Creating One-time Labels

Word is a versatile program that allows you to create all sorts of documents. One potential use of Word is to create mailing labels. Many people create mailing labels using the Mail Merge feature of Word, which pulls names and addresses from a data source and formats them for printing on labels.

But what if you need to create labels that aren't originating from a data source? What if you need only a few labels to go on a small mailing, and you never need the labels again? There is a quick way to handle this situation in Word, as well. Simply follow these steps:

1. Choose Envelopes and Labels from the Tools menu. Word displays the Envelopes and Labels dialog box.
2. Make sure the Labels tab is selected. (Click here to see a related figure.)
3. Click on the Options button. Word displays the Label Options dialog box. (Click here to see a related figure.)
4. Using the various controls in the dialog box, select the type of label you are using.
5. Click on OK. The Envelopes and Labels dialog box again appears.
6. Make sure the Use Return Address check box is cleared.
7. If there is anything in the Address box, delete it.
8. Make sure the Full Page of the Same Label radio button is selected.
9. Click on New Document. The dialog box closes and Word creates a new document consisting of blank labels.

Word formats documents for labels using tables. If you cannot see the individual labels in the document, choose Show Gridlines from the Table menu. Each cell of the table corresponds to a single label. To enter your label information, just position the insertion point in the desired cell/label and start typing.

If you are printing labels on a laser printer, Word formats a table that represents an entire sheet of labels. If you are printing on a dot-matrix printer, Word formats a single-cell table that represents a single label. In this case you will need to add additional cells to represent each additional label you need to print. One way you can add the cells/labels is to position the insertion point in the existing cell/label and press the Tab key. Word adds a new cell/label below the old one.

Once you are done entering and formatting your label information, you can print your document on your label stock. Save the labels, if desired, or simply discard the document.