Mailings” then “Envelopes and Labels”. A new window opens, and I clicked on the “Labels” tab. I then clicked “Options”.

A new screen appears. Make sure the “Laser and Ink Jet” button is selected, and in the Label Products window select “Avery Standard”. I scrolled down the list of product numbers until I found “Divider Tab Inserts 5 - Tabs”. I chose this label and clicked “New Label”.

Another screen appears. There are several options on this screen to customize the label. Since these are Big Tab Inserts, the label size needs adjusting. This is simple to do. Just follow the instructions to change the measurements of the label. Then save these new label measurements under a new name. I chose to call it “Divider Big Tab Inserts – 5". Then click “OK” twice.

Now click “New Document”. A page fills the screen, showing a table with 2 columns and 18 rows. Here is where I typed the information that I wanted to print on my tabs. I chose to have the tab repeat the information on the front and back of the tab. For example, I typed the text in the first cell of the first row, then tabbed to the second cell in the first row (the cells are side by side). Then I typed the same information again. When the tabs are separated, I can fold this row in half along the perforation so that the printing appears on the front and back of the tab.

These tabs are deep enough to support two rows of text. Using a Times New Roman font (size 14 bold), I was able to type up to 21 characters across each tab section and two rows of text on the tab.

When I finished typing all the information, I printed the page on plain white paper – not the perforated sheet. I took the printed paper and placed it against the perforated sheet and held both pieces of paper up to my Ott light. The bright light allowed me to see if the printing on the plain paper correctly aligned with the perforations. That way I didn’t make mistakes when printing on the perforated paper. The page beautifully aligned, so I printed on the perforated sheet.

If you do make an error while printing, don’t despair. The perforated sheet is two-sided. If something goes wrong on the first side, you can print on the other side of the paper. Avery also suggests that if you only plan to use half a sheet, and if your printer supports printing on 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" paper, then split the perforated page in half to save the paper for when it might be needed again.

If you don’t wish to use Microsoft Word to format the tabs, other programs also support this product. According to Avery, you can print using templates included in these products: Avery DesignPro, Avery Wizard, Corel WordPerfect.


My Experiences

I like using this product. Following the instructions was easy. I didn’t have to “tweak” any of the settings that Avery provided in the instructions, either. The printed tabs look professional. Once printed, just fold the paper back and forth along the perforated row lines. The tabs easily separate from the sheet.

It is easy to slide the paper tabs into the clear plastic tab holder, too. There is an “easy-access notch” along one edge of the clear tab. This makes it easy to grab the paper tab to insert and remove it. Avery has also provided a “secure indent point” on each tab. This translates into a small bump that is hardly noticeable at the lower edge of the tab. The purpose of this small bump is to prevent the paper tab from sliding out of the clear plastic holder. Since the tabs don’t slide out of their holders, I guess it works.

My notebooks look very professional with these index tabs. I can customize the font style and size in order to squeeze more information onto the tabs or to make the fonts larger and easier to read. I also like that I can print two rows of text on each tab.

Avery says the buff paper dividers are “heavy duty”. When I think of heavy-duty dividers, I expect the dividers to be made from a heavy-weight paper such as a card stock. This divider paper is heavier than 20-pound copier paper but is not card stock. The divider paper is very flexible. Since my notebooks don’t see abuse, I can’t determine how well these dividers would hold up to misuse.

The gold double-sided band along the edge where the three holes are is great. This protective edging prevents the holes from ripping. Now I don’t have to worry about the dividers tearing out of a notebook.


Purchasing

This product can be purchased at Staples for 79-cents a package. Each package contains a set of 5 tabbed sheets plus a printer-friendly sheet of blank tab inserts.


Summary

These Avery Big Tab Dividers are for me. I love the convenience of printing the tabs directly from my laser printer. The tabs look great in a notebook, too. Now I can create notebook presentations that garner attention since they are so well organized with easy-to-find information.

I hope you have found this review useful.

Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com


Additional Information

Avery Dennison -- Brea, California 92821
Toll Free Phone # 1-800-462-8379
www.avery.com

Product Guarantee
“Avery Dennison is committed to providing you with quality products and will gladly replace any product which does not provide complete satisfaction.”


Please read my other reviews

Avery File Folder Labels for both inkjet and laser printers

Avery Mailing Labels #5160

Avery Shipping Labels #5164

Avery Blank Business Cards for Laser Printers

Wausau Exact Vellum Bristol Cover Stock – in Blue (created brochures with it)

Post-It Tape Flags

Acco Electric 3-hole Paper Punch

Stanley Heavy-Duty Stapler for up to 120 sheets

Ott 13-Watt True Color Bedside / Desk Lamp

Ott 18-Watt True Color Flex-Arm Plus Lamp

Ott 18-Watt True Color Floor Lamp



Copyright 2005 Dawn L. Stewart

Recommended: Yes