Template Issues

How to Add Different Content to Avery Labels in Word

Muhammad Talha Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to know how to input different text into individual Avery labels after selecting a label format, and whether page orientation adjusts automatically.

How to Add Different Content to Avery Labels in Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a sheet of custom Avery labels where each label requires distinct content, such as different names or addresses.
Observed behavior: The user is unable to move to the next label to type new content and is unsure how page orientation is handled by the template.

Before you start

Ensure you have your specific Avery product number (e.g., 5160, 5366) on hand so you can match the exact template dimensions. If you are printing a large list of addresses, have your spreadsheet data ready for a mail merge.

Solution 1Recommended

Generate a New Document for Custom Labels

Use this method to convert the label template into an editable table, allowing you to manually type or paste different information into each label cell.

By default, the Envelopes and Labels dialog is designed to print either a single label or a full page of identical labels. To create distinct labels, you must export the layout into a new Word document. Word will then generate an invisible table perfectly sized for your Avery sheet.

Open Label Settings

Go to the Mailings tab on the ribbon and click on Labels in the Create group.

Select Label Format

Click Options, choose your label vendor (e.g., Avery US Letter), select the correct product number, and click OK.

Create New Document

Under the Print section of the Envelopes and Labels dialog, select 'Full page of the same label', then click the 'New Document' button.

Edit Individual Labels

Word will open a new document with a table layout matching your labels. Click inside each individual cell to type your different content, then print the document.

Generate a New Document for Custom Labels

Make Gridlines Visible: If you cannot see the borders of the labels in the new document, go to the Table Layout tab and click 'View Gridlines' to reveal the cell boundaries.

Solution 2

Use Mail Merge for Large Label Sets

This method is highly recommended if you have dozens of different addresses or items saved in a spreadsheet and want to automate the label creation process.

Solution 3

Adjust Page Orientation and Text Direction

Fix formatting issues if the label template applies an unexpected layout, or if you need to rotate text within a specific label.

Create and Print Custom Labels Easily with WPS Office

WPS Writer provides a seamless, intuitive way to design, edit, and print custom Avery labels. With full support for Microsoft Word templates and built-in Mail Merge tools, you can easily create personalized labels for free.

1. Access the Labels Tool: Open WPS Writer, navigate to the References or Mailings tab, and click on Envelopes and Labels.
2. Configure the Layout: Switch to the Labels tab, click Options to select your specific Avery label size, and confirm.
3. Generate the Editable Document: Click the 'New Document' button. WPS will instantly generate a table layout matching your label sheet.
4. Customize and Print: Type unique content into each table cell, adjust your text alignment, and print your customized labels directly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word document formats (.docx) and standard Avery label templates.Built-in Envelopes and Labels tool for quick and accurate table layout generation.Advanced Mail Merge feature to effortlessly import Excel data for bulk label printing.Lightweight, free to download, and easy to use across Windows, Mac, and Linux environments.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I see the borders of my Avery labels in Word?

When Word creates a new document for labels, it uses a table structure with hidden borders by default. To make them visible while editing, click anywhere inside the document, go to the Table Layout tab, and select 'View Gridlines'.

Can I print just one single label on a partially used Avery sheet?

Yes. Open the Envelopes and Labels dialog, select the 'Single label' radio button in the Print section, and specify the exact row and column corresponding to the blank label on your physical sheet before printing.

Does the label template automatically change my page from portrait to landscape?

Yes, Word automatically adjusts the document's page orientation based on the default settings of the specific Avery template you selected. You generally do not need to change the page layout manually.

Why is my text not centering correctly inside the label?

Label alignment is controlled by table properties. To fix this, select your entire label table (or specific cells), navigate to the Table Layout tab, and use the Alignment grid options (such as Align Center) to position your text perfectly in the middle of the label.

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