Why won’t my Avery labels print properly?

Answered by James Kissner

There could be several reasons why your Avery labels are not printing properly. Let’s go through some troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issue.

1. Check the tray capacity: Make sure you are not over-filling the tray. Avery labels or cards should be loaded only up to 1/2 or 3/4 capacity. Overloading the tray can cause misfeeds and printing errors.

2. Adjust the paper guides: Gently snug the paper guides to the edges of the labels or cards. This will ensure that the paper is aligned correctly and prevent any misalignment during the printing process.

3. Use plain paper as a buffer: If you are only printing a few sheets of labels, it is a good practice to place 20 or so sheets of plain paper underneath. This acts as a buffer and helps the printer feed the labels smoothly without any jams or misfeeds.

4. Feed one sheet at a time: If you are experiencing issues where the printer is feeding more than one sheet at a time, it is recommended to feed one sheet at a time. This can be done by manually feeding the labels into the printer instead of using the tray.

5. Check printer settings: Ensure that the printer settings are correctly set for the type of labels or cards you are using. Verify that the paper size, type, and tray selection are all appropriate for your Avery labels. Incorrect settings can cause printing errors or misalignment.

6. Clean the printer rollers: Over time, dust and debris can accumulate on the printer rollers, causing issues with paper feeding. Cleaning the rollers can improve the printer’s performance. Refer to your printer’s manual for instructions on how to clean the rollers properly.

7. Update printer drivers: Outdated or incompatible printer drivers can also cause printing problems. Make sure you have the latest drivers installed for your printer model. Visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install the appropriate drivers.

If you have tried all these steps and are still experiencing issues with printing your Avery labels, it might be helpful to reach out to Avery customer support or your printer manufacturer for further assistance. They may be able to provide specific troubleshooting steps or insights based on your printer model and label type.

Personal experience: I have encountered printing issues with Avery labels in the past. One particular instance was when I tried to print a large batch of labels, and the printer kept misfeeding the sheets. After adjusting the paper guides and ensuring the tray was not over-filled, I discovered that the issue was with the printer’s roller. Cleaning the roller resolved the problem, and I was able to print the labels successfully.