Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. 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: Formatting Labels.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated April 30, 2025)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
Many people use the Envelopes and Labels capabilities of Word to create labels. This handy feature is great, as it allows you to quickly create a full sheet of labels. When faced with the prospect of formatting your labels, you may be tempted to create the labels first and then format them once the entire sheet is created.
There is a faster way, however: Simply format the label as you create it in the Envelopes and Labels dialog box. (To display the dialog box, display the Mailings tab of the ribbon and click the Labels tool in the Create group near the left side of the ribbon.) All you need to do is type in your label, as you regularly do, select the portion of the text you want to format, and then right-click on the selection. Word displays a Context menu from which you can choose Font or Paragraph. Use either one to make your label look exactly the way you want it.
When you are done, go ahead and click on New Document. Word creates your sheet of labels, but no additional formatting should be necessary.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (12898) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Formatting Labels.
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Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. 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:
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