Mini Envelopes are a great product that can add an extra touch of professionalism to your small-form documents. When you see these small envelopes for the first time, you might ask “How am I supposed to run these little things through my home printer?” Fortunately, it is quite easy to print on these using a larger sheet of paper to guide the envelopes through your printer. In our example video, we use Microsoft Word and an HP LaserJet 1020, but the procedure works with any software and on almost any printer, as long as the printer has a bypass tray.

As always, the first step is to design the project. This can be done with any software set to the dimensions of the mini envelope (2 1/8″ x 3 5/8″ for the business card size envelope used in the video). If you are using Microsoft Word, you can use our convenient Mini Envelope Print Template, which guides the placement of two mini envelope designs at the top of a standard 8 1/2″ x 11″ sheet. Once you have the dimensions or template loaded, enter the text and design you want on the envelope and save the file.

When you go to print, the trick is to use a piece of firm paper or light card stock as a guide sheet. Your envelopes will “ride” this guide sheet through your printer. Slide the envelope flaps over the leading edge of the guide sheet, leaving half an inch margin between the edge of the envelope and the edge of the guide sheet. You can measure the half-inch margin yourself or print a mini envelope printing guide sheet. On the back of the guide sheet, apply a removable dot to the envelope flap, affixing it to the guide sheet. Place the leading edge of the sheet into the printer and print your cards from your software. Be sure to manually feed one sheet into the printer at a time in order to avoid paper jams.

When the printer is finished printing, remove the envelopes from the guide sheet and they are done – professional quality, yet fully customized by you!

Please note that while we have tried this procedure on multiple printers and it has worked well, we cannot test it on all printers and therefore the method may not be suitable for your printer. There is a low risk of the envelope or removable dot coming loose and getting caught inside of your printer. If your printer has a hard time with thicker papers like card stock, there is more risk of encountering a paper jam when printing on mini envelopes using a guide sheet.