Microsoft Word 2016 offers a dependable envelope printing feature that helps you prepare professional-looking mail for business, school, or personal use. By using the built-in Envelopes tool, you can control address placement, choose the correct envelope size, and manage how the envelope feeds through your printer for accurate results.
This guide explains how to print an envelope in Word 2016, including envelope setup, size selection, printing options, printer loading, alignment tips, and common troubleshooting solutions.
What You Need Before You Start
Before printing an envelope in Word 2016, make sure you have:
A printer that supports envelope printing
Flat, printer-compatible envelopes (inkjet or laser)
The correct envelope size
A stable printer connection
Printing one test envelope first helps prevent wasted paper and ink.
Supported Envelope Sizes in Word 2016
| Envelope Type | Size |
|---|---|
| #10 | 4.125 × 9.5 inches |
| DL | 110 × 220 mm |
| C6 | 114 × 162 mm |
| C5 | 162 × 229 mm |
Custom envelope sizes can also be created if your envelope is not listed.
How to Set Up an Envelope in Word 2016
The envelope feature is located in the Mailings tab on the Ribbon.
Follow these steps:
Open Microsoft Word 2016.
Click the Mailings tab.
In the Create group, click Envelopes.
Enter the Delivery Address.
Enter the Return Address (optional).
Click Options to adjust size and printing settings.
The Envelopes and Labels dialog box controls all envelope formatting.
Envelope Options and Printing Options Explained
When you click Options, two important tabs appear.
Envelope Options Tab
Use this tab to:
Select the envelope size
Change the font for the delivery address
Change the font for the return address
Always match the selected size with your physical envelope.
Printing Options Tab
This tab controls how the envelope feeds into your printer.
You can:
Choose face-up or face-down printing
Select the feeding direction
View a loading diagram for your printer
Follow the diagram carefully to avoid misalignment.
How to Load the Envelope
Although loading methods vary by printer, these general steps work for most models:
Turn off the printer.
Open the main or manual feed tray.
Place one envelope in the tray.
Adjust the paper guides snugly.
Keep the envelope flat and unbent.
Turn the printer back on.
Printing one envelope at a time improves reliability.
Print an Envelope in Word 2016
After completing the setup:
Click Print in the Envelopes dialog box.
Word sends the envelope to your printer as a single-page job.
You can also click Add to Document to save the envelope layout for future use.
Printing Envelopes from an Existing Letter
If you already have a letter open:
Go to Mailings > Envelopes.
Word may automatically detect the address.
Review the address formatting.
Click Print.
This saves time when sending mail to multiple recipients.
Printing Multiple Envelopes Using Mail Merge
Word 2016 supports envelope mail merge for bulk mailings.
Basic steps:
Click Mailings > Start Mail Merge > Envelopes.
Choose your envelope size.
Select your recipient list.
Insert address fields.
Complete the merge and print.
Mail merge is ideal for business, school, and event mailings.
Print Alignment Tips
To keep your addresses properly positioned:
Confirm the envelope size
Follow the loading diagram
Print a test envelope
Adjust margins slightly
Keep scaling at 100%
Small adjustments usually solve alignment issues.
Common Problems and Fixes
Envelope Will Not Feed
Use the manual feed tray
Load only one envelope
Avoid thick or padded envelopes
Address Prints Off-Center
Recheck the envelope size
Adjust margin settings
Confirm feed direction
Ink or Toner Smudges
Use printer-compatible envelopes
Let ink dry before stacking
Avoid glossy paper
Wrong Tray Selected
Open printer properties
Choose the correct paper source
Best Print Settings Checklist
Paper Size: Match envelope size
Orientation: Based on loading diagram
Tray: Manual or multipurpose
Paper Type: Plain / Envelope
Scaling: 100%
Can You Print a Logo on an Envelope in Word 2016?
Yes, logos can be added to envelopes in Word 2016.
Tips for best results:
Place logos in the top-left area
Leave space from the edges
Avoid the flap area
Use high-quality images
Simple designs produce cleaner prints.
Final Tips
Printing envelopes in Word 2016 is easy once the correct size, feed method, and printer settings are selected. Running a test print helps avoid mistakes and ensures professional-looking mail.
This guide covers everything you need to know about envelope printing in Microsoft Word 2016 for accurate, consistent results.