Is there an easy way to print labels?

I'm looking for software that will let me print different address labels on a sheet of labels. I have several programs that will print the same address on the whole page but I would like to be able to control how many of each and where they are placed on the sheet.

- Ralph

This question was answered on December 22, 2004. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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Printing labels with ease has long been the bane of many a computer user.

Many programs, including Microsoft Word have provisions for printing labels, but many find the process too complex or confusing for anything other than the most basic needs.

To be successful in the pursuit to easy label printing, there are two key elements required; a database of addresses and a simple user interface to allow for various types of printing runs.

Microsoft Word's approach requires a good working knowledge of the Mail Merge process and heaping bundle of patience (For those that are up for the task, go to the Help menu and type in 'printing labels' I would also recommend downloading label templates for Word at

office.microsoft.com.)

If you want an easier solution, then you can either purchase a program specifically designed to create and print labels or buy a label printer which will also come with the desired software.

Avery (www.avery.com ), one of the world's largest label companies, has software that is designed to print on their labels DesignPro Deluxe 5.0 (available at most software retailers for

$49 or less) has over 2200 templates for labels as well as the ability to add images, pictures or any of your own graphics to the label.

A less expensive solution that is also compatible with Avery labels is Label Factory Deluxe 2.0 from Nova Development (www.novadevelopment.com) It includes its own address book/database manager for those that don't already have a list of addresses in a spreadsheet or other database file.

For those that print lots of labels on a regular basis, your best bet is to invest in an actual label printer, which will print labels from a roll.

It's far more convenient for printing single labels quickly (like in a shipping department)

For $50 to $150 you can buy label printers from companies like Brother (www.brother.com), Avery (www.avery.com), Dymo (<www.dymo.com) and Seiko (www.siibusinessproducts.com) which generally come with software to manage the printing as well

If you don't already have a database of addresses or you want to start over, be sure to check the capabilities of the software that comes with the printer.

If you have a list in a spreadsheet, for instance, make sure the software has the ability to 'import' your addresses so that you don't have to manually type them all in again.

In our business, we have relied on a Seiko printer for years The accompanying software has a very simple WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You

Get) interface so you know exactly what the label will look like while you lay down the text and images.

One final item to consider before purchasing a label printer: the cost of the labels that you will need Often times the rolls of labels are proprietary so the costs can vary from brand to brand.

About the author

Posted by Ken Colburn of Data Doctors on December 22, 2004

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