Creating Custom Labels

One of the big advantages to using standard label stock with Word is that it includes label definitions for dozens of different label types. You can often select the type of label you want to use, by number, from the Label Options dialog box.

At times, however, you may have a need to define your own label. For instance, you may have had a custom label created for your own purposes, or the label you want to use is brand new on the market and there is no definition for it within Word. If you find yourself in this situation, Word allows you complete control over setting up custom labels.

You start from the Labels tab of the Envelopes and Labels dialog box. How you display this tab depends on the version of Word you are using.

• If you are using Word 97 or Word 2000, choose Envelopes and Labels from the Tools menu. Word displays the Envelopes and Labels dialog box; make sure the Labels tab is selected.
• If you are using Word 2002 or Word 2003, choose Letters and Mailings from the Tools menu and then choose Envelopes and Labels. Word displays the Envelopes and Labels dialog box; make sure the Labels tab is selected. (See Figure 1.)



Figure 1. The Labels tab of the Envelopes and Labels dialog box.

With the Labels tab of the Envelopes and Labels dialog box displayed, you are ready to follow these general steps:

1. Click once on the label in the lower-right corner of the dialog box, or click on the Options button. Word displays the Label Options dialog box. (See Figure 2.)



Figure 2. The Label Options dialog box.

2. Click on New Label. Word displays the New Custom Label dialog box. (See Figure 3.)



Figure 3. The New Custom Label dialog box.

3. Use the controls within the dialog box to specify the exact dimensions of your labels.
4. Use the Label Name field to specify a name for your custom label.
5. Click on OK. The New Custom Label dialog box disappears. Note that the name of your new label appears in the Product Number list, near the top of the list. (It should be selected at this point.)
6. Set up and print your labels as desired.

WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1885) 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: Creating Custom Labels.