How to Print on Envelopes: Word, Google Docs & Direct From Your Printer (All Brands)

The Short Answer

Printing directly on envelopes is different from printing on regular paper because most printers require you to feed the envelope in a specific orientation, and most word processors need to be told you're printing an envelope size rather than letter or A4 paper. This guide covers how to print envelopes from Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and directly through your printer's built-in envelope setting — for HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother printers.

How to Print an Envelope in Microsoft Word

1. Open Word and go to the Mailings tab
2. Click Envelopes (in the "Create" group)
3. Type the delivery address in the "Delivery address" box
4. Type your return address in the "Return address" box (or check "Omit" if you're using pre-printed envelopes)
5. Click Options to select your envelope size (Size 10 is standard for U.S. business envelopes) and adjust font if needed
6. Click Print, then feed the envelope into your printer as shown in the preview image in the Envelope Options dialog

Word shows a small diagram of exactly how to insert the envelope for your specific printer model — follow this diagram carefully, since envelope orientation varies significantly between printer brands and even printer models within the same brand.

Printing Multiple Envelopes with Different Addresses (Mail Merge)

If you need to print many envelopes with different addresses, use Word's Mail Merge feature:

1. Go to Mailings > Start Mail Merge > Envelopes
2. Select your envelope size under Envelope Options
3. Go to Mailings > Select Recipients > choose your address list (Excel spreadsheet or Outlook contacts)
4. Click "Insert Merge Field" to place address fields where you want them on the envelope
5. Click "Finish & Merge" > "Print Documents"

How to Print an Envelope in Google Docs

Google Docs doesn't have a built-in envelope tool like Word, but you can still print envelopes with a workaround:

1. Go to File > Page setup
2. Click "Custom" under paper size and enter your envelope dimensions (for a standard #10 envelope: 9.5 x 4.125 inches)
3. Type your address text in the document, positioned roughly where it should appear on the envelope
4. Go to File > Print, then click "Print using system dialog" for more control over paper feed and orientation
5. Feed the envelope into your printer according to your printer's envelope-loading guide (see brand-specific instructions below)

Alternatively, many people find it faster to use a free envelope template from Google's template gallery, or use Word's dedicated envelope tool if available.

How to Print Envelopes Directly from Your Printer (By Brand)

Most inkjet and laser printers have a dedicated envelope feed slot or setting. Here's how to load and print envelopes by brand:

HP Printers

Most HP OfficeJet and DeskJet printers have a single-sheet or rear feed specifically marked for envelopes. Load the envelope flap-side down and to the left (check your printer's small icon guide near the tray — it shows the exact orientation). In your print settings, go to Paper/Quality and select "Envelope" as the paper type and choose your envelope size (e.g., "Envelope #10").

Canon Printers

Canon PIXMA printers typically use the rear tray for envelopes. Load with the flap open and facing up, sliding it to match the paper guides. In the print driver, select "Envelope" under Media Type and pick your envelope size in Page Setup.

Epson Printers

Epson printers generally load envelopes flap-side up into the rear feed slot, sliding the edge guide to fit snugly. Select "Envelope" as the paper type in your print settings and choose the correct envelope size under Paper Size.

Brother Printers

Brother inkjet models often have a manual feed slot for envelopes. Insert with the flap on the left side, facing down. In printer properties, select "Envelope" from the Media Type dropdown and choose your envelope size. For Brother laser printers, check your model's manual — some require a specific tray adjustment lever to be set to envelope mode.

Common Envelope Sizes and When to Use Them

If you're printing wedding invitations or formal cards, see our related guide on Best Cardstock for Wedding Invitations You Can Print at Home.

Tips for Getting Clean, Professional-Looking Envelope Prints

• Do a test print on plain paper first — hold the test sheet up to the envelope to verify address placement before committing to the actual envelope
• Use a sans-serif font at 10-12pt for addresses — fonts like Arial or Calibri scan more clearly for postal sorting equipment
• Avoid glossy or heavily textured envelopes in inkjet printers — ink can smear on non-absorbent surfaces
• Let the ink dry for a few seconds before handling printed envelopes, especially with inkjet printers
• Check your printer's envelope weight limit — most printers handle envelopes up to 24-32 lb; heavier cardstock envelopes may need manual/single-sheet feed

Troubleshooting Envelope Printing Problems

• Envelope jams: Make sure the flap is tucked in or positioned as instructed, and that you're not exceeding the paper tray's envelope capacity (usually 5-10 envelopes max)
• Text prints upside down or on the wrong side: Check your printer's loading diagram again — orientation varies by brand and even by model
• Ink smudges on the envelope: Switch to a matte, uncoated envelope, or reduce print quality slightly to use less ink per pass
• Printer won't recognize envelope size: Manually set a custom paper size matching your envelope's exact dimensions in the print driver

For more general printing troubleshooting, see our guide on How to Fix Paper Jams in Your Inkjet Printer.

Summary

Printing on envelopes is simple once you know your printer's specific loading orientation and have the right paper size set in your software. Word has a dedicated Envelopes tool under the Mailings tab; Google Docs requires a custom page size workaround; and most printers have a rear or manual feed slot built specifically for envelopes. Always test on plain paper first to confirm alignment before printing on your actual envelopes.

Need ink or toner to keep your printer stocked for envelope and everyday printing? Browse Castle Ink's full range of compatible cartridges at castle-ink-cartridges.myshopify.com/collections/all, or find quality envelopes and cardstock on Amazon (printer envelopes).