How to Make Paper Dividers

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 Tested

While you could purchase paper dividers for a binder or notebook, it's actually very easy to make them and if you need a lot, it may be cheaper to make them as you need them, using basic supplies.

Things You Should Know

Use thick, colorful paper for your dividers, like colored printer paper or card sheets.
Use a hole punch to make holes along one side of each divider so you can insert the dividers into your binder or notebook.
Cut out small rectangles from white cardstock and label each one to make the tabs for your dividers.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Selecting the paper

1
Select paper that is strong and colorful. Colored printer paper is ideal, as are thin colored card sheets (color helps you to quickly locate the divisions in your binder, against the white paper inserts). You could also use notebook paper, but it is probably best strengthened if you're going to use it as a divider page (see the following step).
- The paper size must be the same as or larger than the binder or notebook. If it's larger, measure and cut to size.
2
Strengthen the paper if needed. This step is necessary for notebook paper, as it will prolong the life of the divider sheets. Choose one of the strengthening methods suggested below:
- Use contact paper. Measure and cut out a section of contact paper that is double the size of one side of the paper sheet. Remove the backing from the contact paper and slowly cover one side of the paper sheet. Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles that form. Then enfold the other side of the paper, to cover the divider completely. Cut away excess edges. The resulting divider sheet is now strengthened.
- Find a piece of cardboard that is strong and thin. Art quality cardboard or cardstock is ideal (even ripped old dividers can be repurposed for this). Avoid using anything that is too thick or it will add bulk to the folder. Align the cardboard with the notebook paper and cut to size if needed. Glue the cardboard to the notebook paper; if using ripped old dividers, tape the ripped section flat before gluing onto the notebook paper. Allow to dry before proceeding and make the remaining dividers as well. You now have a set of strengthened divider sheets.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Making the dividers

1
Make holes in one side of the divider, so that it can slot into the binder. Use a hole-punch for this and ensure that it matches the exact layout of the binder rings.
2
Decorate the dividers if wished. You can add pictures, collages, stickers, drawings, notes, etc. Alternatively, add a list box and list all of the items behind each divider, or simply add a printed note as to the contents from an online spreadsheet.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Adding tabs

1
Decide how you will add a tab. You can simply stick on a Post-It note but over time, this is liable to pull off. You can also purchase large plastic flag tabs that are a bit stronger or glue on small pieces of paper. If you'd rather make a stronger tab, follow the suggested version in the next step.
2
Make your own divider tabs.
- Measure a small rectangle on white cardstock. The rectangle should be around the same size as a tab would normally be, although you're free to adjust the size as needed.
- Cut out the rectangle.
- Write the name for the relevant divider onto the tab.
- Cover the tab in contact paper.
- Glue the tab to the divider (paper glue or spray adhesive work well). Alternatively, leave an edge of contact paper on one side when covering the tab, and use this to attach the tab to the divider sheet.
- Continue in the same way with all of the remaining divider tabs.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Adding the dividers

1
Put your dividers into the binder. You can work your way from the bottom to the top of your binder, adding them where they need to be. Done!

Community Q&A

Question

What if you have a three hole binder -- do you punch in three holes?

Community Answer

If you have a 3-ringed binder, then it's only logical to punch three holes as there are three holes to fill.
Question

How do I keep my binder from getting messy?

Community Answer

Clean it out every week. Throw away the stuff that you don't need anymore. Put plastic covers over the front of your binder.
Question

How many minutes will it take to create paper dividers?

Community Answer

Depending on your handiness and access to the materials, it should only take around three minutes to make.

Things You'll Need

Paper (colored or white, although colored is easier to see in a binder)
Contact paper (optional)
Thin cardboard or cardstock
Ruler and pencil
Scissors
A hole-puncher
cardstock, paper or fat flags for the tabs
Marker for tags
Glue or spray adhesive
Decoration elements for divider (list sheets, stickers, pictures, etc.) (optional)