Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated August 27, 2022)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Word includes a tool that allows you to quickly and easily set up labels. (You learn about creating labels in other issues of WordTips.) If you are using labels that have more vertical space that is required for the information you are printing, you may want to vertically center the text within a label.
If you create a full sheet of the same label using the Envelopes and Labels tool, then the labels should already be centered vertically. If you are creating labels using the Mail Merge feature, however, the labels may not appear to be centered vertically. The reason they appear this way is because Word often adds some extra empty paragraphs at the end of each label.
For instance, I created a mail-merge page of labels that used four lines. Word stuck an extra two lines at the end of each of my labels. The first was a blank line, and the second contained the end-of-cell marker for the table—but it still acts like a blank line. The result is that Word takes the blank lines into account when vertically centering the text in the label, and it appears to be aligned at the top of the label.
Unfortunately, there is only one way to fix this: by hand. You can get rid of the blank lines by following these steps:
Your labels should now be centered vertically.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1403) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Word (Word 2007 and later) here: Vertically Centering Labels.
Discover the Power of Microsoft Office This beginner-friendly guide reveals the expert tips and strategies you need to skyrocket your productivity and use Office 365 like a pro. Mastering software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential to be more efficient and advance your career. Simple lessons guide you through every step, providing the knowledge you need to get started. Check out Microsoft Office 365 For Beginners today!
A common task in Word is to create labels. This tip presents two approaches you can use when you need to create labels ...
Discover MoreWays to use the address book when printing envelopes and labels.
Discover MoreSetting default formats for envelopes is easy; setting them for labels is not so easy. Here are some ideas on things you ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2023-02-07 09:01:57
Liz Robinson
this didn't work for me - i still have an extra line on the end of each label
Got a version of Word that uses the menu interface (Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments