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. Here are the general steps to follow:

1. Display the Mailings tab of the ribbon.
2. Click the Labels tool, in the Create box. Word displays the Envelopes and Labels dialog box with the Labels tab selected. (See Figure 1.)



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

3. 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.

4. Click on New Label. Word displays the Label Details dialog box. (See Figure 3.)



Figure 3. The Label Details dialog box.

5. Use the controls within the dialog box to specify the exact dimensions of your labels.
6. Use the Label Name field to specify a name for your custom label. (Change the name from whatever is there.)
7. Click on OK. The Label Details 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.)
8. 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 (5963) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Creating Custom Labels.