How to Print Labels in Word (Avery and More)
Return-address labels, jar labels, file labels — Word has a built-in tool that knows the exact layout of hundreds of label sheets. You just need the product number from the packet.
Quick reference
| What you want | How |
|---|---|
| Open the label tool | Mailings → Labels |
| Choose your label sheet | Options… → brand and product number |
| A full sheet of the same label | Full page of the same label → New Document |
| One label on a used sheet | Single label → choose row and column |
1. Open the Labels tool
1. Go to the Mailings tab.
2. Click Labels (in the Create group).
3. Type the text for your label in the Address box.
2. Click Labels (in the Create group).
3. Type the text for your label in the Address box.
2. Choose your label sheet
1. Click Options…
2. Under Label vendors, choose the brand — for example Avery A4/A5 in the UK or Avery US Letter in the US.
3. Under Product number, pick the number printed on your pack, such as L7160 (21 labels per sheet).
4. Click OK.
2. Under Label vendors, choose the brand — for example Avery A4/A5 in the UK or Avery US Letter in the US.
3. Under Product number, pick the number printed on your pack, such as L7160 (21 labels per sheet).
4. Click OK.
Can't find your brand? Look on the packet for a compatible Avery number — most own-brand labels list one.
3. Print a full sheet of the same label
1. Select Full page of the same label.
2. Click New Document. Word creates a page of labels you can check and format — change the font, add a picture or centre the text.
3. Print with Ctrl + P.
2. Click New Document. Word creates a page of labels you can check and format — change the font, add a picture or centre the text.
3. Print with Ctrl + P.
4. Print just one label
Got a sheet with some labels already used?
1. Select Single label.
2. Set the Row and Column of the next empty label.
3. Click Print.
2. Set the Row and Column of the next empty label.
3. Click Print.
5. Different addresses on each label
For a list of different names and addresses, use Mailings → Start Mail Merge → Labels with a spreadsheet of addresses. See our mail merge guide for the full walk-through.
Tips for perfect printing
• Test on plain paper first. Hold the printout against a label sheet up to the light to check alignment.
• Set the paper type to Labels in your printer settings.
• Feed the sheet the right way up — check your printer's paper tray icon.
• Set the paper type to Labels in your printer settings.
• Feed the sheet the right way up — check your printer's paper tray icon.
Troubleshooting
Text is slightly off the labels. In Options → Details…, adjust the Top margin or Side margin by a millimetre or two.
Only the first label shows text. You chose Single label. Switch to Full page of the same label.
Wrapping up
Mailings → Labels → Options, pick your product number, and print a test on plain paper first.
