Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024, and Word in Microsoft 365. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: Placeholders for Stamps.

Placeholders for Stamps

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated June 28, 2025)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024, and Word in Microsoft 365


If you are using Word to create envelopes or postcards for your business, you may have a need to include a "placeholder" for stamps. You've seen these before—generally they are in the upper-right corner of business reply envelopes. They are a small rectangle containing words to the effect "Place Stamp Here. The Post Office will not deliver mail without postage". The wording varies, but you get the idea.

To easily create such an object on your envelopes or postcards, follow these general steps:

  1. Open or create your envelope or postcard, as you normally would.
  2. Make sure the Insert tab of the ruler is displayed.
  3. Click on the Text Box tool in the Text group, and then choose Draw Text Box. The mouse pointer changes to a crosshair.
  4. Click the mouse pointer where you want the upper-left corner of the placeholder.
  5. Drag the mouse to the lower-right corner of the placeholder. When you release the mouse, the text box is inserted.
  6. Right-click your new text box. Word displays a Context menu. If you are using Word 2007, click Format Text Box. (Word displays the Format Text Box dialog box.) If you are using Word 2010 or a later version, click More Layout Options. (Word displays the Layout dialog box.)
  7. Make sure the Size tab is displayed. (See Figure 1.)
  8. Figure 1. The Size tab of the Layout dialog box.

  9. Set the Height value to .9 inches.
  10. Set the Width value to .7 inches.
  11. Click on OK.
  12. Place the insertion point within the text box.
  13. Type the text you want to appear within the placeholder.
  14. Format the text as desired. (You will probably need to make the font size smaller so the text is completely visible).

That's it! Your placeholder is on your envelope or postcard, and you are ready to print.

WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (12120) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024, and Word in Microsoft 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Placeholders for Stamps.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. ...

MORE FROM ALLEN

Zooming with the Keyboard

Excel doesn't provide a keyboard shortcut that allows you to zoom in or out on your workbook. It is easy, however, to ...

Discover More

Unwanted Hyperlinks

Tired of having Excel convert what you type into active hyperlinks? Here are things you can do to undo Excel's ...

Discover More

Limiting the Number of Characters in a Cell

Need to limit the number of characters that can be entered into a cell? One easy way to do it is through the use of Data ...

Discover More

Create Custom Apps with VBA! Discover how to extend the capabilities of Office 365 applications with VBA programming. Written in clear terms and understandable language, the book includes systematic tutorials and contains both intermediate and advanced content for experienced VB developers. Designed to be comprehensive, the book addresses not just one Office application, but the entire Office suite. Check out Mastering VBA for Microsoft Office 365 today!

More WordTips (ribbon)

Changing the Return Address Location

When Word creates envelopes for you, there may be times that you don't like where it places the return address. ...

Discover More

Return Address Isn't Saved

When printing envelopes, Word allows you to specify a return address to use on those envelopes. If you are frustrated ...

Discover More

Increasing Envelope Address Lines

Envelopes in Word are created through the use of styles that define specific elements of the envelope, such as return ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is nine minus 1?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


This Site

Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.

Videos
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.