Creating professional-looking adhesive labels doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With Avery’s user-friendly online tools and printing services, you can design, order, and print custom labels for a wide range of applications, from product packaging to address labels and everything in between. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you achieve perfect results every time. We’ll cover designing your labels using Avery Design & Print Online, ordering pre-printed labels through Avery WePrint, printing your own labels at home, troubleshooting common issues, and offering tips for achieving a professional finish. Get ready to transform your labeling game!
Why Choose Avery for Adhesive Labels?
Avery has been a trusted name in labeling for decades, and for good reason. They offer a comprehensive ecosystem of products and services that cater to both home users and businesses of all sizes. Here’s a glimpse of why Avery stands out:
- Wide Variety of Label Materials and Sizes: Avery offers an extensive selection of label types, including paper, film, and specialty materials like waterproof and removable options. They also come in a plethora of shapes and sizes, from small round labels to large shipping labels, ensuring you’ll find the perfect fit for your needs.
- User-Friendly Design Tools: Avery Design & Print Online is a free and intuitive platform that allows you to create custom label designs from scratch or using pre-designed templates. No design experience is required!
- High-Quality Printing Options: Whether you choose to print your labels at home using your own printer or opt for Avery’s professional WePrint service, you can expect exceptional print quality and vibrant colors.
- Templates for Microsoft Word and other applications: Avery also provides templates for use in popular software like Microsoft Word, Adobe Illustrator and more, giving users even more flexibility.
- Excellent Customer Support: Avery offers readily available customer support to assist you with any questions or issues you may encounter.
Designing Your Labels with Avery Design & Print Online
Avery Design & Print Online is the cornerstone of creating custom labels with Avery. Here’s a detailed walkthrough of how to use it:
- Access Avery Design & Print Online: Open your web browser and navigate to avery.com/templates.
- Enter Your Avery Product Number: Locate the product number on your Avery label packaging. This number identifies the specific label size and layout you’ll be working with. Enter this number into the search box on the Avery Design & Print Online homepage. You can also browse labels by category.
- Choose a Design Template or Start from Scratch: After entering your product number, you’ll be presented with a variety of design templates to choose from. These templates are pre-designed layouts that you can customize with your own text, images, and colors. If you prefer a blank canvas, select the “Blank Template” option.
- Customize Your Label Design: Once you’ve chosen a template or a blank canvas, you’ll enter the design editor. Here’s a breakdown of the key design elements you can customize:
- Text:
- Adding Text Boxes: Click the “Text” icon on the left-hand toolbar to add a text box to your label.
- Editing Text: Double-click on a text box to edit the text. You can change the font, size, color, alignment, and other formatting options using the toolbar at the top of the screen.
- Importing Data: If you need to print labels with variable data, such as names and addresses, you can import a CSV file or other data source. Avery Design & Print Online will automatically populate the labels with the data from your file.
- Using Mail Merge: Mail merge can be very useful for creating personalized labels.
- Images:
- Adding Images: Click the “Image” icon on the left-hand toolbar to add an image to your label. You can upload images from your computer, browse the Avery gallery of stock images, or import images from online sources like Google Photos or Facebook.
- Resizing and Positioning Images: Click and drag the corners of an image to resize it. Click and drag the image to move it around on the label.
- Image Editing Tools: Avery Design & Print Online offers basic image editing tools, such as cropping, rotating, and adjusting brightness and contrast.
- Shapes and Graphics:
- Adding Shapes: Click the “Shapes” icon on the left-hand toolbar to add shapes to your label. You can choose from a variety of shapes, such as rectangles, circles, triangles, and more.
- Customizing Shapes: You can change the color, size, and position of shapes. You can also add borders and fills to shapes.
- Backgrounds:
- Adding Backgrounds: Click the “Background” icon on the left-hand toolbar to add a background to your label. You can choose from a solid color, a gradient, or an image.
- Objects
- Arranging Objects: Use the “Arrange” menu to bring objects forward or send them backward, ensuring that they are layered correctly.
- Grouping Objects: Group multiple objects together to move and resize them as a single unit.
- Review and Proofread: Once you’re satisfied with your label design, take a moment to review and proofread it carefully. Check for typos, alignment issues, and any other errors.
- Save Your Project: Click the “Save” button to save your project to your Avery account. This will allow you to access and edit your design later. You will need to create an account if you don’t have one.
Ordering Pre-Printed Labels with Avery WePrint
If you need a large quantity of labels or want professional-quality printing, Avery WePrint is an excellent option. WePrint allows you to upload your label design and have Avery print and ship the labels directly to you. Here’s how it works:
- Prepare Your Design: First, create your label design using Avery Design & Print Online or another design program. Save your design as a high-resolution PDF file.
- Visit Avery WePrint: Go to avery.com/weprint.
- Select Your Label Type: Browse the available label types and select the one that matches your needs. You can filter by size, shape, material, and adhesive type.
- Upload Your Design: Click the “Upload Your Design” button and select the PDF file you saved earlier.
- Choose Your Printing Options: Specify the quantity of labels you need, as well as any other printing options, such as matte or gloss finish, custom die-cuts, or variable data printing.
- Review and Approve Your Proof: Avery WePrint will generate a proof of your label design for you to review. Carefully inspect the proof to ensure that everything looks correct.
- Place Your Order: Once you’re satisfied with the proof, approve it and proceed to checkout. Enter your billing and shipping information and submit your order.
Printing Your Own Labels at Home
If you have a printer and want to save money, you can print your own labels at home using Avery label sheets. Here’s how to do it:
- Load Avery Label Sheets into Your Printer: Place the Avery label sheets into your printer’s paper tray. Make sure to load them correctly according to your printer’s instructions. The label side usually faces up. Check your printer manual for specifics on printing labels.
- Print a Test Sheet: Before printing your entire batch of labels, print a test sheet on plain paper. Hold the test sheet up to the Avery label sheet to ensure that the design is properly aligned. This will help prevent wasting labels due to misaligned printing.
- Print Your Labels: Once you’re satisfied with the alignment, print your labels directly onto the Avery label sheets.
- Peel and Apply Your Labels: After printing, carefully peel the labels from the backing sheet and apply them to your desired surfaces.
Printer Settings for Optimal Label Printing
Proper printer settings are crucial for achieving optimal results when printing labels at home. Here are some key settings to adjust:
- Paper Type: Select “Labels” or a similar option in your printer’s paper type settings. This will ensure that the printer uses the correct amount of heat and pressure to properly adhere the toner or ink to the label material.
- Print Quality: Choose the highest possible print quality setting. This will result in sharper text and more vibrant colors.
- Borderless Printing: If you want to print labels that extend to the edges of the label sheet, enable borderless printing in your printer settings.
- Scale to Fit: Ensure that the “Scale to Fit” or “Fit to Page” option is disabled. This will prevent your design from being resized or distorted during printing.
- Print Speed: Reducing the print speed can sometimes improve print quality, especially when printing on thicker label materials.
Tips for Avoiding Common Printing Problems
Printing labels at home can sometimes be challenging. Here are some tips for avoiding common printing problems:
- Paper Jams: Paper jams are a common issue when printing labels. To prevent paper jams, make sure that the label sheets are properly aligned in the paper tray and that the paper type setting is correct. Avoid using damaged or wrinkled label sheets. Also cleaning your printer regularly will prevent jams.
- Smudging: Smudging can occur if the ink or toner is not properly adhered to the label material. To prevent smudging, allow the labels to dry completely before handling them. You can also try using a different type of label material or adjusting the printer settings.
- Misalignment: Misalignment can occur if the printer is not properly calibrated or if the label sheets are not loaded correctly. To prevent misalignment, print a test sheet and adjust the printer settings as needed. Make sure that the label sheets are loaded correctly in the paper tray.
- Blurry Print: Blurry print can be caused by low print quality settings, a dirty print head, or low ink/toner levels. Clean the print head regularly and replace ink/toner cartridges when they are low. Ensure your printer is set to the highest print quality available.
- Ink Bleeding: Ink bleeding can occur on some paper types, especially with inkjet printers. Consider using labels specifically designed for inkjet printers to mitigate this issue.
- Wrinkled Labels: Humidity and improper storage can cause labels to wrinkle. Store labels in a cool, dry place and avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures.
Choosing the Right Adhesive Label Material
The type of adhesive label material you choose will depend on your specific application. Here’s a brief overview of some common label materials:
- Paper Labels: Paper labels are the most common and affordable type of label material. They are suitable for a wide range of applications, such as address labels, product labels, and shipping labels. However, they are not water-resistant or durable enough for harsh environments.
- Film Labels: Film labels are more durable and water-resistant than paper labels. They are ideal for applications where the labels will be exposed to moisture, chemicals, or abrasion. Film labels are available in a variety of materials, such as polyester, vinyl, and polypropylene.
- Waterproof Labels: Waterproof labels are designed to withstand exposure to water and other liquids. They are ideal for applications where the labels will be used outdoors or in wet environments.
- Removable Labels: Removable labels are designed to be easily removed without leaving any residue. They are ideal for applications where the labels need to be removed frequently, such as price tags or temporary signage.
- Specialty Labels: Avery offers a variety of specialty labels for specific applications, such as barcode labels, asset tracking labels, and tamper-evident labels.
Understanding Adhesive Types
Adhesive labels come with different types of adhesives, each suited for specific purposes:
- Permanent Adhesive: Provides a strong, long-lasting bond. Ideal for applications where the label needs to stay in place indefinitely.
- Removable Adhesive: Allows the label to be removed cleanly without leaving residue. Suitable for temporary labeling or applications where the label might need to be repositioned.
- Repositionable Adhesive: Allows you to reposition the label multiple times before it sets permanently.
- Aggressive Adhesive: Designed for challenging surfaces like textured or oily materials.
Tips for Applying Adhesive Labels Professionally
Applying adhesive labels correctly is just as important as designing and printing them. Here are some tips for achieving a professional finish:
- Clean the Surface: Before applying a label, make sure that the surface is clean and dry. Remove any dust, dirt, or grease. Use isopropyl alcohol to clean surfaces that may have oily residue.
- Align the Label: Carefully align the label before applying it to the surface. Use a ruler or straight edge to ensure that the label is straight and centered.
- Apply Pressure: Apply even pressure to the label to ensure that it adheres properly to the surface. Use a squeegee or roller to smooth out any air bubbles.
- Avoid Touching the Adhesive: Avoid touching the adhesive side of the label, as this can reduce its stickiness.
- Consider an Applicator: For high-volume applications, consider using a label applicator. Label applicators can help you apply labels quickly and accurately.
- Apply in Proper Temperature Conditions: Extreme temperatures can affect adhesive performance. Apply labels within the recommended temperature range specified by the label manufacturer.
Using Avery Templates in Microsoft Word and Other Programs
While Avery Design & Print Online is a powerful tool, you can also use Avery templates directly within Microsoft Word and other popular software programs. This is useful if you prefer working within a familiar environment or need to integrate label printing into existing workflows.
- Download the Template: Visit the Avery website (avery.com/templates) and enter your label product number. Choose the template for Microsoft Word or your desired software.
- Open the Template: Open the downloaded template in your software. The template will typically consist of a table with each cell representing a label.
- Customize the Template: Add your text, images, and other design elements to each cell in the table. Use the formatting tools in your software to adjust the font, size, color, and alignment of your text.
- Mail Merge (Optional): If you need to print labels with variable data, you can use the mail merge feature in Microsoft Word to import data from a CSV file or other data source.
- Print the Labels: Load Avery label sheets into your printer and print the template. Be sure to select the correct paper type and print settings for labels.
Troubleshooting Common Avery Label Issues
Even with careful planning, you might encounter issues when printing or applying adhesive labels. Here’s a troubleshooting guide for common problems:
- Labels Not Sticking:
- Surface is dirty or oily: Clean the surface thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol.
- Incorrect adhesive: Choose a label with a stronger or more appropriate adhesive for the surface.
- Temperature too low: Apply labels at the recommended temperature.
- Label is old: Adhesive can degrade over time. Use fresh labels.
- Labels Peeling Off:
- Surface is not smooth: Use a label with an aggressive adhesive.
- Environmental factors: Extreme temperatures or humidity can cause labels to peel.
- Insufficient pressure applied: Apply firm, even pressure when applying the label.
- Printing Misaligned:
- Incorrect template: Ensure you’re using the correct template for your label product number.
- Printer calibration: Calibrate your printer to ensure accurate printing.
- Paper loaded incorrectly: Load label sheets correctly according to your printer’s instructions.
- Ink Smearing:
- Incorrect paper type setting: Select the “Labels” paper type in your printer settings.
- Ink not drying: Allow sufficient drying time before handling the labels.
- Inkjet labels on laser printer: Use the correct type of label for your printer (inkjet or laser).
- Paper Jams:
- Damaged labels: Use only undamaged, flat label sheets.
- Overloaded paper tray: Do not overload the paper tray.
- Incorrect paper type setting: Ensure the printer is set to the correct paper type.
Advanced Labeling Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics of ordering and printing adhesive labels, you can explore some advanced techniques to enhance your labeling projects:
- Variable Data Printing: Print labels with unique information on each label, such as sequential numbers, barcodes, or personalized messages.
- Custom Die-Cuts: Create labels in unique shapes and sizes with custom die-cuts. This can add a unique and professional touch to your products or packaging.
- Foil Stamping: Add a touch of elegance to your labels with foil stamping. This technique involves applying a metallic foil to the label surface, creating a shiny and eye-catching effect.
- Embossing: Create a raised design on your labels with embossing. This adds a tactile element to your labels and enhances their visual appeal.
- Lamination: Protect your labels from scratches, moisture, and UV damage with lamination. Lamination also adds a glossy or matte finish to your labels.
- Using QR Codes: Embed QR codes on your labels to link customers to websites, product information, or promotional offers.
Conclusion
Ordering and printing adhesive labels with Avery is a straightforward process that can be customized to suit your specific needs. Whether you’re a small business owner looking to brand your products or an individual organizing your home, Avery provides the tools and resources you need to create professional-looking labels. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can design, order, and print labels with confidence, ensuring a polished and professional finish every time. Remember to experiment with different materials, designs, and printing options to find the perfect solution for your labeling needs. With a little practice and attention to detail, you’ll be a label-making pro in no time!