To make place cards in Word, use Mailings > Labels or a table to lay out cards at a set size, type each guest’s name, centre the text and print on card stock, then fold. For a whole guest list at once, use Mail Merge with the names in an Excel list so Word fills a sheet of cards automatically. Tent (folded) cards use a label or table cell tall enough to fold in half, with the name near the bottom so it reads the right way up.
Quick Answer
Mailings > Labels (or a table) > set the card size > type names > centre and print on card stock > fold. Use Mail Merge for a full list.
Steps to Make Place Cards
- Open a blank document and go to Mailings > Labels, or insert a table with cells the size of your cards.
- Choose a label product that matches your place-card sheets, or set a custom size.
- Type a name, then centre it with Ctrl + E and choose a clear font and size.
- For tent cards, put the name in the lower half so it’s upright after folding.
- Print a test page on plain paper, check the alignment, then print on card stock.
Ways to Build the Cards
| Method | Best for |
|---|---|
| Labels | Pre-scored place-card sheets |
| Table | Custom sizes on plain card stock |
| Mail Merge | A long guest list from Excel |
| Text boxes | Decorative, freely positioned cards |
Troubleshooting
- Text prints off-centre: Centre horizontally with Ctrl + E and vertically with the table cell alignment, then reprint a test.
- Names upside down after folding: Rotate the top half’s text box 180 degrees, or keep names in the bottom half.
- Merge fields show instead of names: Click Preview Results, then Finish & Merge.
- Doing a mail merge: See Word layout options for arranging cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What card stock works best?
Most home printers handle up to about 200 to 250 gsm. Check your printer’s limit.
How do I add a border or design?
Use table borders, or Design > Page Borders, and insert small images or shapes.
Can I add table numbers too?
Yes. Add a second line or a Mail Merge field for the table number.
Summary
- Use Labels, a table or Mail Merge.
- Set the card size and type names.
- Centre the text and print a test.
- Print on card stock and fold.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.