What Should You Use Instead of Publisher for Labels?
Short answer: it depends on the kind of label. Personalized labels like addresses or name tags belong in Word's mail merge; repeated decorative labels for jars, favors, or products are easier in Canva.
The right tool depends on what kind of label you need
Personalized labels? Use Word's mail merge
Word has a built-in Avery label picker made specifically for mail-merge address labels and name tags.
Decorative or repeated labels? Use Canva
Jar labels, product labels, and party favors don't need mail merge — Canva's template library is faster for these.
LibreOffice can do mail-merge labels too, for free
Writer supports the same workflow as Word, though you'll need to download an Avery template file separately.
Check your label sheet's exact product number
Most brands print a product number on the packaging — matching it to your template avoids misaligned printing.
Three tools that can replace Publisher for labels
Word
A built-in Avery label vendor picker plus native mail merge — the most direct path for address labels or name tags tied to a list.
Compare Word to PublisherCanva
A template library for jar labels, product labels, and favors that don't need personalization.
Compare Canva to PublisherLibreOffice
Writer's mail merge works the same way as Word's, once you download the matching Avery template — free, but one extra setup step.
Compare LibreOffice to PublisherHow to actually make the switch
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Figure out if your labels are personalized or repeated
Different information per label means mail merge; the same design every time means a simple template will do.
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For personalized labels: find your exact product number
Select it in Word's Label vendor list, or download the matching template for LibreOffice.
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For decorative labels: search Canva's template library
Set the exact dimensions to match your specific label sheet.
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Print one test sheet before your full batch
Label alignment is unforgiving on a full print run — catch any issues on a single sheet first.
Label questions people actually ask
How do I know if I need mail merge for my labels?
If each label needs different information, like an address or a name, you need mail merge — Word or LibreOffice Writer. If every label is identical, a simple design tool like Canva is faster.
Do Word and LibreOffice support Avery label sheets?
Yes. Word has Avery built into its Label vendor list; LibreOffice needs you to download the matching Avery template file separately.
Can Canva do mail merge for labels?
No — Canva doesn't support mail merge. Use Word or LibreOffice Writer for any label project that needs personalized, per-label information.
What if I don't know my label sheet's product number?
Check the packaging or box the labels came in — most brands print a product or model number directly on it.
Why did my labels print misaligned?
Almost always a template mismatch — double-check you selected the exact product number for your specific label sheet, not just a similar-looking size.
Not sure which tool fits your label project?
The Publisher Retirement Kit includes a decision guide made for exactly this kind of call — no guessing required.
Get the Retirement Kit