Organize the papers you will place in the binder. Place the papers into groups to categorize them. For example, if you are creating a school binder, you may place papers into categories that correspond to the subjects you are studying--math, history, science, languages and literature.
Punch holes in any papers that do not have holes using the 3-hole punch.
Assemble page separators for each category you used when dividing your papers. You need at least one page separator for each category---and perhaps more if you decide to separate your papers further into sub-categories.
Write the categories onto the tabs of each page separator with the pen.
Place the page separators into the three-ring binder in the order you wish.
Open the binder so the first page separator on the left side of the binder. Open the rings of the binder and place the papers that belong in this category into the binder.
Close the rings and turn the next page separator over so it is on the left side of the binder. Open the rings of the binder again and place the papers that belong in this category into the binder.
Continue in this fashion until you have inserted every page separator and every group of papers. Close the rings.