Labels is one of the weakest features in Word. I use Wordperfect just to do labels and envelopes.

Thanks.  I don't have that software but I will see if I can get my hands on it.

It's Microsoft Work Word Processor Version 8.5.  I am choosing the correct label size.  I mainly use Avery 5366 (for files) and Avery 5260 (for address labels) and I am having problems with both.  When I use the help menu it tells me I can change the alignment of the text in the cell by selecting "cell text alignment" from the table menu where I can select "top", "center", "bottom".  The problem is it won't let me select any of these options.  They are there, and "center" is automatically selected but I can't change it.  Also, I tried the hard return and it didn't work (at least for the file labels).  My coworker has a similar model and she doesn't have any problems with her word processor (however she uses Word 2002).  Maybe I should just use a different version????

It may be the Works Word Processor.  I know that in Word the labels option works very well, and the sizes come up correctly.  In Word, you change the options from the Table menu --> Table Properties --> Cell tab --> Vertical Alignment option.  By default it's set at center, but you should be able to change it.

 

I checked on my version of Word (2003) and here's what I found:  you can fit 5 lines of 12-point TNR type on a 5260 label; 6 lines if you change to 10-point.  On a 5366 label, you can fit only 3 lines of 12-point TNR type, but 4 lines if you change to 10-point.

 

I know Avery makes available free software for formatting labels.  Here is the Avery site link.  Some of them seem to be specific to Word, so read and see if they are compatible with Works Word Processor.  This may be an option.  Or, if you do have Word available, I would go ahead and use that instead.

 

Another option, although it's labor-intensive and a bit crude:  can you draw a text box in the label (table) cell area?  Draw a text box, format it for no border and no fill, then type in your text there.  Text boxes work independently of the actual table.  Problem is you'll have to copy the text box to each cell in the table (what a pain), but that will work.  I know if you can draw a text box in the cell that you will be able to change your alignment.

 

Mary :)

Thanks for all your help!  I think I will just use Word.  That seems to be the best and less time consuming option. 

I don't why I was so stuck on Microsoft Works.  There really is no difference between the two programs, except that Word actually works (no pun intended).

 

:)  Good choice.  You'll find your life much easier if you just stick with Word.  The labels feature in there are easy to use (and easy to save).

 

Best of luck!  Let us know if you need any other help.

 

Mary :)