Microsoft Outlook is widely used for email and contact management in business and personal environments. While Outlook does not have a direct envelope-printing button, it allows you to print envelopes by using its Mail Merge feature with Microsoft Word. This method lets you pull addresses from your Outlook contacts and format them as envelopes for printing.
This guide explains how to print an envelope in Outlook, including supported envelope sizes, step-by-step setup, printer loading, alignment tips, and solutions to common printing problems.
Does Outlook Support Envelope Printing?
Outlook supports envelope printing through Mail Merge, which connects Outlook contacts with Microsoft Word’s envelope feature. This allows you to:
Print a single envelope
Print multiple envelopes from your contacts
Customize address layout
Add logos or return addresses
Outlook itself handles the contact data, while Word handles the envelope formatting.
Supported Envelope Sizes
| Envelope Type | Size |
|---|---|
| #10 | 4.125 × 9.5 in |
| DL | 110 × 220 mm |
| C6 | 114 × 162 mm |
| C5 | 162 × 229 mm |
If your envelope size is not listed, you can create a custom size in Word.
Recommended Envelopes
For best results, use:
Flat, unpadded envelopes
Standard #10 envelopes for business mail
Inkjet-compatible envelopes for inkjet printers
Laser-compatible envelopes for laser printers
Avoid:
Bubble or padded envelopes
Glossy or coated envelopes
Envelopes with thick adhesive areas
How to Load Envelopes in Your Printer
Proper loading helps prevent jams and misalignment.
Turn off the printer.
Open the manual feed or main paper tray.
Place one envelope in the tray.
Adjust the paper guides to fit snugly.
Keep the envelope flat and straight.
Turn the printer back on.
Always print one envelope at a time for best accuracy.
Envelope Orientation Guide
Envelope orientation depends on your printer model.
General tips:
Follow the diagram on your printer tray
Keep the flap out of the print path
Align the envelope straight
If the address prints upside down, rotate the envelope 180° and try again.
How to Print a Single Envelope in Outlook
To print one envelope using Outlook and Word:
Open Outlook.
Go to People / Contacts.
Select the contact you want to mail.
Click Mail Merge (or File > Mail Merge).
Choose Letters as the document type.
Select Active Contact.
Click OK.
Microsoft Word will open.
Go to Mailings > Envelopes.
Select your envelope size.
Click Print.
This prints one envelope with the selected contact’s address.
How to Print Multiple Envelopes from Outlook
To print several envelopes:
Open Outlook Contacts.
Select multiple contacts.
Click Mail Merge.
Choose Letters.
Select All contacts or Selected contacts.
Click OK.
In Word, go to Mailings > Envelopes.
Set the envelope size and layout.
Click Finish & Merge > Print Documents.
This method is useful for small mailing lists.
Print Alignment Tips
To keep addresses centered:
Select the correct envelope size
Keep scaling at 100%
Print a test envelope first
Adjust margins slightly if needed
Use the manual feed tray
Minor adjustments usually fix alignment issues.
Common Problems and Fixes
Address Formatting Issues
Edit the contact address in Outlook
Remove extra line breaks
Check ZIP/postcode spacing
Envelope Prints Off-Center
Recheck the envelope size
Adjust margins in Word
Confirm feed orientation
Envelope Feeds Incorrectly
Use the manual feed tray
Load one envelope at a time
Adjust paper guides
Smudged Ink or Toner
Use printer-compatible envelopes
Let ink dry fully
Avoid glossy surfaces
Best Print Settings
Paper Size: Match envelope size
Paper Type: Plain / Envelope
Tray: Manual Feed or Envelope Tray
Orientation: Based on feed method
Scaling: 100%
Print Quality: Normal
These settings help ensure consistent results.
Can You Print Logos on Envelopes?
Yes, logos can be added in Word when printing envelopes from Outlook.
Tips for best results:
Place logos in the top-left corner
Keep space from the edges
Avoid the flap area
Use high-resolution images
Simple designs print more clearly.
Alternative Online Envelope Printing Option
If you need to send large volumes of mail, online envelope printing services can handle bulk printing, addressing, and mailing without using your local printer.
Final Tips
Printing envelopes in Outlook is reliable when you use Mail Merge with Microsoft Word. By selecting the correct envelope size, loading envelopes properly, and running a test print, you can produce professional envelopes for business or personal use.
This guide covers everything you need to know about envelope printing in Outlook.