Printing Problems

How to Fix Word Shipping Label Printing and Formatting Errors on Mac

Kushani Nimanthika Oct 12, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to correct formatting and alignment issues when printing shipping labels in Microsoft Word on a Mac.

Fix Word Shipping Label Printing and Formatting Problems on Mac

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Printing shipping labels using Avery or 3M templates on a Mac computer.
Observed behavior: Labels print with incorrect borders, bold formatting, and ignored indentation due to misconfigured templates or paper scaling settings.

Before you start

Ensure your Mac is connected to the printer and print a test page on standard blank paper to check alignment before wasting actual label sheets.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Built-In Word Label Templates

Downloaded templates can often be improperly formatted document files. Using Word's built-in label templates ensures precise alignment for Avery and 3M products.

Relying on template files downloaded directly from manufacturer websites can lead to unexpected formatting glitches, such as incorrect borders and ignored indents. Word's built-in label generator is pre-configured with the exact dimensions required for major brands.

Access Label Options

Open Microsoft Word and navigate to the 'Mailings' tab on the top ribbon, then click on 'Labels' and select 'Options'.

Select the Label Vendor

Under the 'Label vendors' dropdown, choose the appropriate manufacturer. If you are using standard US paper, select 'Avery US Letter' instead of 'Avery A4/A5'.

Choose the Product Number

Scroll through the 'Product number' list to find your specific label, such as Avery 5168 or 3M 3100-W, select it, and click 'OK'.

Template Selection Tip: Selecting 'Avery US Letter' instead of 'A4/A5' commonly resolves border and alignment issues for US-based label products like the Avery 5168.

Solution 2

Update Printer Drivers and Adjust Mac Print Settings

Outdated drivers or incorrect scaling settings on macOS can cause label printing to misalign.

Print Labels Seamlessly with WPS Office

Create and Print Shipping Labels Easily in WPS Writer

If Microsoft Word continues to struggle with label formatting on your Mac, WPS Writer offers a straightforward Mail Merge and label generation tool that works flawlessly with standard Avery and 3M formats.

1. Open Mailings: Open WPS Writer and navigate to the 'References' or 'Mailings' tab on the top menu.
2. Configure Labels: Select 'Envelopes and Labels' to open the setup dialog, switch to the 'Labels' tab, and click 'Options'.
3. Select Template: Choose your desired label vendor and product number from the built-in list to ensure correct border margins.
4. Print Labels: Enter your address or shipping information, insert your label sheets into the printer, and click 'Print'.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word document formats (.docx).Built-in support for standard shipping label dimensions and Mail Merge.Lightweight, fast, and free to use on macOS, Windows, and Linux.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Avery labels printing misaligned in Word?

Misalignment usually happens when the wrong paper size is selected in the print dialog or if the printer settings have 'Scale to Fit' enabled. Ensure scaling is set to 100% and use Word's built-in templates instead of downloaded documents.

Where can I find the Avery 5168 template in Word for Mac?

You can find it by going to Mailings > Labels > Options, selecting 'Avery US Letter' (not A4/A5) from the label vendors list, and scrolling down to the 5168 product number.

Does macOS Ventura have known printing issues with labels?

Yes, some users have reported printing and scaling glitches on certain macOS versions, including Ventura. Updating your printer drivers directly from the manufacturer's website often resolves these formatting problems.

Document & File Issues