Creating Labels with Data from a Spreadsheet, and Microsoft Word

This article is to address a situation where one may need to create a list of mailing (or other type of) labels from spreadsheet data. The spreadsheet can be created in either Google Sheets or Microsoft Xcel. Let's begin!

First we need data in a spreadsheet; each column needs to be clearly labeled, e.g. "first name", "last name", "address", "locker combination", etc.

Next we need to get this data into Microsoft Word. In Google Sheets click file>Download>"Microsoft Xcel (.xlsx)". The downloaded file will be named after the spreadsheet.

Now we will open Microsoft Word, and then open a new (blank) document.

In your open document click on "Mailings">"Start Mail Merge">"Labels". The next popup will let you choose the label template.

Set the label vendor and product number, and click "OK"

Now click "Select Recipients">"Use an Existing List".

Now you'll need to locate your downloaded spreadsheet. In this example it is in the "Downloads" directory.

Once you've found it, click Open.

The next popup is asking what columns from the spreadsheet you want to bring into this document. Since the only things in my data are "name", "locker", and "combination", and that all that I want, I will select "Sheet$1" and click OK.

Next we tell the waters how to present the data. Click "Insert Merge Field". Now you can select which columns of data will appear on the label being printed.

My first two rows of labels:

If we click "Preview Results" we can see how it will look on paper:

We can format it like any other text and then press "Update Labels" to see the results:

We press preview again...

MUCH better! Now we have label-formatted data ready to print! Click "Finish & Merge". You can select whether to edit, print or send email messages. I clicked "Print Documents"

Make sure your label paper is loaded in the printer correctly, and press "OK".

You should now have a page of labels populated by your spreadsheet data.