Tabbing Rules - Direct Mail Center

TABBING RULES Part 1: Specs for Automation-Compatible letter-size folded self-mailers
Image	Official name	Min/Max size	Paper weight	How many tabs	Tab size	Tab position	Image with tabs
	Parallel fold: • Half fold • Tri fold • Max 12 panels Last fold is at bottom of mailing panel	Min: 3.5 x 5” Max: 6 x 10.5” Max: 3 ozs.	Weight ≤ 1oz: min 70# text	2 tabs	1” tabs	• 2 at the top Or • 1 on left + 1 on right	or
			Weight > 1 oz : min 80# text	2 tabs	1.5” tabs
	Quarter fold: Last fold at the bottom of the mailing panel and the previous fold on the right edge	Min: 3.5 x 5” Max: 6 x 10.5” Max: 3 ozs.	Weight ≤ 1oz: min 70# text	2 tabs	1” tabs
			Weight > 1 oz : min 80# text	3 tabs	1.5” tabs	1 on left + 2 on the right
Max 12 panels only in roll-over fold	Oblong: Final fold is on the right side of mailing panel	Min: 3.5 x 5” Max: 6 x 10.5” Max: 3 ozs.	Weight ≤ 1oz: min 70# text	2 tabs	1” tabs	• 1 at the top and 1 on trailing edge OR • 2 on trailing edge (left)
			Weight > 1 oz : min 80# text	2 tabs	1.5” tabs
with	Quarter fold: With remittance envelope or unattached folded insert: envelope flap or folded insert to be caught in the fold of the quarter fold	Min: 3.5 x 5” Max: 6 x 10.5” Max: 3 ozs.	Weight ≤ 1oz: min 80# text	2 tabs	1.5” tabs	• 2 at the top OR • 1 on left + 1 on right	or
			Weight > 1 oz : min 100# text	2 tabs	2” tabs
			Weight > 1 oz : min 100# text	3 tabs	1.5” tabs	1 on left + 2 on the right
Call Direct Mail Center for the following self-mailers prior to designing as specific USPS regulations could make it non-mailable.	Folded self mailer with perforations				Due to each self-mailer design particularities, we need to review the exact specs prior to issuing recommendations in accordance with the USPS regulations
	Folded self mailer with shorter panel
	Folded self mailer with die cut window
	Folded self mailer with attached card or loose enclosures in pocket
Location of the postal indicia or stamp.	NOTES: -1- Some folded self-mailers not designed according to these regulations may no longer be accepted by the USPS; -2- Folded self-mailers not designed properly may result in considerable postage cost increase. -3- The USPS website for folded self-mailers is: here.
Disclaimer: For reference purpose only. Information is subject to change without notice. We recommend that you contact the U.S.P.S. for design approval prior to printing production.

Part 2: Specifications for Automation-Compatible Letter-Size Booklets
If The Spine Or Final Fold Is...		Length	Cover Stock	Sealing	Tab In These Locations
Simple Spine	Spine or final fold on the bottom (longer) edge.	5'' to 9'' long Over 9'', up to 10.5'' long	50 # 60 #	Three 1.5'' non- perforated tabs	Two tabs on leading edge; one tab on trailing edge. Position lower leading tab 0.5 inch from the bottom edge. Position upper tabs within 1 inch from the top edge.
Simple Spine	Spine on bottom; longer front cover folded over inside pages to create a non-perforated inner flap sealed within top edge.	5" to 9.5'' long	80 #	Continuous glue line or glue spots	Perfect bound or saddle stitched, flap sealed inside, continuous glue line along flap preferred, minimum 1 inch glue spots acceptable if placed within ¾ inch of right and left edges.
Simple Spine	Spine on the bottom (longer) edge, Cover extends no more than 1/2 inch beyond inner pages.	5" to 9.5'' long	80 #	Continuous glue line or glue spots	Perfect bound or saddle stitched with a continuous glue line along the 1/2 inch cover overhang preferred, minimum 1 inch glue spots acceptable if placed within ¾ inch of right and left edges.
Folded	Final fold on the bottom (longer) edge, with the folded spine on the leading or trailing (shorter) edge.	5" to 10.5'' long	40 #	Three 1.5'' non-perforated tabs	Two tabs on leading edge; one tab on trailing edge. Position lower leading tab 0.5 inch from the bottom edge. Position upper tabs within 1 inch from the top edge.
Oblong	Spine on the leading (shorter) edge.	5'' to 9'' long Over 9'', up to 10.5'' long	60 # 70 #	Three 1.5'' non- perforated tabs	Two tabs on top edge; one tab on trailing edge. Position top tabs 1 inch from left and right edge. Position trailing tab in the middle.