Mail Merge is an essential technique for producing labels in bulk for shipping, inventory labelling and many other activities.
Google Sheets does not include a proprietary mail merge capability for label printing, but several Add-On systems are available. These are free and easy to install and use.
Follow this tutorial to discover how to use mail merge for label-making in Google Sheets
In this example we will use Avery Label Merge.
Avery Label Merge “FREE” version will be ready to download.
You need to grant permission for Avery to install the software, so click “Continue”.
Click on the user account and then click “Allow” to grant the required permissions.
Google will confirm that the Add-on has been installed.
Note that the process to download other software options is essentially the same.
Confirm the installation by clicking “Extensions” - Avery Label Merge will appear in the drop-down
Shipping labels typically use: Name, Address, City, State ZIP code
Inventory labels might use: Category, Product Code, Description, Unit size, GHS Hazard Class
Patient ID labels for Hospitals and Clinics: Name, ID number, Medical Insurer, Blood type, Drug Allergy
Headings will be positioned later using the add-on software for label design
Google places no limit to the number of unique labels produced.
In this document Click > Extension > Avery Label Merge > Start
Choose the “Sheet” from which to merge data (if applicable).
The first row contains column headings which will be used as Merge Fields.
In the middle of the selection panel find the option: “Label / Envelope:”
Click on the default option shown in blue font “Avery 5160”
We will use Avery label #938208 for this example.
Add images, text or other objects required.
Any font formatting in the Template Box will be mirrored in your merged labels.
Note trial limits and consider upgrading if required.
Each time you run the merge process you will see your remaining free merges diminish.
The final label is saved as a Google Doc and also a .pdf file.
If any change is required, then go back, modify the spreadsheet or label template and re-run the merge.
The preferred size of the required label and the format of your printer, will determine the most efficient sheet option to select, i.e. page size and number of labels per page.
Avery is a leading brand of labels and other brands include SheetLabels.com®, Online Labels® Herma® and these alternatives conform to popular size standards and codes.
If you decide to use Avery LabelsⓇ, then it probably makes sense to download their Label Merge software, an add-on for Google Sheets, although their range of free templates is limited.
The free version of Avery Label Merge is limited to 30 labels per merge and 20 merges.
Other software Add-ons for Google Sheets include Foxy LabelsⓇ and AutocratⓇ both of whom offer a wide choice of pre-designed templates, compatible with different label providers.
Foxy Labels’ FREE option is limited to 100 labels per document forever, and for higher volumes you can opt for either an annual or a lifetime subscription.
Google users also have free access to AutocratⓇ from the Add-ons store.
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