VB6Parse / Library / Graphics / tab

VB6 Tab Function

The Tab function is used in Print statements to position output at a specific column number.

Syntax

Tab([column])

Parameters

• column: Optional. Numeric expression indicating the column number (1-based) at which to position the next character printed. If omitted, moves to the next print zone.

Returns

Returns a special value used only in Print statements to control output position. It does not return a value for assignment or calculation.

Remarks

• Tab is only meaningful within Print statements (e.g., Print #1, Tab(10); "Hello").
• If column is omitted, output moves to the next print zone (every 14 columns by default).
• If column is less than the current print position, output moves to that column on the next line.
• If column is greater than the output line width, output starts at column 1 on the next line.
• Tab cannot be used in assignment or as a function value.
• Tab is not evaluated as a function in expressions outside Print context.
• Tab is not the same as the Tab key or character (Chr$(9)).
• In Print statements, Tab can be combined with Spc for advanced formatting.

Typical Uses

1. Aligning columns in printed output
2. Formatting reports
3. Creating tabular data in files
4. Printing to the Immediate window
5. Outputting to files with Print #
6. Combining with Spc for custom spacing
7. Printing headers and data in columns
8. Generating formatted logs

Basic Examples

Example 1: Print with Tab

Print Tab(10); "Hello"

Example 2: Print to file with Tab

Print #1, Tab(20); "World"

Example 3: Print with omitted column

Print Tab; "Next zone"

Example 4: Print multiple columns

Print Tab(5); "A"; Tab(15); "B"; Tab(25); "C"

Common Patterns

Pattern 1: Print table header

Print Tab(1); "ID"; Tab(10); "Name"; Tab(30); "Score"

Pattern 2: Print data rows

For i = 1 To 10
Print Tab(1); i; Tab(10); names(i); Tab(30); scores(i)
Next i

Pattern 3: Print with Spc

Print Tab(10); Spc(5); "Data"

Pattern 4: Print to Immediate window

Debug.Print Tab(15); "Debug info"

Pattern 5: Print to file

Print #1, Tab(8); "File data"

Pattern 6: Print with omitted column

Print Tab; "Default zone"

Pattern 7: Print with calculated column

Print Tab(i * 5); "Value"

Pattern 8: Print with variable

col = 12
Print Tab(col); "Text"

Pattern 9: Print with multiple Tab calls

Print Tab(5); "A"; Tab(15); "B"; Tab(25); "C"

Pattern 10: Print with Tab and Spc

Print Tab(10); Spc(3); "Mix"

Advanced Usage

Example 1: Print formatted report

Print Tab(1); "Header1"; Tab(20); "Header2"
For i = 1 To 5
Print Tab(1); data1(i); Tab(20); data2(i)
Next i

Example 2: Print to file with dynamic columns

For i = 1 To 3
Print #1, Tab(i * 10); "Col" & i
Next i

Example 3: Print with omitted column in loop

For i = 1 To 3
Print Tab; "Row" & i
Next i

Example 4: Print with Tab and Spc for alignment

Print Tab(10); Spc(2); "Aligned"

Error Handling

• If column is less than 1, output starts at column 1 of the next line.
• If column is omitted, output moves to the next print zone.
• If column is greater than line width, output starts at column 1 of the next line.

Performance Notes

• No performance impact; only affects output formatting.
• Used only in Print statements.

Best Practices

1. Use only in Print statements.
2. Avoid using as a function in expressions.
3. Use with Spc for custom spacing.
4. Test output on different devices (screen, file).
5. Use variables for dynamic columns.
6. Document column positions for maintainability.
7. Avoid negative or zero columns.
8. Use for tabular data formatting.
9. Combine with loops for tables.
10. Use omitted column for default zones.

Comparison Table

Platform Notes

• Available in VB6, VBA, VBScript
• Consistent across platforms
• Only for Print statements

Limitations

• Not a function for assignment or calculation
• Only meaningful in Print context
• Not the same as the Tab character (Chr$(9))
• Cannot be used outside Print/Debug.Print/Print #