Mimeo Lounge

Tip of the Month - Keep Your Tabs from Bending

Posted on October 12, 2009 at 5:30pm, written by Douglas Jung, Creative Director

Tabs are an ideal way to organize a document with the end user experience in mind. The problem with tabs is that they look great when printed, but since the tab extends out past the edge of the paper, the tabs themselves can tear and bend. Documents that looked great when printed can quickly look worn.

A simple solution is to specify an over-sized cover and back that extend out past the paper’s edge to the edge of the tabs. Said another way, use a 9"x11” cover and back on an 8.5"x11” document. Not only will this protect the tabs, it will create a professional, highly finished look that will surely impress.

TIP: Try This Combination of Covers and Binding for a Professional Look

For an 8.5"x11” sized document with tabs, we suggest using 9"x11” covers printed with bleed color on gloss cardstock. Bind the document with silver or black twin loop wire. Here’s a quick overview of what this means:

- Bleed: Refers to color that goes all the way to the edge of the page instead of having a small white border.
- Cardstock:  Heavier paper will make the document feel substantial and durable.
- Gloss: This is a coating placed on the paper by the manufacturer. It will give the finished product a shine.

Ordering Instructions:

1. Call Mimeo customer care at 1.800.466.4636 and let them know that you will be printing over-sized covers to protect the tabs in your document. Ask them to add the following special instructions to your account:

- 9x11 Front Cover / MIM-D-0623
- 9x11 Back Cover / MIM-D-0012
- Full Bleed Front/Back Cover - Color Only / MIM-D-0602

2. Upload the document to your Mimeo library or skip this step if already uploaded.

3. Select the file(s) you need in the “Build A Document – Your Document” screen. Load the front and back cover as separate files if they are the only parts of the document that will be printed in color. Add the files to the “Your Document” area in the order that they will appear in the finished document. Select color or B&W (black and white), Single-sided or Double-sided. Click “continue” when ready.

4. In the “Build a Document – Finishing Options screen select:

a. Binding Type: Twin Loop Wire (other options include spiral, tape or velo)
b. Cover: White Card Stock Front & Back (100# glossy, bright or 100% recycled)

5. Click on the “special instructions” tab on the same screen. Select the special instructions indicated above (MIM-D-0623, MIM-D-0012, MIM-D-0602).

6. Proof the document in the Proofing Screen and then press “continue”. Note that you will not see the oversized covers in the on-screen proof.

7. Save the Finished Document to your Library and Check Out.

Tags: tip of the month, tips