When it comes to printing three-across labels, whether you’ve read the FileMaker User’s Guide or not, probably yielded the same results for you as it has many others — the right column of labels is clipped on the right edge. You’ve tried to make adjustments to the fields or merged fields on the layout and haven’t correctly resolved the issue to your satisfaction. The reason? Easy, you can plainly see that the placement of text on the labels tends to shift toward the right in each column. In other words, the first character on each label is in a different location as it goes to the second and third columns. As I tried to imply, you’re not alone in facing this situation.

It was when I saw a question about this on a Kentuckiana FileMaker UG list that I decided to post a blog about the concern and how to correct the layout so that labels will print correctly. This has been a problem with FileMaker for as long as I can remember. So, without any further rambling, here’s what to do.

This example assumes the creation of the standard mailing label sheet — Avery 5106 — with three columns of labels 10 labels deep. In other words, there are 30 labels to a page. The technique I'll describe can be applied to other labels that suffer from the same “miscalculation”.

When creating a new label, this is one of the first dialogue boxes you’ll see.

Notice that “Use label measurements…” is checked. On the dialogue box you’ll see a preview and the stated dimensions. As far as the margins are concerned, all looks well — top, left and right margins are correct as is the bottom margin (the bottom margin is greater so your printer can hold on to the last bit of paper before it falls into the tray).

These are the defaults.

After you click through the Next buttons and get back to layout mode this is what you’ll see.

Notice that the boundary of the third column (shown in gray) goes beyond the page edge guide. Now you think to yourself: “No wonder the right edge gets clipped and the columns aren’t aligned properly.”

What happened? The short answer is: “FileMaker’s automated procedure made a mistake.” Imaging that! It has made this same mistake for at least seven version – maybe eight.

Now for the fix.

Set your measurement system to show pixels instead of inches or centimeters. When you go back to Layout Setup and click on the Printing tab you’ll see that the numbers have changed from what was shown at first. Note that “px” is now listed instead of “in” and that the measurements aren’t correct. (Use the 72 pixels per inch measurement and you’ll notice that 14 should be 18 because 0.25 in. is 18 px.

The fix is really easy. Change the 14 in the Left and Right fields to say 18 as is shown in the next image.

After clicking OK a dialogue box will appear that asks something you’ve likely not seen before.

To this question just answer “Yes” in spite of the fact that “No” is the default response. (I know, I know, it’s backward to the typical way of thinking).

FileMaker will readjust things and all will come out well. Of course, you may need to adjust how the information is laid out on the label but don’t worry, it will work.

Here is what FileMaker will reveal in Layout Setup after the changes have been made.

Jeepers, it all looks correct. That’s because it is. The three labels fit within the page margins. Now you can print with the assurance that nothing will get clipped on the right edge and the margins won’t seem to shift toward the right of the label.

Another trick you can do is as the Users Guide suggests, move the right marker of the label manually. (I’ll bet you didn’t know you could do that, either.)

Now, go on to some other FileMaker issue. This problem is solved.

Byron