Microsoft Word 365 for desktop includes a powerful envelope printing feature that allows you to prepare professional mail for business, school, or personal use. While the interface may look slightly different depending on updates or ribbon settings, the envelope tool works much like earlier versions and provides full control over size, address placement, and printer feeding options.
This guide explains how to print an envelope in Word 365 (desktop), including envelope setup, size selection, printing options, printer loading, alignment tips, and solutions to common printing issues.
What You Need Before You Start
Before printing an envelope in Word 365, 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 avoid wasted supplies.
Supported Envelope Sizes in Word 365
| 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 365
The envelope feature is located in the Mailings tab on the Ribbon.
Follow these steps:
Open Microsoft Word 365 (desktop).
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.
If the Mailings tab is not visible, switch to the classic ribbon view or expand the Ribbon.
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 365
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 Document
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 365 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
Mailings Tab Not Visible
Switch to classic ribbon view
Expand the Ribbon
Restart Word
Update Word to the latest version
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
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 365?
Yes, logos can be added to envelopes in Word 365.
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 365 (desktop) 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 365 for accurate, consistent results.