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Tabzoola

Custom Book Tabs

★★★★★What our customers say
Short answer

Tabzoola prints custom tab dividers for books, workbooks and manuals. Letter-size book tabs are priced online from $136.25 for 25 sets of 5 tabs; other trim sizes are quoted as custom work, and every order gets a free PDF proof.

Tabzoola prices 25 sets of 5 custom paper tabs at $5.45 a set, $136.25 total — delivered free.

Setup included. Instant PDF proof before anything prints. Price it anywhere else first — we’d rather you did.

Need them fast? Tick 3-Day Rush at checkout (+40%, $75 minimum) and it ships 3 business days after you approve your proof. See your delivery date →

Paper TabsPoly Tabs

Tabzoola is a US manufacturer and supplier of custom printed tab dividers, made to order in Schaumburg, Illinois by Anselmo Die & Index, Inc. — die-cutting index tabs since 1993 and shipping nationwide.

Book tabs are printed, die-cut divider sheets that split a bound or mechanically bound book into labeled sections a reader can reach without hunting the table of contents. They are the same product as an index tab divider, sized and finished for a book rather than a ring binder — which is what makes trim size the first question rather than an afterthought.

Straight answer on capability: if the book is letter size, the standard set applies and prices online instantly. If the book trims to any other size, it is custom work at our plant — send the quote form your trim size, section list and binding method and we will set it up with you.

Letter-trim books: the standard set, priced online

Workbooks, training manuals, curriculum binders, operations manuals, directories and most coil- or wire-bound reference books trim to letter. For those, the online designer covers it: choose the cut, type each section title, pick colors, and see the price update as you build, with a free PDF proof before anything prints.

Sheets are 8.5 x 11 finishing 9 x 11 with the tab standing proud of the edge, 3-hole punched by default for ring or post binding — leave punching off if the book will be drilled, coiled or wire-bound after the tabs arrive.

  • Any cut from 1/2 to 1/15; 8 to 12 sections is the common range for a manual
  • Up to 2 lines of text per tab, printed one or both sides
  • Collated in section order so the book assembles in one pass

Other trim sizes: custom work, quoted

Cookbooks, field guides, hymnals, digest-size manuals and anything trimmed to a book size rather than letter need the tab geometry drawn for that page. That is routine work in our plant, but it is not something the online designer covers, so it is quoted rather than self-served.

Send the quote form three things and the setup is straightforward: the finished trim size, the section list, and how the book will be bound — perfect bound, coil, wire-O, saddle or post. Binding method changes where the tab can sit and how much gutter has to stay clear.

Who orders book tabs

The buyers cluster into a few recognizable groups, and their needs differ mostly in quantity:

  • Self-publishers and small presses — cookbooks, workbooks, field guides, directories
  • Training and curriculum publishers — participant workbooks that must match an instructor edition
  • Operations and technical manuals — equipment books that live on a floor or in a truck
  • Churches and ministries — study books and hymnals where sections are reached mid-service
  • Associations and directories — membership books tabbed alphabetically or by chapter

Coordinating with your printer or bindery

Tabs almost always arrive before the book is finished, so the order of operations matters. If the bindery will drill, coil or trim after insertion, order the tabs unpunched and tell us the trim allowance you need — a tab cut to final size and then trimmed again loses the extension.

Two practical notes worth passing to whoever binds it: the tab extension must clear the binding edge on the opposite side, and a coil or wire-O book needs the punch pattern to match the book block rather than a standard three-hole. When in doubt, send us the book's specs and we will cut to them.

Materials, and which to pick

Mylar-reinforced 90# or 110# index stock is the usual choice for a book that will be read rather than worked: the Mylar film on every tab protects the tab extension, which is the only place a divider reliably fails. Solid .015 poly is the pick for a book that goes into a kitchen, a shop or a truck, where it will be wiped down and handled with dirty hands.

Nineteen Mylar colors on paper and eleven poly colors mean a tab set can match a cover design or simply color-code the sections so a reader lands in the right place without reading anything.

Ordering

Letter-trim sets: 25-set minimum with volume pricing past 1,000, priced instantly online, paper in about 5 business days from proof approval and poly in about 15. Purchase orders accepted by email with Net-30 invoicing.

Non-letter trims: send the quote form your trim size, sections and binding method. Tabzoola manufactures the tabs; it does not print or bind books, so the book itself stays with your printer.

Specs, minimums, and pricing at a glance

Custom Book Tabs — what you can choose, what a set costs, and how fast it ships.

Minimum order
25 sets
Paper price, 5-tab set
$5.45 per set at 25 sets, $2.35 at 100 sets, $1.57 at 250 sets. The size most suppliers quote — compare this one.
Paper price, 8-tab set
$8.00 per set at 25 sets, $3.58 at 100 sets, $2.44 at 250 sets. One price, setup included — nothing is added at checkout.
Poly price, 8-tab set
$40.80 per set at 25 sets, $16.56 at 100 sets, $9.92 at 250 sets. Setup included; poly is screen printed, so the per-set price falls sharply on longer runs.
How you order
Design online and see the exact price live, then buy by card — no quote form, no sales call.
Materials
90# or 110# index paper, with optional Mylar edge reinforcing; .015 gauge solid poly (plastic) — wipe-clean and tear-resistant.
Colors & cuts
19 Mylar colors on paper and 11 poly colors, mixable tab by tab. Every cut from 1/2 to 1/15, up to 150 tabs per set across banks.
Printing & finishing
1- or 2-sided, up to 2 lines of text per tab, 3-hole punching, collated sets ready to assemble.
Proof
A free PDF proof is emailed before printing — nothing prints until you approve it.
Production
about 5 business days for paper, about 15 for poly, from proof approval. Free UPS Ground on US orders over $75.
Made in
Schaumburg, Illinois, USA — manufactured by Anselmo Die & Index, printing tabs since 1993.

Frequently asked questions

What are book tabs?

Printed, die-cut divider sheets bound or inserted into a book so a reader can reach a section directly. Mechanically the same product as an index tab divider, but sized and finished for the book's trim rather than a ring binder — which is why trim size and binding method are the first two questions.

Can you match my book's trim size?

Yes, as custom work. The online designer covers letter (8.5 x 11 sheets finishing 9 x 11) and the landscape equivalent; any other trim is drawn for that page in our plant. Send the quote form your finished trim size, section list and binding method — perfect bound, coil, wire-O, saddle or post — and we will set it up with you.

Should the tabs be punched or unpunched?

Unpunched if your bindery will drill, coil or wire-bind after insertion, because the punch pattern has to match the book block rather than a standard three-hole. Punched is fine for ring or post binding. Tell us which and we finish accordingly — and if the book will be trimmed again after insertion, say so, because a tab trimmed twice loses its extension.

Do you print the book as well as the tabs?

No. Tabzoola manufactures printed tab dividers; the book itself stays with your printer or bindery. Many customers have the tabs shipped directly to their bindery — tell us where to send them and we will.

What is the minimum for a small print run?

Twenty-five sets, which suits a self-published first run. An 8-tab paper set is $8.00 per set at 25 and $2.44 at 250, setup included, priced instantly online for letter trim with a free PDF proof before production. A 5-tab set is $5.45 per set at 25 and $1.57 at 250.

Paper or poly for a book?

Mylar-reinforced paper for books that are read — it is economical and the Mylar protects the tab extension where dividers fail. Solid .015 poly for books that go into kitchens, shops or trucks, where they are wiped clean and handled roughly. Poly costs more and produces in about 15 business days versus about 5 for paper.

Free resources

Customer Reviews

★★★★★5.0 out of 5 from verified buyers
★★★★★✓ Verified buyer
Amazing Customer Service

We had a deadline to get 50 presentation books out, and our current tab supplier couldn't deliver the tabs that we needed on time. I worked directly with Justin and he was able to get our order manufactured and shipped out within days. The order arrived in time for us to complete our presentations, and the tabs looked great. This type of amazing customer service is very hard to find nowadays, but I'm thrilled to now have a supplier that I can count on.

Lamar W. · Sep 1, 2026
Response from Tabzoola

Lamar, thank you — a deadline like yours is exactly what the shop is built for. The moment Justin heard it, your deadline became our deadline, and your order was manufactured and out the door in days. Rush work only counts when it arrives looking right, so "the tabs looked great" is the part we're proudest of. Count on us for the next one — we'll be here. John Anselmo, Tabzoola

★★★★★✓ Verified buyer
Thanks !

Justin was so nice to work with ! He answered all my questions and now I feel like an expert :)

Megan D. · Aug 29, 2026
Response from Tabzoola

Megan, thank you for the kind words — I'll pass them straight to Justin. Getting every question answered before anything prints is exactly how we like to work, so "now I feel like an expert" is about the best review we could ask for. Whenever your next set of tabs comes up, your questions are always welcome. John Anselmo, Tabzoola

★★★★★✓ Verified buyer
Great Price

Glad I found you online. You're approximately 30 percent less than my old supplier and easier to work with. I'll be back.

Ben H. · Aug 22, 2026
Response from Tabzoola

Thank you, Ben — the price is no accident. We publish the whole table, setup included, so the number you see while you design is the number on the invoice. Glad the switch was easy, and we'll be ready when you are. — Tabzoola

★★★★★✓ Verified buyer
Great customer service

I can't say enough about how great Justin was helping me with my order. After I approved the order he took time to call me to ask if i was sure about a decision to use next day delivery on the whole order when only a partial would keep me going while the rest of the order shipped ups ground. He saved me a ton of money. Thank you for caring about your customers. I wish more people were like you.

Amy L. · Aug 20, 2026
Response from Tabzoola

Thank you, Amy — I'll make sure Justin sees this. Splitting the shipment so only the part you needed went next-day was the right call, and it's the kind of thing we'd rather catch on the phone than have you find on the invoice. Anyone here would have made that call. Thank you for taking the time to write it down. — Tabzoola

★★★★★✓ Verified buyer
Thank You

My old supplier went out of business. You guys produced an exact copy of what we've been using. Thank you!!!

Perri V. · Aug 18, 2026
Response from Tabzoola

Thank you, Perri — losing a supplier you've used for years is a real headache, and matching a set you already rely on is the kind of job we like. If you ever need another one matched, a photo of an existing tab is enough for us to pick up the titles and the colors. Glad we could keep you running. — Tabzoola

★★★★★✓ Verified buyer
Perfect!

Tabs came out better than expected. Will definitely be back.

Joan S. · Aug 18, 2026
Response from Tabzoola

Thank you, Joan — better than expected is a good place to land. The part people usually don't expect is the make: real die-cut tabs on index stock, with the Mylar bonded on both sides of the extension, which is where tabs tear first. We'll be ready whenever you need the next run. — Tabzoola

★★★★★✓ Verified buyer
Easy

Very easy to use.

Pat M. · Aug 15, 2026
Response from Tabzoola

Thank you, Pat — short, and the best kind. Easy is the whole thing we were aiming for, so that is good to hear. Ready whenever you need more. — Tabzoola

★★★★★✓ Verified buyer
Thanks!

You guys made ordering easy :)

Louie B. · Aug 14, 2026
Response from Tabzoola

Thanks, Louie — easy is the goal, and hearing it beats any feature list. Everything's printed and die-cut here in Schaumburg, so if anything ever isn't easy, you're one call from the people who made it. — Tabzoola

★★★★★✓ Verified buyer
Impressive

Very seldom do you see orders handled in such a professional manner. Thank you for a great job!

Sherri K. · Aug 13, 2026
Response from Tabzoola

Thank you, Sherri — that’s a compliment we don’t take lightly. Every order here gets the same handling: a free proof before anything prints, and one shop seeing it through from die-cut to the box. Glad yours showed it. — Tabzoola

★★★★★✓ Verified buyer
Easy ordering!

Very impressed how easy it was to order our index tabs. Will definitely be back for future orders!

Anna B. · Aug 11, 2026
Response from Tabzoola

Thank you, Anna — glad ordering was easy, that's the way it should be. And since you mentioned coming back: your design is saved, so the next run is a one-click reorder whenever you need it. — Tabzoola

★★★★★✓ Verified buyer
Thank you!

Turned out perfect!

Beth H. · Aug 9, 2026
Response from Tabzoola

Thank you, Beth — "turned out perfect" is the best thing we can hear. Every set is die-cut and printed in our own shop in Schaumburg, so the people who made yours are the ones who checked it before it shipped. We'll be ready whenever you need the next one.

★★★★★✓ Verified buyer
Exactly what we needed

They looked great and saved hours of collating :)

Chris C. · Aug 6, 2026
Response from Tabzoola

Thank you, Chris — collating is exactly the labor we're trying to take off your desk. Your sets came off the line already in order, so nobody had to stack them by position. Glad it showed. We'll be ready for the next run. — Tabzoola

★★★★★✓ Verified buyer
Thank You

Thank's for the great service. Will be back for future orders.

Greg M. · Aug 2, 2026
Response from Tabzoola

Thanks, Greg — that's exactly what we like to hear. We'll be ready whenever the next set comes up. — Tabzoola

★★★★★✓ Verified buyer
I'm Impressed

I'm truly impressed how easy it was to order.

Tony S. · Jul 25, 2026
Response from Tabzoola

Thanks, Tony — easy is exactly what we were going for, so that's good to hear. Your design is saved whenever you need more. — Tabzoola

★★★★★✓ Verified buyer
Nice Job

Easy to order, they came out perfect!

Nancy C. · Jul 23, 2026
Response from Tabzoola

Thank you, Nancy — "came out perfect" is exactly what we aim for. We've got your design saved whenever you need more. — Tabzoola

★★★★★✓ Verified buyer
Very easy to use :)
Kim Y. · Jul 21, 2026
Response from Tabzoola

Thanks, Kim — that's what we were going for. The designer is meant to get you to a proof in a couple of minutes, not an afternoon. We're here whenever you need another set. — Tabzoola

★★★★★✓ Verified buyer
Exceptional service

Tabs turned out great, and the service was above and beyond.

Jessica · Jun 28, 2026
Response from Tabzoola

Thank you, Jessica — service is the part we can't automate, so that means a lot. The tabs and the phone come from the same building in Schaumburg, which is the whole idea. Your design is saved whenever you need another run. — Tabzoola

Ready to design your tabs?

Live pricing as you configure — no account needed. Free shipping over $75.

If it isn’t what you approved on the proof, we reprint it — or refund it. 30 days from delivery.

Helpful guides & tools

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