How to Print Avery Labels in Google Docs

how to print avery labels in google docs
by David Harris // January 15  

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a project and needed to print Avery labels but weren’t sure how to do it using Google Docs? If so, you’re not alone! Many people may find the process tricky, especially if they’re accustomed to more traditional word-processing software. But fear not! In this article, we will walk you through the steps to print Avery labels using Google Docs, complete with useful tips, potential challenges, and some best practices to ensure you get it right.

How do you Print Avery Labels in Google Docs?

Let’s jump right in. To answer the question “how to print Avery labels in Google Docs,” follow these steps:

  1. Open Google Docs: Start by going to Google Docs. You can accomplish this via Google Drive or by visiting the Google Docs website directly.
  2. Create a New Document: Click “Blank” to start a new document.
  3. Set Up Your Avery Template: Navigate to “File,” then “Page setup.” Change your page orientation to “Landscape” if you need wider labels. To find an Avery template, go to “Add-ons”> “Get add-ons” and search for “Avery Label Merge.” Install it, then go to “Add-ons”> “Avery Label Merge”> “Create labels.”
  4. Choose Your Avery Label Type: A list of available Avery label types will appear. Choose the one that matches your label sheets (you can find this on the package).
  5. Input Your Information: Once you’ve selected your label type, it will generate a table in your document. Fill in each field with the information you want to appear on your labels.
  6. Printing Your Labels: After you’ve entered all your information, you can print your labels. Go to “File”> “Print” to begin the printing process.
  7. Test Your Print: It’s usually a good idea to test print on a blank piece of paper to ensure everything lines up properly before using your label sheets.

With these steps, you can print your Avery labels in Google Docs.

Real-World Application of Avery Labels

Let me share a personal story illustrating how handy Avery labels can be. A few months ago, I decided to organize my home office. With papers, documents, and other supplies scattered everywhere, I realized that labels could add much-needed organization. I printed labels for file folders, boxes for storage, and even for my kids’ back-to-school supplies.

The best part? I used Google Docs as I was already comfortable with it for writing. And since my kids needed to label their supplies, it was great to involve them in the process: they could help choose and design the labels. It was a fun family bonding activity, and we all felt accomplished once everything was neatly organized.

Pros and Cons of Using Avery Labels in Google Docs

Pros

  1. Easy to Use: Google Docs is user-friendly, making it accessible for people of all ages.
  2. Cloud-Based: Since it’s cloud-based, you can work from anywhere, and your files are automatically saved.
  3. Collaboration Friendly: Google Docs allows you to share documents and collaborate in real-time, making it easier to work on group projects for events, parties, or even business purposes.

Cons

  1. Limited Customization: While using Google Docs provides a basic setup, it may not have the extensive customization options some dedicated label-making software offers.
  2. Internet Connection Required: Google Docs requires an internet connection, which can be a downside if you work in a place with poor connectivity.
  3. Template Restrictions: Sometimes, you may have to search multiple labels to find the exact one you’re looking for if it’s not readily available in the add-ons.

According to Avery’s official website, they provide various templates for different software applications, but you might find Google Docs less intuitive than specialized design software. Always check if the label type matches your printer’s settings.

Best Practices for Printing Avery Labels in Google Docs

  1. Use High-Quality Labels: Invest in high-quality Avery labels to avoid issues like smudging or poor adhesion. Cheap labels can ruin your project.
  2. Preview before Printing: Use Print Preview to check how your labels will appear. Adjust any formatting issues you might note.
  3. Align Properly: Pay attention to alignment when setting up your document. Be aware of your printer margins to ensure labels print correctly.
  4. Keep it Simple: Sometimes, less is more. Instead of cramming too much information onto one label, limit what you include to essential details.

Potential Pitfalls When Printing Avery Labels

  1. Ink Smudging: One of the common issues I’ve faced is smudging the ink when my fingers accidentally touch the printed labels. Allowing the labels to dry for a minute before handling prevents this hassle.
  2. Misaligned Printouts: A big pitfall can happen when your printer’s settings are not aligned with your chosen labels. Always double-check that the settings match the label size and type.
  3. Difficulty Finding the Right Template: While the Avery Label Merge add-on is handy, sometimes the search for a specific template can lead to frustration. Keeping track of the Avery code number on your label sheet can help streamline this process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to How To Print Avery Labels In Google Docs

Q. How do I start printing Avery labels in Google Docs?
A. To start, open Google Docs and create a new document. Then, go to “Add-ons” and select “Avery Label Merge” to install the add-on.

Q. Do I need special templates for Avery labels?
A. Yes, Avery has specific templates that fit their labels. You can find and use these templates within the Avery Label Merge add-on in Google Docs.

Q. How can I find the right Avery label template?
A. Visit the Avery website, enter your label product number, and download the appropriate template. You can also use the “Choose Your Product” feature in the add-on.

Q. Can I customize my labels in Google Docs?
A. Absolutely! After inserting the template, you can change the text, fonts, colors, and images on your labels using the editing tools in Google Docs.

Q. What if I want to print multiple labels with different information?
A. You can use the Avery Label Merge add-on to create a data source, like a Google Sheets spreadsheet, that contains different information for each label.

Q. How do I check if my labels are aligned correctly before printing?
A. Print a test page on plain paper, then hold it against the Avery label sheet to ensure everything correctly aligns.

Q. What paper size is required to print Avery labels?
A. Avery labels generally come on standard 8.5 x 11-inch sheets, so you should set your Google Docs document to this paper size before printing.

Q. Can I use Google Docs to print return address labels?
A. Yes! You can create and print return address labels by following the steps to print regular Avery labels; just customize the content to fit your needs.

Q. Is there a way to print directly from Google Docs without an add-on?
A. While creating labels directly in Google Docs is possible, using the Avery Label Merge add-on simplifies the process and ensures proper formatting.

Q. What should I do if my printer has issues printing the labels?
A. First, check your printer settings to ensure they are configured for the correct paper type. You may also want to ensure your printer has enough ink and that the label sheets are loaded correctly.

Conclusion

Learning how to print Avery labels in Google Docs can simplify your life significantly. From organizing your office to prepping for a big event, these labels help create a neat and professional look. So next time you need labels, remember that Google Docs isn’t just for essays and reports; it’s also a robust tool for your label-making needs! Whether planning a celebration, organizing your files, or simply labeling home items, you’ll find that a little practice goes a long way in making your label printing efficient and effective.

If you haven’t tried printing Avery labels in Google Docs yet, I encourage you to do so! I bet you’ll find it a helpful skill to enhance your organizational habits—or make crafting much more enjoyable. Happy labeling!

About the Author

David Harris is a content writer at Adazing with 20 years of experience navigating the ever-evolving worlds of publishing and technology. Equal parts editor, tech enthusiast, and caffeine connoisseur, he’s spent decades turning big ideas into polished prose. As a former Technical Writer for a cloud-based publishing software company and a Ghostwriter of over 60 books, David’s expertise spans technical precision and creative storytelling. At Adazing, he brings a knack for clarity and a love of the written word to every project—while still searching for the keyboard shortcut that refills his coffee.