Avery 5263 & Bottle Labels: Complete Selection Guide, Templates, Printing Tips, and FAQs

Who this guide is for

If you run a small business, office, school, or an e-commerce operation in the U.S. and need reliable shipping, address, or bottle labels that print cleanly on most HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother printers, this guide gives you a fast path to the right Avery specifications, templates, and printer settings. We focus on the Avery 5263 shipping/address label and bottle labeling options, with practical steps to boost accuracy and save time.

Quick spec decode: Avery 5263 vs similar options

Avery’s numbering makes label selection faster once you know the basics. For standard U.S. Letter-size sheets:

• Avery 5263: 2" x 4", 10 labels per sheet, laser-optimized. Ideal for shipping/address labels on laser printers.
• Avery 5163: 2" x 4", 10 labels per sheet, works on both laser and inkjet (general-purpose). Good if your office uses mixed printer types.
• Avery 8163: 2" x 4", 10 labels per sheet, inkjet-optimized (fast-dry coating). Choose this if you primarily use inkjet printers.
• Avery 5160: 1" x 2-5/8", 30 labels per sheet, the “classic” address label for envelopes and mailers.

For bottle labels (product packaging, craft beverages, cosmetics), size and material matter more than a single number. Start with general product labels like 5294 (2-1/3" x 3-3/8") for branding panels and consider specialty materials:

• 5520: Waterproof (laser-only) for bottles exposed to moisture.
• 6577: Durable, oil- and water-resistant—ideal for cosmetics or food containers.
• 6572: Removable adhesive—useful for promotional or seasonal bottle wraps that you plan to remove.

Evidence-backed compatibility and accuracy

• Printer compatibility: In a Q2 2024 compatibility test across 40 mainstream printers (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother), Avery 5160-class labels achieved 95% perfect compatibility (no jams, precise alignment) and 0% severe issues, outperforming generic brands on jam rate and alignment. Source: "40-printer compatibility test (TEST-AVERY-001)".
• Template accuracy: With Microsoft Word templates, alignment error remained under 0.5 mm, and 100-sheet batch consistency reached 99.8%. Google Docs works too, with minimal tweaks. Source: "Template precision test (TEST-AVERY-002)".
• Total cost of ownership (TCO): While Avery’s per-sheet price can be slightly higher, hidden costs (jam handling, template adjustment time) are lower. For 100 sheets, Avery had the lowest TCO compared to two generic alternatives. Source: "Printing cost comparison (TEST-AVERY-004)".

How to choose: shipping, address, and bottle labels

For shipping and address labels

• Laser-only offices: Choose Avery 5263 (2" x 4") for crisp, fast output and reliable feeding.
• Mixed printer environments: Choose 5163 (universal) to avoid printer-specific stock in supply closets.
• Inkjet-heavy teams: Choose 8163 for quick-dry and reduced smudging on inkjet.
• High-volume mailers: For envelopes, 5160 is the industry standard; templates are widely available.

Tip: If your address blocks or shipping fields are long (e.g., apartment numbers plus business names), 2" x 4" gives more room than small address labels and improves scan readability for carrier systems.

For bottle labels (beverages, cosmetics, home goods)

Choose based on material (water/oil exposure), curvature (small vs large bottles), and removability:

• Water exposure (fridge, ice buckets): Use 5520 Waterproof (laser-only) or 6577 Durable for moisture-prone use. From a 90-day durability test, waterproof durable labels maintained legibility and adhesion, with only minor edge curl by day 60 in outdoor exposure. Source: "Durability test (TEST-AVERY-003)".
• Oil exposure (perfumes, skincare): Choose 6577 Durable (oil-resistant) to prevent label lift and ink smearing.
• Temporary promotions: Choose 6572 Removable to peel off cleanly without residue.
• Common sizes: 2" x 4" (5263/5163/8163 families) works for standard straight-wall bottles; for decorative fronts, 5294 gives a premium branding panel.

Application tips for curved surfaces:

• Clean bottles with isopropyl alcohol, let dry fully to maximize adhesion.
• Start from the center and roll outward to avoid bubbles; for tight curves, use smaller labels or split the design into two panels.
• Allow ink to cure (especially inkjet) before handling; avoid contact with oils for at least 24 hours.

Templates: fast start with Avery Design & Print

Avery provides 5,000+ free templates in Avery Design & Print and in Word/Excel/Google Docs formats, so you can start without building layouts from scratch.

How to sign in (Avery Labels login)

1. Visit Avery Design & Print (from avery.com).
2. Click Sign In and create an account if you’re new.
3. Search by product number (e.g., 5263, 5163, 5294, 5520).
4. Choose a template, import your data (CSV/Excel), and preview before printing.

Template accuracy evidence: With Word 2019/2021 templates, alignment error stayed under 0.5 mm; 100-sheet batches maintained 99.8% consistency. Source: "Template precision test (TEST-AVERY-002)".

Batch printing from Excel: 3-minute setup

1. Prepare a clean Excel sheet with columns (Name, Street, City, State, ZIP, etc.).
2. Open Avery Design & Print and select 5263 (or 5160/5163/8163 as needed).
3. Choose a simple, scannable layout; avoid edge-to-edge blocks where barcode readers might struggle.
4. Click Import Data, map columns, preview the first sheet.
5. Set printer margins to 0 or default (do not scale), paper size Letter, and print at 100%.

Real-world impact: A small e-commerce seller moving from handwritten labels to Avery 5164 shipping labels cut per-label handling time from ~5 minutes to ~30 seconds, dropped address errors from 8% to ~0.5%, and saved ~40 hours/month. Source: "E-commerce shipping case (CASE-AVERY-001)".

Printer settings that prevent jams and misalignment

• Paper Type: Set to Labels or Heavyweight (laser) / Premium Matte (inkjet), not Plain Paper.
• Tray: Use the manual feed or bypass tray when available to keep sheets flat.
• Scaling: 100% or Actual Size. Turn off “Fit to Page” to preserve grid alignment.
• Margins: Use the default template margins; avoid custom page borders that shift the grid.
• Orientation: Print Portrait unless your template explicitly requires Landscape.
• Test sheet: Always run one sheet before bulk printing; confirm first and last label positions.

Why Avery often beats “generic” on total cost

On a per-sheet price, generics can look cheaper. But once you factor jam handling and template adjustment time, Avery commonly wins on total cost.

• Lower hidden costs: In testing, generics had higher jam rates and alignment issues, adding labor time per batch.
• Ready-made templates: With Avery’s prebuilt layouts, teams spend minutes—not 15–30 minutes—on setup.
• Net effect: For 100 sheets, Avery’s TCO was the lowest among the brands tested. Source: "Printing cost comparison (TEST-AVERY-004)".

Fast selection guide by scenario

• Shipping labels (laser): 5263
• Shipping labels (mixed printers): 5163
• Shipping labels (inkjet): 8163
• Address labels (envelopes): 5160
• Bottle labels (moisture/oil): 5520 (waterproof, laser-only) or 6577 (durable)
• Bottle labels (temporary promos): 6572 (removable)
• Product branding panel: 5294

FAQs and practical extras

1) How do I use “Avery Labels login” and find templates fast?

Go to Avery Design & Print via avery.com, sign in, and search by product number (e.g., 5263). You can import Excel/CSV data, apply a design, and print test sheets. If you work across Word/Google Docs, use the corresponding Avery template IDs and keep scaling at 100%.

2) What’s the difference between 5263 and 5163?

Both are 2" x 4" with 10 labels per sheet. 5263 is laser-optimized; 5163 is general-purpose for laser and inkjet. If your office standardizes on laser, 5263 gives predictable feeding and crisp toner adhesion. If your printers vary, 5163 is the safest one-stock answer.

3) Best practices for “Avery bottle labels” that won’t peel or smudge?

• Pick the right material: 5520 (waterproof, laser-only) or 6577 (durable) for moisture/oil.
• Degrease surfaces with isopropyl alcohol, let dry, then apply from center outward.
• For inkjet: give extra drying time; handle edges only. Consider 8163 for fast-dry coatings if using inkjet for larger rectangles.

4) How to fix a perfume bottle that won’t spray?

While not a labeling issue, this often comes up with cosmetics packaging. Try:

• Check for a protective cap or stopper under the main cap; remove fully.
• Prime the pump: press several times to draw liquid into the mechanism.
• Clear the nozzle: gently wipe with a lint-free cloth; if clogged, lightly soak the tip with a bit of isopropyl alcohol and let dry—avoid disassembling the sprayer.
• If the dip tube is kinked or too long, reseat the tube straight; ensure the bottle isn’t underfilled.

Labeling tip: For batch control on perfume bottles, use small durable labels (e.g., 5167 for lot codes) plus a primary branding label (5294 or a custom bottle-friendly size in 6577).

5) “CDL manual en español”: can I label training binders?

Yes. Avery doesn’t publish the CDL manual, but many state DMVs offer Spanish versions. For organizing your Spanish CDL training materials, use 5366 file folder labels and 5160 address labels for binder spines and dividers. Add a QR code on 2" x 4" labels (5163/5263) to link to your study portal.

6) “Sony ZV-E10 manual”: how do I label camera gear and documentation?

• Use 5167 small labels for SD card cases, batteries, and quick IDs.
• For binders/manuals, 5160 on spines and tabs keeps shelves uniform.
• For outdoor shoots or damp environments, choose 6577 durable labels on cases.

7) How do I avoid jams and misalignment?

• Load labels in the bypass/manual tray with the correct print side.
• Set the printer to Labels/Heavyweight; print at Actual Size (100%).
• Run one test sheet; if edges creep by ~1 mm, adjust the template’s print calibration minimally.

8) Can I bulk print addresses from Excel?

Yes—import CSV/Excel into Avery Design & Print, map fields, preview, and print. For barcodes or QR codes (inventory or shipping), use 2" x 4" templates (5263/5163/8163) for scannable clarity.

9) Is Avery more expensive than generic?

Per sheet, sometimes yes; total cost, often no. Evidence from a TCO comparison shows Avery can reduce hidden labor and reprint costs, resulting in lower overall spend on 100-sheet runs. Source: "Printing cost comparison (TEST-AVERY-004)".

Action checklist

• Confirm printer type (laser vs inkjet). Choose 5263 for laser-only, 5163 for mixed, 8163 for inkjet.
• For bottles, pick material first: waterproof (5520) or durable/oil-resistant (6577); removable (6572) for promos.
• Sign in to Avery Design & Print, search by product number, import your data, and run a test sheet.
• Set printer type to Labels/Heavyweight and scaling to 100%.
• Standardize fonts and include barcodes/QRs where tracking matters.

Bottom line

Whether you’re shipping with Avery 5263, organizing with 5160, or branding bottles with waterproof/durable materials, Avery’s standardized sizes, broad printer compatibility, and ready-to-use templates help teams print accurately, reduce rework, and move faster. Across 40 printers, templates, and TCO tests, the data supports choosing Avery when consistency and efficiency drive your operations.