Microsoft Word 2010 makes it easy to create and print envelopes for business mail, invoices, and personal correspondence. The built-in Envelopes tool helps you format addresses correctly, choose the right envelope size, and control how the envelope feeds through your printer for clean, professional results.
This guide walks you through how to print an envelope in Word 2010, 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 2010, make sure you have:
A printer that supports envelope printing
Flat, printer-compatible envelopes (inkjet or laser)
The correct envelope size for your mail
A working printer connection
Printing one test envelope first is strongly recommended.
Supported Envelope Sizes in Word 2010
| 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 needed.
How to Set Up an Envelope in Word 2010
Word 2010 uses the Ribbon interface, with the envelope feature located in the Mailings tab.
Follow these steps:
Open Microsoft Word 2010.
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 window is where all envelope settings are controlled.
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
Make sure the selected size matches your actual envelope.
Printing Options Tab
This tab controls how the envelope feeds through your printer.
You can:
Choose face-up or face-down printing
Select the feeding direction
View a diagram showing how to load the envelope
Always follow the diagram shown for your printer type.
How to Load the Envelope
Although loading methods vary by printer, these general steps apply to most models:
Turn off the printer.
Open the main or manual feed tray.
Place one envelope in the tray.
Adjust the paper guides to fit snugly.
Keep the envelope flat and unbent.
Turn the printer back on.
Using one envelope at a time improves feeding reliability.
Print an Envelope in Word 2010
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.
Using Print Preview in Word 2010
Word 2010 includes a helpful Print Preview feature.
To access it:
Click File.
Select Print.
Review the preview image before printing.
This allows you to catch orientation or alignment issues before wasting envelopes.
Printing Envelopes from an Existing Document
If you already have a letter open:
Go to Mailings > Envelopes.
Word may automatically detect the address.
Review the formatting.
Click Print.
This saves time when sending multiple letters.
Printing Multiple Envelopes Using Mail Merge
For bulk mailings, Word 2010 supports envelope mail merge.
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 or event mailings.
Print Alignment Tips
To keep addresses properly positioned:
Confirm the envelope size
Follow the printing diagram
Use Print Preview
Print a test envelope
Adjust margins slightly if needed
Keep scaling at 100%
Small margin adjustments can fix most alignment problems.
Common Problems and Fixes
Envelope Will Not Feed
Use the manual feed tray
Load one envelope only
Avoid thick or padded envelopes
Address Prints Too High or Low
Recheck envelope size
Adjust margin settings
Confirm feed direction
Ink or Toner Smears
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 feed diagram
Tray: Manual or multipurpose
Paper Type: Plain / Envelope
Scaling: 100%
Can You Print a Logo on an Envelope in Word 2010?
Yes, Word 2010 allows you to add logos to envelopes.
Tips for best results:
Place logos in the top-left area
Leave space from the edges
Avoid the flap area
Use clear, high-resolution images
Simple logo designs print more cleanly.
Final Tips
Printing envelopes in Word 2010 is easy once the correct size, feed method, and printer settings are selected. Using Print Preview and running a test print can save time and prevent wasted supplies.
This guide covers everything you need to know about envelope printing in Microsoft Word 2010 for clean, professional results.