Match the carrier file to the sheet you intend to use
A4 describes the carrier sheet size. It says nothing about the positions of the peel-off areas. Download the original label PDF and check whether it contains one postage panel, several panels or a label alongside a despatch note. Compare the dimensions and positions with the packaging for the exact sheet.
| PDF layout | Stock to check first | What must fit |
|---|---|---|
| One label on an A4 page | Compatible single-area sheet or plain A4 | The whole postage panel within the usable adhesive area |
| Two or four labels on A4 | A matching two-up or four-up sheet | All panel positions, sheet margins and barcode white space |
| Integrated label and despatch note | A sheet designed for that precise layout or separate plain paper and label outputs | The label falls on the peel-off part and the note remains separate |
| Standalone thermal page | Matching thermal stock or a new A4 file from the carrier | One complete postage panel at the carrier’s intended size |
For an A4 laser printer, Avery L7169-100 gives four 139 × 99.1 mm labels per sheet. Its 400-label pack contains 100 sheets. Choose it only if your unscaled output fits these positions. A full 152.4 mm long 4×6 label is larger than the long side of each sticker. Avery’s template is useful for checking the die cuts. Keep the carrier’s own postage file intact. Avery sheet specification, Avery L7169 template
Four labels per A4 laser sheet
Avery L7169-100 A4 shipping label sheets
A four-per-sheet format for an existing laser printer. The Avery template gives each address a defined position on an A4 page, useful when dispatch volume does not justify a separate thermal machine.
Keep in mind. Each label is 139 × 99.1 mm, which differs from an exact 4 × 6 inch page. Use the correct L7169 template and laser-compatible printing instructions rather than stretching a carrier barcode to fill the label.
- 139 × 99.1 mm
- 4 labels per A4 sheet
- 100 laser sheets / 400 labels
Set up Royal Mail Click & Drop for your A4 workflow
In Settings → Label format, choose A4 and the template that suits your paperwork. The separate label and despatch note template offers one, two or four postage labels per page. The integrated template is a different arrangement. Set the label count, save and preview the resulting paperwork before buying sheets. Royal Mail label format options
For Personal accounts, Royal Mail documents a custom positioning option for the separate A4 template when applying postage and generating the label. It lets you select the intended position on the layout. Use fresh sheets and follow the stock maker’s feed guidance. For a different platform, check its original PDF and supported outputs rather than assuming the same positions. Royal Mail custom label positioning
Print a plain-paper proof at actual size
- Select the exact printer and set A4. Choose Actual size or 100%, one page per sheet and single-sided printing.
- Print the intended postage page on plain A4. To learn the feed direction, mark one side and one corner on a plain test sheet before printing.
- Put the proof over an unused sticker sheet, line up all four edges and hold both up to the light.
- Check every occupied position. Look for a whole address block, full barcode and clear margin inside each die cut. If it misses, fix the PDF layout or use different stock.
- Check the first real label again before printing several orders.
Load stock for your printer and pass it through once
Read your printer’s manual for the supported label media, tray and orientation. Many printers recommend a manual or rear feed for special media. Choose the documented media type where offered. Confirm which face prints using your plain-paper test. Use flat, fresh stock and follow the sheet maker’s directions. Avery advises a single pass through the printer. Avery printing and feed advice
Peel the label from its backing and place it on a flat part of the correct parcel. Confirm the address and barcode have survived the print. Remove older shipping labels from reused packaging and keep the new code clear.
If the print shifts, check whether the error is constant
If every position is shifted by roughly the same amount, compare the sheet’s leading edge with the proof and check the tray guides and page orientation. If the offset gets worse towards the bottom, recheck scaling, paper size and the pitch of the label sheet. If the printed image looks wrong before it reaches the printer, return to the original carrier file. Royal Mail warns that resizing its labels may interfere with scanning. Royal Mail printing instructions
Common questions
Can I print parcel labels on a normal A4 printer?
Yes, when the carrier provides a matching A4 layout and the printer supports the chosen label sheet. Check laser or inkjet compatibility and run a plain-paper proof.
Do all four-per-sheet A4 parcel labels line up?
No. Sticker dimensions, margins and spacing can differ. Compare the full proof against the exact sheet at 100%, including the space around the barcode.
Should I use Fit to page on an A4 postage label?
For a matching A4 file and sheet, start with Actual size or 100%. If the print clips, fix the layout or choose suitable stock rather than shrinking the barcode.
Can I print again on a partly used Avery sheet?
Avery recommends feeding a label sheet through the printer only once. Group labels on a fresh sheet where your carrier permits it, or choose a different format when you need one label at a time.
Can I use a 4×6 PDF on a four-up A4 sheet?
Choose the carrier’s A4 layout if available. A 4×6 inch panel is 101.6 × 152.4 mm and can be too large for a four-up sticker. Check the actual geometry before printing.