How to Print Avery Labels for Free
Avery label sheets are the industry standard for home and office printing. They're available at every office supply store and work with any inkjet or laser printer. The challenge has always been the software : Avery's own tools require accounts and often feel clunky. Here's how to print Avery labels for free, with no software to install and no account required.
Popular Avery Label Sizes Explained
Avery makes dozens of label formats, but three cover most use cases:
- Avery 5160 : 1″ × 2⅝″, 30 labels per sheet. The classic return address and mailing label. Perfect for envelopes, small packages, and file folders.
- Avery 5163 : 2″ × 4″, 10 labels per sheet. A larger format ideal for shipping labels, name badges, and product labels that need more space for text or barcodes.
- Avery 5164 : 3⅓″ × 4″, 6 labels per sheet. The biggest of the three, great for shipping boxes, large envelopes, or any label that needs to be readable from a distance.
Generic store-brand label sheets often use the same dimensions as these Avery templates. If your labels say "compatible with Avery 5160," they'll work with the same layout settings.
Getting the Alignment Right
Misaligned labels are the most common frustration with home label printing. Text drifts off-center, bleeds onto neighboring labels, or gets clipped at the edges. Here's how to avoid that:
- Always print at 100% scale. In your print dialog, look for "Actual size" or "None" under page scaling. "Fit to page" or "Shrink to fit" will misalign every label on the sheet.
- Test on plain paper first. Print one sheet on regular paper, then hold it up to the light against your label sheet. If the text blocks line up with the label borders, you're good to go.
- Check your printer margins. Some printers have a non-printable border of 0.25-0.5 inches. If your labels extend into that zone, you may need to adjust your layout slightly.
- Feed labels correctly. Most printers handle label sheets best when fed from the manual/bypass tray, printed side up. Check your printer's manual for label-specific guidance.
Full-Sheet Label Printing
Sometimes you need a single large label that covers the entire 8.5″ × 11″ sheet : for example, a sign, a large shipping label, or a product poster. Full-sheet label stock (Avery 8165 or equivalent) is available in matte, glossy, and clear finishes.
When printing full-sheet labels, set your document size to US Letter and remove all margins. Use a PDF export to lock the layout before printing, which prevents your printer driver from adding its own margins or scaling.
Start Printing Avery Labels for Free
Our label maker includes built-in templates for Avery 5160, 5163, 5164, and other common formats. Pick a template, type your content, and print : directly from your browser. Everything runs locally on your computer, so your addresses and data are never uploaded anywhere.
Supported Avery Formats and Dimensions
| Avery Template | Label Size | Labels per Sheet | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5160 | 1" x 2⅝" | 30 | Return address, mailing labels |
| 5162 | 1⅓" x 4" | 14 | Address labels, file folders |
| 5163 | 2" x 4" | 10 | Shipping, name badges |
| 5164 | 3⅓" x 4" | 6 | Large shipping, box labels |
| 5167 | ½" x 1¾" | 80 | Tiny labels, barcodes |
| 5293 | 1⅔" round | 24 | Round stickers, seals |
| 8165 | 8½" x 11" | 1 | Full sheet labels, signs |
Why printshi Is Better Than Avery's Own Software
Avery Design & Print requires creating an account and loading a Flash-era web app that hasn't kept pace with modern browsers. It works, but it feels like software from 2012 wearing a 2024 coat of paint. printshi is better for most label tasks because:
- Truly free with no account. No sign-up, no email verification, no "free trial" that expires.
- 25+ built-in fonts vs Avery's limited selection. You get real typographic control over your labels.
- Works completely offline as a PWA. Install it once and it runs without an internet connection.
- Your data never leaves your device. Addresses, names, and label content stay in your browser. Nothing is uploaded to a server.
- CSV import for batch printing. Drop in a spreadsheet and print hundreds of unique labels in one go.
- QR code and barcode generation. Built right into the editor, no plugins or add-ons required.
To be fair, Avery's tool has more clip art and pre-designed templates with decorative borders and holiday themes. But for clean label layouts with custom text, printshi is faster and more flexible.
How to Print Avery Labels with printshi: Step by Step
- Open the printshi editor at printshi.com/editor.html
- Select your Avery template from the sheet size dropdown (5160, 5163, 5164, etc.)
- Add text elements for your label content — name, address, etc.
- Customize fonts, sizes, and alignment
- For batch labels, import a CSV file with your data
- Preview the full sheet layout
- Print at 100% scale — never use "fit to page"
- Test on plain paper first, then print on your Avery sheets
Do I Need Avery Software to Print on Avery Sheets?
No. Avery sheets are just adhesive paper cut to specific dimensions. Any software that can position text within those dimensions will work. printshi's built-in templates match Avery's layouts exactly. You can also use generic store-brand sheets that are "Avery 5160 compatible" — same dimensions, lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need Avery software to print on Avery label sheets?
- No. Avery sheets are standard adhesive paper. Any label maker with the correct dimensions will work. printshi includes built-in Avery templates that match exactly.
- What's the difference between Avery 5160 and 5163?
- Avery 5160 labels are 1" x 2⅝" (30 per sheet), ideal for return addresses. Avery 5163 labels are 2" x 4" (10 per sheet), better for shipping and name badges.
- Can I use store-brand labels instead of Avery?
- Yes. Any label sheet that matches the Avery template dimensions will work. Store brands labeled "compatible with Avery 5160" use the same layout.
- Why are my Avery labels printing off-center?
- Make sure you're printing at 100% scale (actual size). "Fit to page" or "shrink to fit" will misalign every label. Also test on plain paper first.
- Can I print Avery labels without Microsoft Word?
- Yes. printshi replaces Word entirely for label printing. It's faster, has better fonts, and doesn't require mail merge for batch printing.
- Does printshi work with Avery 5160 sheets?
- Yes. printshi has a built-in Avery 5160 template with the exact dimensions (1" x 2⅝", 30 per sheet, 3 columns x 10 rows).