Avery Label Selection & Template Guide: 5162 and 8163 Made Easy (Plus Flyer Essentials)

Why Avery print works for busy teams

If you run a small business, e-commerce shop, school office, or nonprofit, labels should be fast, accurate, and compatible with the printers you already own. Avery’s strength is threefold: standardized sizes (so you always know which code to buy), a huge library of free templates (Word, Google Docs, Excel, and Avery Design & Print), and proven multi-brand printer compatibility. In recent internal compatibility checks across 40 mainstream HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother models, Avery address labels (e.g., 5160) printed with precise alignment and a near-zero jam rate, outperforming generic labels on hassle and hidden time cost (ref: TEST-AVERY-001). For teams, the result is less fiddling, fewer reprints, and a cleaner workflow.

Quick label sizing guide: choose by task

• Address labels (daily mail): Avery 5160 (1" x 2-5/8", 30 per sheet) for standard addresses. Choose 5161 (1" x 4", 20 per sheet) or 5162 (1-1/3" x 4", 14 per sheet) for longer lines, larger fonts, or logo space.
• Shipping labels: Avery 5163 (2" x 4", 10 per sheet) or 8163 (inkjet-optimized, same 2" x 4" size) for most parcels. Move up to 5164 (3-1/3" x 4", 6 per sheet) for bigger packages and bold branding.
• Product & small part labels: 5294 (2-1/3" x 3-3/8", 8 per sheet) for product info; 5167 (1/2" x 1-3/4", 80 per sheet) for barcodes, bins, or SKU stickers.
• Durable or outdoor: 5520 (water-resistant, laser-only) and 6577 (oil/water-resistant) for harsh environments.
• Temporary or clean removal: 6572 removable series—ideal for promotions and short-term labeling.

How to use the Avery 5162 label template (address labels)

Best for: longer addresses, sender + recipient on one label, or larger fonts for readability. Avery 5162 gives you 14 labels per sheet at 1-1/3" x 4"—extra room for logos and 2–3 lines of address.

Step-by-step setup in Word

1. Get the template: Open Word > Mailings > Labels > Options. Choose Avery US Letter. Select 5162. Or download a free Avery 5162 label template from Avery Design & Print.
2. Margins & scaling: In Print settings, ensure Scale = 100% (no Fit to Page). Disable borderless and any automatic scaling.
3. Data merge: If you have addresses in Excel, use Mail Merge (Mailings > Start Mail Merge > Labels). Map columns (Name, Street, City-State-ZIP) to your 5162 layout.
4. Test print: Print a sample on plain paper first. Hold against a label sheet to confirm alignment.
5. Final print: Load labels face up/down per your printer’s guide. In printer settings, select Labels/Heavy paper to improve feed and reduce curl.

Accuracy tip: Avery’s templates are measured against the physical die-cuts; internal tests show <0.5 mm average alignment error in Word and 99.8% batch consistency over 100 sheets (ref: TEST-AVERY-002). If you observe a tiny shift, use the Avery template’s micro-adjust to nudge the layout by 0.5–1.0 mm.

Use cases

• Mailing lists with long addresses or international formats.
• Return address + recipient on the same label (top-left branding, bottom-right address).
• Readable labels for seniors or healthcare facilities needing larger text.

How to use the 8163 Avery template (2" x 4" shipping labels)

Best for: USPS/UPS/FedEx parcel labeling, carton IDs, bin tags, and bold product promo stickers. Avery 8163 is the inkjet-optimized counterpart to 5163, both at 10 labels per sheet in 2" x 4" size.

Step-by-step setup

1. Choose 8163 or 5163: If your primary printer is inkjet, choose 8163; for laser or mixed fleets, choose 5163. Both share the same layout.
2. Open template: In Word, go to Labels > Options > Avery US Letter > select 8163 (or 5163). In Avery Design & Print, pick Shipping labels (2" x 4") and select your code.
3. Insert content: Paste your shipping blocks, add logos, and consider a QR code to track packages or drive to product pages.
4. Printer settings: For inkjet (8163), use standard paper or plain labels mode; expect ink to dry quickly. For laser (5163), select Labels/Heavy paper to reduce curl and improve toner adhesion.

Compatibility guidance: Avery’s general-purpose labels are engineered for both laser and inkjet; inkjet-optimized codes like the 8xxx series (e.g., 8163) improve fast-dry performance and reduce smearing with dye-based inks. For waterproof output, use laser with a water-resistant material like 5520 (ref: laser vs. inkjet guidance in CONT-AVERY-002).

Printer compatibility: HP, Canon, Epson, Brother

In standardized tests with 40 printers spanning HP LaserJet/OfficeJet, Canon PIXMA/imageCLASS, Epson WorkForce/EcoTank, and Brother HL/MFC, Avery address labels achieved precise alignment with a 95% perfect-compatibility score and no severe jams (ref: TEST-AVERY-001). Compared to generics, Avery’s optimized backing and die-cut precision help reduce static and misfeeds.

Feed & alignment tips

• Load labels per your printer diagram (often print side down in rear tray for inkjet; print side up in manual feed for some lasers).
• Set media type to Labels/Heavy paper to slow rollers and improve adhesion.
• Disable borderless and any shrink-to-fit; always print at 100% scale.
• Print one test sheet, then proceed with batch printing.

Time and cost: why Avery often beats generics

While unit price per sheet can look lower with generic labels, total cost of ownership tends to favor Avery when you factor in jams, reprints, and template setup time. In a comparative analysis, Avery’s jam rate and alignment reliability translated to the lowest overall cost per 100 sheets, even against cheaper generics (ref: TEST-AVERY-004). For teams, that means fewer interruptions, less waste, and faster throughput.

In a small e-commerce case, switching from handwritten shipping details to printed Avery 5164 labels cut label time per order from five minutes to thirty seconds and slashed address errors from 8% to 0.5%, saving about 40 staff hours per month (ref: CASE-AVERY-001). That recovered time often covers the entire cost of a workgroup printer and the labels themselves.

Data merges: fast Avery print workflow from Excel/Sheets

1. Clean your data: Columns such as First Name, Last Name, Address1, Address2, City, State, ZIP. For shipping, add Order ID and Service level.
2. Word Mail Merge: Mailings > Start Mail Merge > Labels > select Avery code (e.g., 5162 or 8163). Link to your Excel file, insert merge fields, and preview results.
3. Google Docs/Sheets: Use Avery’s free Google-compatible templates or add-ons. Expect <1 mm typical variance; you can micro-adjust margins if needed (ref: TEST-AVERY-002).
4. Batch printing: Print one test page, then batch-print 50–100 sheets. Monitor the output stack to prevent curl; pause if you feel heat buildup with laser printers.

What to put on a flyer (and how labels fit into your plan)

Many teams ask, “what to put on a flyer?” Whether you’re promoting a local sale, announcing an event, or mailing weekly specials, a clear content hierarchy keeps your message scannable and action-oriented. You might be designing something like an “aldi flyer this week” (as an example of a weekly promotion) or a “2025 Korean drama poster” (as an example of an upcoming series premiere). Flyers and posters aren’t labels—but labels help distribute, track, and organize them.

Flyer essentials

• Headline: Short, bold, benefit-driven (“This Week’s Deals,” “Premiere Night: 2025 Drama”).
• Offer & proof: Key savings, date ranges, and social proof (ratings, testimonials).
• Visuals: Clean hero image, brand colors, and consistent typography.
• Details: Time, place, URL, QR code; contact info and accessibility notes.
• Call to action: “Shop Now,” “RSVP,” “Scan to get tickets.”
• Branding: Logo, consistent color palette, and legal/terms if required.

Where Avery labels help: Use 5160 or 5162 for mailing addresses when sending flyers; 8163/5163 as shipping labels when bundling posters or promo kits; 5294 for product stickers to match your flyer; and 5390 name badges for street teams or event staff.

Common print issues and quick fixes

• Labels print misaligned: Confirm you selected the exact Avery code (5162 vs. 5161 sizes differ). Print at 100% scale, not Fit to Page. If needed, micro-adjust templates by 0.5–1.0 mm (ref: TEST-AVERY-002).
• Paper jams: Use the recommended tray: manual feed for heavy stocks on some lasers. Select Labels/Heavy paper. Fan the stack and avoid humid storage.
• Ink smearing (inkjet): Use 8xxx inkjet-optimized codes (e.g., 8163) and let pages rest for 30–60 seconds before stacking. For water-resistance, switch to laser and 5520.
• Toner adhesion (laser): Select Heavy paper mode and avoid high-gloss stocks not designed for laser. Store sheets flat.

Tips to speed up recurring jobs

• Lock in layouts: Save a “golden” template for 5162 and 8163 with your brand fonts, logo, and spacing. Reuse it weekly.
• Automate data prep: Keep a canonical address sheet; use filters for weekly mailings and pivot tables for counts by ZIP/state.
• Batch runs: Print in sets of 30–50 sheets, check alignment every 10 sheets, then continue. This balances speed with quality control.
• Color & contrast: Use dark text on light labels for scannability. For shipping labels, keep a high-contrast block for carrier barcodes.

Which Avery code for your printer?

Laser or inkjet? Avery’s general-use codes (e.g., 5160/5162/5163) print well on both. If you primarily use inkjet and need faster drying, choose the 8xxx series (e.g., 8163). If you require water resistance, pair a laser printer with materials like 5520 (ref: CONT-AVERY-002).

Small business examples

• E-commerce shipping: Use 8163/5163 for parcels, 5164 for large boxes. Add QR codes to drive reviews or cross-sells.
• Office filing: Standardize with 5366 file-folder labels. Include case IDs or dates, plus a color bar for categories.
• Product labeling: 5294 for front-facing info; 5167 for SKUs. For oil/water exposure, choose 6577.

Checklist before you hit Print

• Select the correct Avery code (5162 for 1-1/3" x 4"; 8163 for 2" x 4" inkjet; 5163 for laser/general).
• Set scale to 100% and media type to Labels/Heavy paper.
• Run a plain-paper test and visually match to the label sheet.
• Load sheets as per the printer’s orientation guide; avoid bent corners.
• Spot-check the first 1–2 sheets before the full batch.

Key takeaways

• Speed: Templates for 5162 and 8163 make “Avery print” a true plug-and-go experience; mail merges cut manual edits.
• Accuracy: Tight die-cut tolerances and tested templates reduce alignment errors (ref: TEST-AVERY-002).
• Compatibility: HP/Canon/Epson/Brother support is battle-tested (ref: TEST-AVERY-001).
• Cost control: Lower TCO vs. generic labels thanks to fewer reprints and minimal jams (ref: TEST-AVERY-004).

Whether you’re labeling weekly promotions, preparing mailers for a seasonal event, or shipping products daily, choosing the right Avery code—5162 for larger addresses and 8163 for shipping—plus consistent template and printer settings will keep your operation smooth, professional, and time-efficient.