Discover the art of properly using tabs in typesetting for a smoother editing process, clearer alignment, and more professional final pages.
This exercise is excerpted from past InCopy training materials and is compatible with InCopy updates through 2021. To learn current skills in Adobe Creative Cloud and graphic design, check out our graphic design classes in NYC and live online.
Note: These materials are provided to give prospective students a sense of how we structure our class exercises and supplementary materials. During the course, you will get access to the accompanying class files, live instructor demonstrations, and hands-on instruction.
How to Properly Use Tabs
Too many people use spaces to align text when they should be using tabs. Properly using tabs will make your editing life easier and faster. Tabs are also the proper way to typeset. They make it easier for compositors to create the final pages. Here are some tips to help you use Tabs properly.
How to Typeset Tabs (Less Is More)
Typing multiple spaces or multiple Tabs is not recommended. Most of the time you will type: [some text] Tab [some text] Tab [some text]. Below is what it should look like with the Hidden Characters shown.
1st “column” » 2nd “column” of text » 3rd “column”
If the “columns” don’t line up, don’t worry! You’ll need to set Tab markers to fix it.
Setting Tab Markers
As a default, InCopy has Tab markers every half inch. So it’s likely that when you type a Tab, the text won’t align where you want it to. To fix it:
Select all the lines of text you want to affect.
Open the Tabs panel by choosing Type > Tabs.
At the top left of the Tabs panel, choose the type of alignment: left, center, right, etc.
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As shown below, click in the line above the ruler to create the Tab marker.
The Repeat Tab Option
InCopy has a quick way to create multiple, equally spaced “columns” using tabs.
Select all the lines of text you want to affect.
Open the Tabs panel by choosing Type > Tabs.
At the top left of the Tabs panel, choose the type of alignment: left, center, right, etc.
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As shown below, click in the line above the ruler to create the Tab marker.
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As shown below, with the Tab marker still selected, go into the panel menu
at the top right and choose Repeat Tab.
If the “columns” are too close, move the first Tab marker farther to the right and choose Repeat Tab again.