Regardless of the time of year, we always get questions about labels and graphics in Microsoft Word. People like to personalize their mailing labels. Some people want to add seasonal images while others want to add their logo to mailing labels. While the picture may differ, the process is similar.

If you've used Microsoft Word, you know it's good at adding your address to envelopes and mailing labels. The process is more complicated if you want to produce a sheet of labels that include a picture such as your logo. The differences lie in using field codes and an image reference. Field codes are place holders for data in Microsoft Word and are contained within curly braces.

Before starting this process, you should make sure the image you wish to use fits on your mailing label. Word will not resize the image for you based on different product numbers or label sizes.

To create a page of mailing labels with a picture or logo in Microsoft Word,

1. From the Tools menu, select Envelopes and Labels. (Note: If you're using Word 2002 or 2003 this menu item is under Letters and Mailing.)

2. Click the Labels tab.

3. Click the Options button and select your mailing label size.

4. Click OK to accept the product number or label size.

5. Press the Ctrl + F9 keys. This will insert field braces { } into the text box which will surround your file path.

6. Type INCLUDEPICTURE

7. Type a space followed by the location of your graphic file in quotes. You must use double slashes to separate folders. For example:

{INCLUDEPICTURE "C:\\Pictures\\MyLogo160.gif"}

8. Move your cursor past the last brace } and press the Enter key to move to the next line. This places your address below the graphic.

9. Type your address as normal. The address will appear under the graphic.

10. Click the New Document button. A label page appears with just the address portion showing. Your graphic will not display unless you show field codes.

11. From the Edit menu, click Select All.

12. Press F9. Your images should display.

If you plan on printing labels on a regular basis, you should save the document.

Tip: If you want your address to appear to the right, you may find it easier to create a graphic in a program like SnagIt that includes your address and then use that file as your source graphic.

Related Word Tutorials

• Creating Watermarks in Microsoft Word
• Clearing Format Codes in Microsoft Word