Printing Problems

How to Fix Word Envelope Preview Showing Only the Return Address

Chanuka Geekiyanage Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to correct a print preview error in Word where the envelope layout only displays the return address on a letter-sized page.

How to Fix Word Envelope Preview Showing Only the Return Address

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to format and print a standard envelope using Word's Mailings feature.
Observed behavior: The envelope preview defaults to a standard letter-sized page and fails to display the delivery address, showing only the return address.

Before you start

Verify that your printer is turned on, connected to your computer, and has the correct physical envelope loaded into the designated manual feed or paper tray.

Solution 1Recommended

Configure Envelope Size and Address Settings

Ensure that the proper envelope dimensions are selected and both addresses are accurately configured in the Mailings tab to fix the layout preview.

Incorrect envelope size settings or printer feed defaults can cause Word to render the envelope on a standard 8.5 x 11 inch layout, pushing the delivery address off-screen.

Open Envelope Settings

Navigate to the Mailings tab on the ribbon and click on Envelopes.

Verify Addresses

Check that both the Delivery address and Return address fields contain the correct information.

Select Envelope Size

Click on Options, go to the Envelope Options tab, and select the correct envelope size (such as Size 10) from the drop-down menu.

Confirm Printing Options

Switch to the Printing Options tab, verify that the correct feed method for your printer is selected, and click OK.

Configure Envelope Size and Address Settings

Preview Check: After adjusting these settings, click 'Add to Document' to verify if the preview now correctly displays both addresses on the proper envelope size.

Solution 2

Save the Envelope as a PDF to Print

Bypass internal Word rendering glitches by exporting the envelope layout as a PDF file and printing it from a PDF reader.

Solution 3

Update Printer Drivers and Office Software

Outdated drivers or Office bugs can cause layout rendering issues. Updating them ensures proper communication between Word and your printer.

Print Envelopes Easily with WPS

Create and Print Envelopes Seamlessly in WPS Office

If Microsoft Word continues to struggle with envelope layouts and printer communication, try WPS Writer. It offers a dedicated Envelope tool with accurate print previews and flawless layout control.

1. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office, open a new blank document, and navigate to the Insert tab on the top ribbon.
2. Access the Envelope Tool: Click on the Envelope icon to open the envelope setup dialog box.
3. Enter Address Details: Type your Delivery Address and Return Address into the designated text fields.
4. Adjust Settings and Print: Click the Options button to select your exact envelope size and feed method, then click Print for a perfectly aligned envelope.

100% compatible with Microsoft Word .docx formatsAccurate print previews for custom paper and envelope sizesFree and lightweight alternative to Microsoft OfficeFamiliar interface requires no learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Word envelope preview show a standard letter size instead of an envelope?

This usually occurs because the envelope size hasn't been properly defined in Word's Envelope Options, or the default printer driver is overriding the document settings and forcing the page size to standard Letter (8.5" x 11").

How do I change the default return address in Microsoft Word?

Go to File > Options > Advanced. Scroll down to the General section, update the text in the Mailing address box with your new return address, and click OK.

Can I print an envelope without adding a return address?

Yes. In the Mailings > Envelopes dialog box, simply check the 'Omit' box located directly above the Return address section before printing.

Document & File Issues