Document Editing Problems

How to Merge Access Data into Word Avery 18660 Address Labels

Nimra Malik Oct 13, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to create Avery 18660 address or return labels in Microsoft Word by running a mail merge with recipient data stored in a Microsoft Access database.

How to Merge Access Data into Word Avery 18660 Address Labels

Product: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Access
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating specific Avery formatted labels using an external database for bulk printing.
Observed behavior: The user requires the exact steps to select the correct Avery template, connect the Access database, populate the data fields, and complete the mail merge.

Before you start

Ensure your Microsoft Access table is formatted properly, containing only one recipient per row and using clearly separated columns for each data field (e.g., First Name, Last Name, Address).

Solution 1Recommended

Use Microsoft Word Mail Merge for Avery 18660 Labels

This method utilizes Word's built-in Mailings feature to connect to an Access database and map the data directly onto an Avery 18660 template.

The Mail Merge feature links external database fields directly to a document template. By choosing the correct Avery label product number within Word, the software handles all the complex spacing and page layouts automatically.

Start the label merge process

Open a blank document in Microsoft Word. Navigate to the Mailings tab, click on Start Mail Merge, and select Labels from the dropdown menu.

Select the Avery 18660 template

In the Label Options dialog box, set the Label vendor to Avery US Letter. Scroll through the product list, select 18660, and click OK to generate the label grid.

Connect your Access database

Click Select Recipients on the Mailings ribbon and choose Use an Existing List. Browse your computer to locate and open your Access database. If prompted to confirm a data source, select OLE DB Database Files.

Insert your merge fields

Click in the first label cell, then use the Insert Merge Field button to add your data columns (such as Name, Street, and City). Add spaces or line breaks to format the address block correctly.

Update and finalize the merge

Click Update Labels on the ribbon to copy your field layout to all other labels on the page. Next, click Preview Results to verify the data, and finally choose Finish & Merge to create the printable document.

Use Microsoft Word Mail Merge for Avery 18660 Labels

Formatting Tip: Always verify your layout using the 'Preview Results' button before printing on actual label paper to avoid wasting supplies.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Mail Merge and Document Creation

If you find Microsoft Word and Access complex or resource-heavy, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, fast, and free alternative to Microsoft Office. You can easily manage your mailing lists in WPS Spreadsheet and utilize the robust Mail Merge tool in WPS Writer to generate custom labels effortlessly.

1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device.
2. Prepare Your Data: Export your Access database to an Excel (.xlsx) file or CSV, which can be seamlessly opened and managed within WPS Spreadsheet.
3. Run the Mail Merge: Open WPS Writer, navigate to the Mailings tab, and use the intuitive Mail Merge tool to connect your spreadsheet data to a printable label layout.

Free, lightweight, and fast-loading office suite.High compatibility with Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .csv.User-friendly Mail Merge wizard for easily generating address labels.Familiar user interface for seamless migration from Microsoft Office.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Word not finding my Access database during the mail merge?

This can happen if the database is stored in a restricted network location or if required drivers are missing. Ensure your Access file is saved locally on your computer, and if prompted for a connection type in Word, select 'OLE DB Database Files'.

How do I format all Avery labels on the page at once?

After inserting your merge fields into the very first label on your Word document, click the 'Update Labels' button located in the Mailings tab. This action instantly copies your field layout to all other labels on the sheet.

Can I preview the Avery 18660 labels before printing them?

Yes, you can check your labels by clicking 'Preview Results' in the Mailings tab. This allows you to view exactly how the recipient data fits into the label template and catch any spacing or alignment issues before you print on physical labels.

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