Printing labels at home works well with the right label sheets and a template. The most common problem is misaligned text, which a test print avoids.
Last updated: October 30, 2026.
Step 1: Choose label sheets for your printer type
Inkjet label sheets are for inkjet printers. Laser label sheets are for lasers, because heat can melt the wrong adhesive inside a laser printer.
Step 2: Set up the template
Use the label template in your word processor, or the label maker’s template. Select the product number printed on the label pack.
Step 3: Test on plain paper
Print one page on plain paper, hold it against a label sheet and check the alignment.
Step 4: Load the label sheet
Feed one sheet at a time through the straightest paper path, and set the paper type to labels if your printer offers it.
Tips
- Do not reuse sheets with missing labels; they can jam.
- Keep label sheets flat and dry.
For shipping labels in volume, see best label printers.
Printing Address Labels From Word
In Word, go to Mailings, then Labels. Click Options and choose your label product number, which is printed on the label pack. Type the address, choose Full page of the same label or Single label, and print a test on plain paper first.
Printing Many Different Labels With Mail Merge
If you print many addresses from a list, use Mail Merge in Word with a spreadsheet of names and addresses. Choose Labels as the document type, select your label product, insert the fields and finish the merge.
Printing a Single Label
To print one label on a partly used sheet, select the exact row and column in the label dialog. Use sheets with all labels intact where possible to reduce jams.
Fixing Alignment
If text sits off the labels, check that the page size is set correctly and that margins are not scaled. Turn off Fit to Page in the print dialog.
When to Use a Thermal Label Printer
If you print many shipping labels, a thermal label printer is faster and needs no ink. See best label printers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my label text misaligned?
The template or the paper size setting may be off. Test on plain paper first.
Can I print labels on a laser printer?
Yes, with sheets rated for laser printers.
Is a label printer worth it?
If you ship many packages, a thermal label printer saves time and ink.
Bottom Line
Match sheets to your printer type, use the template and test before printing the real sheet.
