Customize This Large Address Label
Written: Apr 08 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Customize these shipping labels to reflect a company identity or your personal style.
Cons: Not all software programs are created equal.
The Bottom Line: The Bottom Line is going to personalizing these labels to reflect its business image. What graphic should it use?
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| dlstewart's Full Review: AVERY DENNISON 600-LABELS 05164 4X3-1/3 WHITE WHIT... |
This morning I mailed a package and used an Avery Shipping Label -- Item # 5164. What I like most about these white labels is that you can customize them to reflect your company identity or your personal style.
Description
These labels come in a cardboard box. Inside the box are 600 labels. There are 6 labels to a sheet and 100 sheets in the box. The labels are arranged on each 8 1/2" x 11" sheet in two columns with three labels in each column. Each rectangular label measures 3 1/3" x 4". Avery calls these labels a "bright white", but I find the finish is not a glaring bright white. Instead the finish is a flat white color.
Avery guarantees these labels as "jam free". The labels are designed to run through a laser printer and after printing, the labels can be individually peeled from the sheet. Note these are permanent labels.
How to Use the Labels
The labels are designed for use in software programs such as Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, Microsoft Publisher (as well as other software programs). I use Microsoft Word and WordPerfect and know the labels work well in each of these programs. To give you a general idea of how to use the labels, I've included instructions below. These instructions may vary depending upon which version of software you are using.
Microsoft Word
Open a new blank document. Click on "Tools", then select "Letters and Mailings" and/or "Envelopes and Labels". Click "Options" to choose the correct label style. A list of label choices is arranged in numeric order. Select Avery number 5164 in the menu, and then click "OK". You can select whether you wish to type an entire sheet of labels with the same text, or whether you want to type something different on each label. If you want the labels that say the same thing, then type the text in the small box on the screen and click "New Document". A page opens with the text inserted in the labels. Now you can format the text (font, size, bold, italic, etc.). Then print the labels.
If you want each label to say something different, then click on "Options" and choose the correct label style and click "OK". Next click on "New Document" to open a document that shows a page filled with empty labels. Type in the text you wish for each label and format it. You can create as many labels as you wish. When finished, print the labels.
WordPerfect
Open a new blank document. Select "Format" and then click on "Labels". A list of label choices is arranged in numeric order. Select Avery label number 5164. A new window opens showing one label. Type the text and format it however you wish (font, size, bold, italic, etc.). Hit the "Enter" key until the next label shows on the screen and type in the text for that label. Continue until you are finished. Note: If you want all the labels to say the same thing, copy the text in the first label and paste it in the other label fields. You can create as many pages of labels as needed and print them all at the same time.
Include Images on the Label
The generous size of these labels makes it easy to include an image or a logo. Using Microsoft Word, select "Insert", then "Picture". Next choose whether to select the image from "Clip Art" or "From File". Using WordPerfect, select "Graphics" and then "Image" to select an image from your computer files.
Many programs include built-in templates for labels. Microsoft Publisher is one program that not only offers templates, but you can also customize the labels. There are also places on the internet where you can download additional label templates. Using a search engine such as google.com, type in: Microsoft Publisher label templates ... a variety of choices appear in the search results.
"Avery Print" on Avery's website offers four label templates (three with images and one that is text only). Select the label style, and the online program guides you through customizing the label. You can even import your own graphic to replace the one in the template. (I've written more about the Avery website below.)
Printing the Labels
When finished creating the labels, it is time to print them. Simply place the labels in the printer tray. It doesn't matter which direction you place the labels since the labels on the sheet are symmetrical. As a rule, I place the labels in the printer so that I can read the label number written in red on the upper and lower edges of the label. Click Print ... and you are done. I have never had Avery labels peel from the sheet while printing.
Note that Avery does not guarantee the labels as "jam-free" if a sheet of labels is used more than once in a printer.
Avery.com
What if you don't have a software program that includes built-in templates to use Avery labels? Avery's website (www.avery.com) provides many free templates and programs to use them. Also available is a free clipart section.
You can download Avery Wizard, a free add-in program that launches with Microsoft word. This program walks the user step-by-step through creating labels, dividers and cards using Avery products. You can also download a free limited version of Avery DesignerPro Software. This product offers templates for most Avery products.
Avery also offers a free service called Avery Print. This enables you to design your labels directly online and them print the finished product from the web. This service walks you through the design of your labels, even allowing a choice of different fonts and formatting. In order to use this service, you need an internet connection, browser software such as Internet Explorer and Adobe Acrobat Reader. I tried Avery Print just to experiment, and it worked fine.
My Experiences
I've used these labels both at work and at home. I have never had a problem with these labels and enjoy the fact that I have a blank canvas to create the labels I need.
At work we had a software program that required these labels in order to print shipping labels that were applied to both manilla envelopes and cardboard shipping cartons. The labels printed clearly and worked great. Work now has a new software program that requires a specialty label, so this Avery label is no longer used.
These labels have also come in handy for printing bar codes or detailed item information for various needs at work. Usually we print on a smaller label for these tasks, but sometimes this size label is needed.
At home I use these labels a variety of ways. The great thing about these labels is that I can customize them. I created one label for my freelance writing with my name and address. I created another label for my website design business that includes my logo and return address. I also use the labels for mailing personal packages, such as birthday presents ... and can create fun labels to suit a variety of occasions.
It's easy to customize and create professional looking labels. Design the return address you desire and save the format so that it can be used again. Then type in the recipient's mailing address. The post office prefers to receive labels with mailing addresses in a legible font, so void fancy scripts and stick with either a Times New Roman or Arial font, which are easy to read.
Though the labels specifically say they are for laser printers, I have used these labels in both laser and ink jet printers. The labels print fine using both types of printers. An ink jet printer may require additional drying time for the ink, so I only print one sheet of labels at a time. I have also printed a partial sheets of labels and at a later date have run the remaining partial sheet through the printer without problem.
Summary
I enjoy using Avery Shipping Labels -- Item # 5164. The labels cost $27.99 at Staples and OfficeMax. I will continue to buy and use these labels. They are excellent for customizing and always print well. I know I can create a professional looking label with Avery.
I hope you have found this review useful.
Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Additional Information
Avery Dennison -- Brea, California 92821
Toll Free Phone # 1-800-462-8379
www.avery.com
Product Guarantee
"Avery Dennison is committed to providing you with quality products and will gladly replace any product which does not provide complete satisfaction."
If you are looking for additional clipart, I'm pleased to share with you the clipart I create and post for free on my website. I specialize in creating Quilt Block clipart designs. You can view my designs at http://dlstewart.com/clipart.htm
Please read my other reviews
Avery File Folder Labels for both inkjet and laser printers
Avery Mailing Labels #5160 for laser printers
Stanley Heavy-Duty Stapler for up to 120 sheets
Fellowes Magnetic Copyholder
Stanley Electric Pencil Sharpener
Sharpie Twin-Tip Marker
Scotch Double-Coated Tape
Sterilite Ultra Storage Drawer
Rubbermaid 3-Drawer File Tower
Cramer Stop-Step Ladder
HON Metal Bookcase
Copyright 2004 Dawn L. Stewart
Recommended:
Yes
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