How to Print Envelopes on an HP Printer

What You’ll Need

Envelopes (standard #10 or DL size work best)
Plain paper for a test print
Your HP printer with ink or toner
Software to create the envelope (word processor, email client, or HP Smart app)

Step-by-Step

Check your printer’s envelope path – Look at the printer’s manual or the diagrams on the tray. Most HP printers have a rear or front specialty tray for envelopes. If you’re unsure, open the HP Smart app and check the printer’s help section.
Flatten and prepare the envelopes – Press out any curl or air inside the envelope. Fan the stack to separate them. Do not use envelopes with metal clasps or windows unless your printer specifically supports them.
Load envelopes correctly – Place the envelopes in the tray with the flap side up and the flap on the left (for most HP models). Slide the width guides snugly against the stack but not tight enough to bend them. For rear trays, insert the envelopes flap-first. For front trays, load them print-side down.
Set the paper size in your software – In your word processor (like Microsoft Word or Google Docs), go to Layout or Page Setup. Choose “Envelope” and enter the size: #10 is 4.125 x 9.5 inches, DL is 110 x 220 mm. Type the return and recipient addresses.
Open the print dialog and select the right settings – Press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac). Choose your HP printer. Click “Properties” or “Preferences” (the exact wording varies by printer model). Under Paper Size, select the envelope size. Under Paper Type, choose “Envelope” or “Cardstock.” Set the orientation to Landscape if your envelope is horizontal.
Print a test on plain paper – Before using a real envelope, print the same content on a plain sheet of paper. Cut it out and fold it to match the envelope size. Place it inside the envelope to check alignment. Adjust margins if needed.
Print on the actual envelope – Load the envelope(s) into the tray, make sure the settings are correct, and send the print job. Watch the first envelope come out to confirm alignment before printing the rest.

Common Mistakes

Loading envelopes upside down or with the flap on the wrong side – this causes the print to be on the flap or upside down.
Forgetting to change the paper type to “Envelope” – the printer may pull from the wrong tray or use the wrong heat settings.
Overfilling the tray – most trays hold only 5–10 envelopes at a time.
Using envelopes that are too thick or have a glossy finish – they may jam or smudge.
Not flattening the envelopes – curled edges cause misfeeds.

Tips

Keep the envelope stack under 1/4 inch thick.
Use the rear (bypass) tray for single envelopes – it’s often more reliable.
If your HP printer has a manual feed slot, use it for one-off envelopes.
For return addresses, use a template in your word processor to avoid retyping.
Store envelopes flat to prevent curling.
If printing on both sides (like a return address on the flap), flip the envelope manually and re-run it.

Troubleshooting

Envelopes jam – Turn off the printer, gently pull out the jammed envelope (pull in the direction it was feeding). Check for torn pieces. Reload with fewer envelopes and make sure the guides are snug.
Print is misaligned or off-center – Recheck the paper size in both the software and printer settings. Adjust margins in your word processor. Print a test on plain paper again.
Printer pulls multiple envelopes – Fan the envelopes more, and reduce the stack size. Make sure the envelopes are not stuck together from static.
Envelope comes out blank – Check that the envelope is loaded print-side down (for front trays) or print-side up (for rear trays). Verify the paper type is not set to “Plain Paper” only.
Ink smudges – Wait for the ink to dry before stacking. Use the printer’s “Envelope” setting which may reduce ink flow. If the envelope is too glossy, try a matte finish.
Printer says “paper mismatch” – Go to printer settings and change the paper type to “Envelope” in both the driver and the printer’s control panel (if it has one).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print on any size envelope?

Most HP printers handle standard sizes like #10, DL, and A2. Check your printer’s specs for the minimum and maximum paper size it supports. Very large or square envelopes may not feed properly.

Do I need to change the printer settings every time?

Yes, because the printer defaults to plain paper. If you print envelopes regularly, save a custom preset in your printer driver or word processor.

Why does my HP printer not have an envelope option?

Some basic printer drivers only show common paper sizes. Try updating the driver from the HP website, or use the “Custom Paper Size” option and manually enter the envelope dimensions.

Can I print envelopes using the HP Smart app?

Yes, the HP Smart app lets you select paper size and type when printing from a phone or tablet. The steps are similar: choose your envelope size and set paper type to “Envelope.”

What is the best way to print a return address on the flap?

Load the envelope with the flap open and facing down (for front trays) or up (for rear trays). Print the return address, then let the ink dry before closing the flap.

Why does my printer keep pulling the envelope sideways?

This usually means the paper guides are too loose or too tight. Adjust them so they lightly touch the edges of the stack. Also make sure the envelope is not curled.

Sources: HP Support. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.