Fix Word for Mac Printing Blank Envelopes After macOS Upgrade
Question details
Users experience blank #10 envelopes printing from Word for Mac, despite letter-size documents printing correctly.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Printing #10 envelopes to a Canon imageRUNNER or similar printer after upgrading the macOS or changing printer software.
- Observed behavior
- The printer successfully prints standard letter-size documents, but outputs completely blank envelopes when attempting to print address fields.
Verify that your printer has sufficient ink or toner and that standard letter-size paper prints correctly to confirm the printer is mechanically functioning.
Update Your Printer Drivers for macOS
Outdated or incompatible drivers caused by a recent macOS upgrade are the most common reason for blank envelope outputs.
When you upgrade to a newer operating system like macOS Big Sur, older printer drivers may lose the ability to properly communicate custom paper sizes and margins to the printer, resulting in blank prints.
Check the exact model number of your printer, such as Canon imageRUNNER, located on the front panel or back sticker of the device.
Navigate to the official support website for your printer manufacturer (e.g., Canon Support) and enter your model number.
Select your current macOS version from the operating system dropdown menu and download the most recent printer driver available.
Run the downloaded installer file, follow the on-screen prompts, and restart both your Mac and the printer before attempting to print another envelope.
Adjust Envelope Feed Options in Word
Ensuring the feed method in Word matches your printer's physical tray orientation can prevent blank output.
Create a Custom Paper Size Document
Bypass Word's native envelope formatting by creating a standard document sized exactly like a #10 envelope.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Envelope Printing on Mac
If Microsoft Word continues to struggle with macOS compatibility or printer drivers, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for formatting and printing documents and envelopes easily on your Mac.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Get the free WPS Office installation package for macOS from the official website.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word document or create a new envelope layout.
- 3. Print Directly: Go to Menu > Print, select your Canon printer, and seamlessly print your envelopes without compatibility errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my printer output blank pages only for envelopes?
Envelopes use specialized paper feed paths and margins. If the printer driver is outdated after a macOS update, the communication between Word and the printer regarding these custom dimensions fails, resulting in the printer processing a blank page.
Can I test print without wasting real envelopes?
Yes. You can cut standard copy paper to the exact size of a #10 envelope (4.125 x 9.5 inches) and feed it into your printer's manual tray to safely test your layout and driver settings.
Where can I find the exact driver for my Canon imageRUNNER on macOS?
Visit the official Canon Support website, enter your specific imageRUNNER model number in the search bar, and select your current macOS version (such as macOS Big Sur) from the operating system dropdown menu to find the latest available driver.
