Sending mail might seem old-fashioned, but sometimes a personal touch is exactly what you need! Whether it’s for wedding invitations, holiday cards, or even just paying bills, addressing envelopes can be a real pain. Luckily, there’s free software out there to make this task much easier and even a little fun. Let’s explore some of the best options to help you print perfect envelopes every time, without spending a dime.
Why Use Envelope Printing Software?
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s talk about why you might want to use dedicated envelope printing software in the first place. Sure, you could technically try to format everything in a regular word processor, but that can quickly become a recipe for frustration. Envelope printing software offers several advantages:
- Accuracy: Say goodbye to crooked addresses and wasted envelopes! Software designed for envelope printing helps you position the address perfectly.
- Time-Saving: Instead of manually typing each address, you can often import them from a spreadsheet or address book.
- Professional Look: Customize fonts, layouts, and even add logos for a polished and professional appearance.
- Efficiency: Print multiple envelopes quickly and easily.
- Cost-Effective: Avoid costly mistakes and wasted envelopes.
Top Free Envelope Printing Software Options
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! Here are some of the best free envelope printing software options available, along with a bit about what makes each one stand out:
Microsoft Word
Believe it or not, you might already have a fantastic envelope printing tool right at your fingertips! Microsoft Word, part of the Microsoft Office suite, includes a surprisingly robust envelope printing feature. While it’s not strictly dedicated software, it’s powerful and versatile enough for most users.
To print envelopes in Word, go to the “Mailings” tab and click on “Envelopes.” You can then enter the delivery and return addresses, choose your envelope size, and customize the font and layout. Word also allows you to save return addresses, so you don’t have to type them in every time. A great tip is to use the “feed” option to determine which way to place the envelope in the printer. It can be a little confusing, so it’s helpful to print a test envelope before you print the whole stack.
LibreOffice Writer
If you’re looking for a free and open-source alternative to Microsoft Office, LibreOffice is an excellent choice. LibreOffice Writer, the word processing component, also has envelope printing capabilities similar to Word. You can find the envelope printing option under the “Insert” menu, then “Envelope.”
LibreOffice Writer allows you to customize the envelope size, font, and position of the addresses. It also supports importing addresses from a database or address book. A useful feature is the ability to preview the envelope layout before printing, ensuring everything looks just right. Similar to Word, doing a test print is always a good idea before committing to printing all your envelopes.
Envelope Printer (Online Tool)
For a quick and easy solution that doesn’t require any software installation, online envelope printing tools are a great option. Envelope Printer is one such tool. You can access it directly through your web browser.
With Envelope Printer, you simply enter the delivery and return addresses, choose your envelope size and font, and then download a PDF file that you can print. It’s incredibly simple to use and perfect for one-off printing jobs. The downside is it doesn’t save the addresses you entered, so you would need to re-enter the information each time you want to print another envelope. Plus, you need to make sure your printer settings are correct when printing the PDF to ensure proper alignment.
PrintEnvelope.com (Online Tool)
Another excellent online tool is PrintEnvelope.com. This website allows you to create and print envelopes with ease. It offers a variety of envelope sizes and customization options.
Like Envelope Printer, you enter the addresses, choose your preferences, and then download a PDF. PrintEnvelope.com provides a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy to create professional-looking envelopes. You can also upload your return address as an image, which is a nice touch for adding a logo or custom design. Remember to check your printer settings when printing the downloaded PDF to avoid alignment issues.
Label Design Software with Envelope Templates
While not strictly “envelope printing software,” many free label design programs also include envelope templates. These programs often offer more advanced design features than basic word processors, allowing you to create truly custom envelopes.
Look for label design software that supports importing addresses from spreadsheets or databases. This will save you a ton of time if you have a large mailing list. Examples of software that often include envelope templates are Avery Design & Print Online and similar programs from other label manufacturers. They’re designed to work with their labels, but the templates can be easily modified to print directly onto envelopes.
Tips for Printing Perfect Envelopes
No matter which software you choose, here are some tips to help you print perfect envelopes every time:
- Test Print: Always, always, always print a test envelope before printing the entire batch. This will help you catch any alignment issues or font problems.
- Printer Settings: Make sure your printer is set to the correct envelope size and paper type. This is crucial for proper alignment and preventing paper jams.
- Envelope Quality: Use high-quality envelopes that are designed for printing. Avoid using flimsy or wrinkled envelopes, as they can cause problems with your printer.
- Address Formatting: Follow the proper address formatting guidelines to ensure your mail is delivered correctly. This includes using the correct abbreviations for states and street names.
- Check the Feed Direction: Pay close attention to the feed direction of your printer. Most printers have a diagram that shows how to insert envelopes properly.
Safety First!
When printing envelopes, it’s important to take some safety precautions to protect your printer and yourself. Never force an envelope into the printer. If it doesn’t feed smoothly, consult your printer’s manual for troubleshooting tips. Also, be careful when handling envelopes that have already been printed, as the ink may still be wet. It’s always a good idea to let the envelopes dry completely before stacking them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best envelope size to use?
The most common envelope size for standard letters is #10 (4 1/8 x 9 1/2 inches). However, there are other sizes available for different purposes, such as invitations or oversized documents.
Can I print on both sides of an envelope?
It’s generally not recommended to print on both sides of an envelope, as it can confuse postal workers and delay delivery. Stick to printing the delivery and return addresses on the front of the envelope.
How do I import addresses from a spreadsheet?
Most envelope printing software allows you to import addresses from a CSV or Excel file. The exact steps will vary depending on the software, but generally, you’ll need to map the columns in your spreadsheet to the corresponding fields in the software (e.g., name, address, city, state, zip code).
My printer is jamming when I try to print envelopes. What can I do?
First, make sure you’re using the correct envelope size and paper type settings in your printer. Also, check that the envelopes are not too thick or wrinkled. If the problem persists, try cleaning the printer’s rollers or consulting your printer’s manual for troubleshooting tips.
Conclusion
Printing envelopes doesn’t have to be a tedious and frustrating task. With the right free envelope printing software, you can create professional-looking envelopes quickly and easily. Whether you choose Microsoft Word, LibreOffice Writer, an online tool, or label design software, the tips and tricks outlined in this guide will help you achieve perfect results every time. So, go ahead and give it a try – your mail will thank you!
