Home Envelope Printing Guide

Everything you need to know to print your baby shower invitations at home

1

Prepare Your Printer

Load Envelopes Properly

Inkjet Printers:

  • Most feed envelopes face-down in the paper tray
  • Align against the right side of the tray
  • Adjust paper guides snugly against envelopes
  • Load flap-side first for most models

Laser Printers:

  • Usually feed face-up
  • Check your printer manual for specific orientation
  • Some have a special envelope slot

Configure Printer Settings

  • Open Print Settings or Printer Properties
  • Select correct Paper Size (envelope size)
  • Choose Paper Type: "Envelope" or "Heavy Paper"
  • Set Print Quality to "Normal" or "Draft"
  • Select correct Orientation (usually Landscape)
2

Test Print First

Testing Process

  • Load ONE envelope as a test
  • Print a draft version
  • Check alignment and positioning
  • Adjust document formatting if needed
  • Test with different envelope if alignment is off

Common Adjustments

  • Text too high/low: Adjust top margin
  • Text too far left/right: Adjust left margin
  • Text cut off: Check page size settings
  • Uneven spacing: Verify font and line spacing
3

Print Your Envelopes

Best Practices

  • Print envelopes one at a time for best results
  • Allow ink to dry completely before handling
  • Don't stack printed envelopes immediately
  • Keep envelopes flat while drying

For Multiple Envelopes

  • Use mail merge features for bulk printing
  • Test first envelope before printing entire batch
  • Consider address labels for large quantities
  • Take breaks to prevent printer overheating

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Envelope Jams

Cause: Incorrect loading or thick envelopes

Solution: Check loading orientation, use thinner envelopes, try manual feed

Smudged Ink

Cause: Ink not drying, wrong paper settings

Solution: Use "Draft" mode, select "Envelope" paper type, allow more drying time

Misaligned Printing

Cause: Wrong page size or margin settings

Solution: Double-check envelope dimensions in page setup

Wrinkled Envelopes

Cause: Printer rollers or incorrect paper path

Solution: Flatten envelopes before loading, clean printer rollers

Can't Select Envelope Size

Cause: Printer driver limitations

Solution: Create custom page size with exact envelope dimensions

Tips for Success

Envelope Selection

  • Use quality envelopes designed for your printer type
  • Avoid textured or very thick envelopes
  • Choose envelopes with straight, not diagonal, flaps

Maintenance

  • Clean printer heads regularly
  • Keep envelopes stored flat and dry
  • Update printer drivers periodically

Professional Results

  • Use consistent fonts and sizing
  • Align addresses according to postal guidelines
  • Consider using a ruler or template for positioning
  • For formal events, consider professional printing services