When labels print shifted, too small or across two labels, it's almost always a print setting rather than the PDF. Work through these in order.
1. Print at 100% scale
This fixes most problems. Many print dialogs shrink the page to "fit" by default, which moves every label a little more the further it is from the top left.
- In the print dialog, set Scale to 100% or Actual size.
- Turn off Fit to page, Shrink to fit and Fit to printable area.
- If you're printing from a web browser's built-in PDF viewer, look for the scale under "More settings". Or download the PDF and open it in a PDF reader.
2. Match the paper size
If the printer thinks the paper is A4 and it's actually Letter, or the other way round, everything shifts.
- Avery 5160, 5163, 5164 and 5167 are Letter sheets (8.5 x 11 in).
- Avery L7160 is an A4 sheet (210 x 297 mm).
Set the paper size in the print dialog to match the sheet in the tray.
3. Print a test page
The address label maker has a Print test page button. It prints the outline of every label on plain paper. Hold it against a label sheet in front of a window: the lines should sit on the label edges.
4. Feed the sheet straight
- Load one sheet at a time if your printer tends to pull paper in at an angle.
- Slide the paper guides in so they touch the sheet without bending it.
- Use the manual feed or rear tray if your printer has one. It has a straighter path.
- Check which way up the sheet goes. Most printers print on the side facing up in the tray, but some print on the side facing down.
5. Read the pattern
- Every label is off by the same amount in the same direction: your printer's paper feed is offset. Some printers have an alignment setting in their maintenance tools.
- The labels drift further off down the page: the scale isn't 100%, or the sheet is feeding at an angle.
- The labels are off sideways only: the paper guides are loose or the paper size is wrong.
Thermal labels off center
On a 4x6 thermal printer:
- Calibrate after loading a new roll, so the printer finds the gaps between labels.
- Set the label size in the printer's settings, not just in the print dialog.
- Move the roll guides in so the labels can't slide sideways.
The thermal printer guide has more on setting up a thermal printer.
Still off?
Tell us which tool you used, the label sheet or size, and your printer. We'll help you sort it out.