Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for establishing, verifying, and correcting tab settings and indexing parameters for text to be printed by a word processing system. The apparatus includes logic and related control networks for establishing a line of codes in memory indicative of the location and status of such tab settings and indexing parameters, for setting an electronic tab rack, for verifying and correcting such settings and parameters by, and responsive to, the advancement and backspacing of the printer carrier, and for producing a hard copy printout, during entry and playback, of such tab setting and indexing mode status.

Abstract: A system having two tab racks for controlling playout of sequentially stored text columns in a side-by-side format. During input keying set up of a job, desired tabs are set in a text tab rack and stored in a text buffer along with the text. These tabs will be in control for following keyed text. If new or additional tabs are required to define column boundaries during later playout, they are keyed, set, and stored prior to the text for the columns. In any event, the tabs in effect at the beginning of input keying of the columnar job will be in control for the column text. Upon later playout from the buffer and when the beginning of the first column is reached, a copy of the tabs set in the text tab rack is transferred to a column tab rack to control the column boundaries. If different tabs are required for the text in the columns, they must have been stored in the buffer after the beginning of the first column or playout must be interrupted for input keying of these tabs.