How to Create Plain Labels

Sometimes you need blank label templates—for handwriting addresses, creating templates to share, or filling in later. Label Maker makes it easy to generate empty label sheets that match your label paper exactly.

When to Use Plain Labels

• Handwritten addresses - Print guidelines, write by hand
• Template sharing - Create a blank template for others to fill in
• Manual entry - Type addresses directly in the document later
• Special occasions - Calligraphy or artistic lettering
• Small batches - When mail merge isn't needed for a few labels

Step 1: Create a Blank Template

1. Open a new Google Doc
2. Launch Label Maker: Extensions → Label Maker → Create Labels
3. Select your label template (e.g., Avery 5160)
4. Leave the label content empty—don't add any text or merge fields
5. Click Create Labels

Label Maker will generate a document with the correct table structure matching your label paper, but all cells will be empty.

Step 2: Specify Number of Pages

By default, Label Maker creates one page of labels. If you need multiple pages:

1. In the Label Maker sidebar, look for the Number of Pages option
2. Enter how many pages of blank labels you need
3. Click Create Labels

Step 3: Add Content Later

Once you have your blank template, you can:

Type Directly

1. Click inside any label cell
2. Type your content
3. Use Tab to move to the next cell
4. Format text as needed

Copy and Paste

1. Copy content from another source
2. Click in a label cell
3. Paste with Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + V to paste without formatting

Print and Handwrite

1. Print the blank template on your label paper
2. Write addresses by hand
3. The label boundaries guide your writing

Optional: Add Writing Guidelines

For handwritten labels, you might want to add light guidelines:

1. Click inside a label cell
2. Add several blank lines by pressing Enter
3. Select all content in the cell
4. Add a light gray bottom border to each line: Format → Paragraph styles → Borders and shading
5. Copy this cell formatting to other cells

Save as a Reusable Template

To reuse your blank label template:

1. Go to File → Make a copy
2. Name it something like "Blank Avery 5160 Template"
3. Move to a "Templates" folder in your Drive
4. Make a new copy each time you need blank labels

Print Settings for Blank Labels

When printing your blank templates:

1. Go to File → Print
2. Set Margins to None
3. Ensure Scale is set to 100%
4. Print on regular paper first to test alignment