How to put on Bible tabs (Photo steps & tips)
I avoided using Bible tabs for years. I wanted a smooth, clean look! But after my youth group girls struggled to find the passages we were reading, I decided it was time. I bought us all labels, and we learned how to put on Bible tabs together.
I didn’t memorize or learn the order of the Bible’s books growing up. Even today, I struggle to find the Scripture reading quickly — especially if the pastor or teacher is moving between books.
I didn’t realize how much of a hindrance this was to my confidence until I started using tabs.
Suddenly, I could easily find the chapter and verse and keep up. I was less likely to give up finding the passage mid-sermon.
The same was true with my youth group. The girls were now opening, using, and highlighting their Bibles!
Today, I’m not sure how I read and studied Scripture without tabs. It seems silly to say, but the confidence they’ve given me has helped my faith journey.
I now add tabs to every Bible I get and recommend them to friends. Bible tabs make an affordable and practical gift for a new believer.
Below, you’ll find “how-to” steps (with pictures) as I applied tabs to the Great Adventure Bible.
My husband and I decided to listen to the “Bible in a Year” podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz, and I bought the Bible and tabs along with a few other resources.
Whether you're adding tabs to study bibles or children's bibles, I hope you find this tutorial helpful!
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Learn how to put on Bible tabs with our quick, 5-step tutorial with photo steps and tips.
Table of Contents ▼
Tips for how to put Bible tabs on
Work in a bright space, especially if you use small or clear laminate tabs.
A flat surface is helpful. Use a table or countertop.
Decide if you will use blank tabs for maps, indexes, or articles before you start. This might impact where you begin.
If you have a Catholic Bible, make sure the number of tabs covers all the books.
Catholics have 76 books of the Bible, while Protestants have 66 books. Double-check your set.
Take your time, especially with clear, small, or laminated tabs.
It can be a bit tedious, so take breaks or spread out the work over a few days if needed.
CAUTION: Before folding, hold only ONE page. Bible pages are thin, and it’s easy to stick multiple pages together.
5 Steps: How to put on Bible tabs
In the pictures below, I’m applying them to The Great Adventure Bible and its corresponding tabs.
Supplies for applying Bible tabs
Bible tab labels
Bible
Ruler or Bible tab guide
Note: Bible tab guides are only included in some tab packages.
1) Cut or fold the Bible tab guide to fit your Bible size (or use a ruler for spacing)
Use the measuring guide to see where you should apply your tab.
Cut or fold the guide along the line, then place it against your Bible.
Align the top of the tab with each arrow in the guide before pressing it down.
If you don’t have a Bible tab guide, you can use a ruler to equally space the tabs.
Another option is to estimate the spacing. Align the top of the tab so it starts about halfway down the previous tab.
2) Select the label you’re going to adhere
Carefully peel off the tab and prepare to stick it in your Bible.
3) Align the Bible tab so the top is flush with the arrow
Find your page and match the tab’s top with the guide’s arrow.
Go slowly, as these sticky tabs are hard to unpeel once placed!
4) Fold the Bible tab over, making sure it’s adhered to only one page
Fold the tab over so it aligns and press firmly.
Avoid sticking tabs to multiple pages by checking to ensure you are only pressing the tab to one page.
Looking for Christian resources?
Bible resources
➡️ The best apologetics study Bible
➡️ Tutorial: How to put on Bible tabs (with photos and tips)
➡️ Should I use Bible tabs? 10 reasons why you should.
➡️ Explore Fr. Mike Schmitz “Bible in a Year” resources.
Additional Christian resources
➡️ Our guide to the best 27 apologetics books
➡️ Lead youth? Check out the 10 best apologetics books for teens
➡️ Discover the 15 best books on prayer for Christians
➡️ Check out the best devotionals for women and the best devotionals for men.
➡️ The 7 best books on early church history
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Mackenzie Ryan Walters is the author of “Faith Storytellers: Unleash the Power of Your Story,” which shares Christian testimonies and stories, as well as curated lists about Christian books, gifts, and more. A national award-winning former journalist who’s covered a presidential campaign, been inside NASA, and reported on education and schools, Mackenzie now edits the Faith Storytellers website and is passionate about lifting up and sharing the story God is writing in the world.