Using Delivery Point Barcodes

Many people utilize the Envelopes and Labels feature of Word to create their own envelopes. One of the often overlooked features of the tool, however, is the ability of Word to print delivery point barcodes on your envelopes.

What, exactly, is a delivery point barcode? Glad you asked. The delivery point barcode is used by the sorting machinery at the US Postal Service to help route mail more efficiently. Depending on what you are mailing (and how many pieces you are mailing), you can save money on your postage by printing the delivery point barcode on an envelope. (Obviously, the determination of how much you might save and under what circumstances is too big a topic for a tip such as this. If you want to discover more, visit the US Postal Service Web site at http://www.usps.gov or visit your local Post Office.)

According to USPS specifications, the delivery point barcode can appear either above or below the destination address. Word, by default, places the delivery point barcode just above the address block. To include the delivery point barcode on your envelope, follow these steps:

1. Choose Envelopes and Labels from the Tools menu. Word displays the Envelopes and Labels dialog box.
2. Make sure the Envelopes tab is selected. (Click here to see a related figure.)
3. Use the controls in the dialog box to configure your addresses, as desired.
4. Click on the Options button. Word displays the Envelope Options dialog box. (Click here to see a related figure.)
5. Make sure the Delivery Point Barcode check box is selected. A representation of the barcode should appear in the preview window.
6. Click on OK.
7. Make any other changes to the envelope, as desired.
8. Choose to either print the envelope or include it with the current document.