How to Print Custom Return Address Labels for Free
A simple guide to designing and printing your own return address labels at home — no design skills needed, works with any label sheet.
Return address labels are one of those small things that save a lot of time. Instead of handwriting your address on every envelope, you stick a label on the top-left corner and you're done.
If you send packages regularly — for a small business, Etsy shop, holiday cards, or everyday correspondence — printing your own return address labels is faster and cheaper than ordering pre-printed ones online.
This guide shows you how to do it for free, from any printer you already have.
What You Need#
- A printer (inkjet or laser — any home printer works)
- A sheet of address labels (Avery 5167 is the most common for return addresses — 80 tiny labels per sheet, 0.5" × 1.75")
- Your name and address
- Labeliy — free, no account needed
That's it. No design experience required.
What Information Goes on a Return Address Label?#
Keep it simple — you have very little space:
- Your name or business name
- Street address
- City, State, and ZIP code
Optional:
- Phone number (useful for business packages)
- Website or email (for brand recognition)
- Small logo (if it fits)
Most return address labels are small (0.5" × 1.75" or 1" × 2.625"), so stick to 3–4 lines of text.
Step-by-Step: Print Return Address Labels in Labeliy#
Step 1 — Open the label maker#
Go to labeliy.com/label-maker. No sign-up needed.
Step 2 — Choose the Return Address Label template#
Select the Return Address Label template from the template gallery. It's a compact layout with name and address fields already positioned.
Step 3 — Type your details#
Click each text element and type your information:
- Name — your name or business name
- Address — street address
- City, State, Zip — all on one line to save space
- Phone — optional, delete the field if you don't want it
Step 4 — Adjust the font size if needed#
If your address is long, reduce the font size so everything fits. Click the text element and lower the font size until the text fits within the label boundaries.
Step 5 — Choose your label sheet#
Click Paper Type in the left panel. Search for your label sheet — for example "Avery 5167" for the small 80-up return address sheets, or "Avery 5160" for the standard 30-up size.
If your sheet isn't listed, choose Custom and enter your sheet dimensions.
Step 6 — Download and print#
Download the PDF. Open it in your PDF viewer and print at 100% scale (not "fit to page" — this shrinks the label and causes misalignment). Load your label sheets into your printer and print.
Which Label Sheet Size Should I Use?#
| Sheet | Label size | Labels per sheet | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avery 5167 | 0.5" × 1.75" | 80 | Small return address stickers |
| Avery 5160 | 2.625" × 1" | 30 | Slightly larger labels with more info |
| Avery 5163 | 4" × 2" | 10 | Large labels with logo or extra info |
For a simple name + address with no logo, Avery 5167 gives you the most labels per sheet and fits the classic small sticker format. If you want to add a small logo or extra line, go with Avery 5160.
Printing the Same Label on the Whole Sheet#
If you want every label on the sheet to show the same return address (which is the most common use), here's how:
In Labeliy, the label is designed once. When you download the PDF, it tiles the design across all positions on the sheet automatically — 80 copies on a 5167 sheet, 30 copies on a 5160 sheet.
You don't need to manually copy and paste the design.
What If I Want Different Addresses on the Same Sheet?#
If you're printing return address labels for multiple people or multiple locations on one sheet, add a spreadsheet:
- Create a CSV or spreadsheet with a row per address
- In Labeliy, set each text field as Dynamic
- Paste your data into the data table
- Each row fills a different label on the sheet
This is useful for small businesses with multiple offices, or when creating labels as gifts for several people.
Printing on a Partial Sheet#
If you've already used some labels on a sheet and want to print on the remaining spots:
In Labeliy, use the Start Position setting in the sheet configuration to choose which label to start from. Set it to row 3, column 2 (for example) and the PDF will leave the first labels blank and start printing from that position.
No more wasting partial sheets.
Tips for Better-Looking Return Address Labels#
Use a consistent font Simple sans-serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica look clean at small sizes. Avoid decorative fonts — they're hard to read when printed small.
Bold the name line Making the name slightly larger and bold draws the eye to it and makes the label easier to read at a glance.
Add a thin border A simple rectangle border around the label makes it stand out on the envelope, especially if your envelope paper is white.
Keep contrast high Black text on a white label is the most readable. Light-colored text or gray text can be hard to read, especially on small labels.
Test print on plain paper first Before loading expensive label sheets, print one page on plain paper, lay it on top of your label sheet, and hold both up to a light. Check that the text aligns with the label positions before committing.
Can I Add a Logo to My Return Address Label?#
Yes, if the label size gives you enough room. The Avery 5160 (1" × 2.625") has enough space for a small logo next to the text. The Avery 5167 (0.5" × 1.75") is too small for most logos — text only works best there.
In Labeliy, click the Image tool, upload your logo PNG, and resize it to fit. Place it to the left of the text for a classic business card style look.
Ordering vs Printing: Which Is Better?#
| Print yourself | Order online | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0 (just label sheets) | $10–30 per pack |
| Time | 5 minutes | 5–10 business days |
| Customization | Full control | Limited to their templates |
| Quantity | Print any number | Fixed pack sizes |
| Turnaround for changes | Instant | Wait for reorder |
For personal use or small businesses, printing your own is almost always the better choice. Order only if you want specialty materials (clear labels, foil, kraft paper) that a home printer can't produce.
Printing your own return address labels takes about 5 minutes. The template is free, the tool is free, and you only need a sheet of labels from any office supply store.