How to Put an Envelope in a Printer | Feed It Flawlessly

For the full breakdown, see our best Envelope Printer guide.

Whether you’re printing invoices for a small business or mailing a wedding invitation, getting an envelope through a printer without a jam feels like a small victory. The truth is, there’s no single universal orientation that works across every machine. The printable side, flap direction, and even feed slot all vary by brand and model. The good news: once you know your printer’s specific path and adjust the paper settings, the process takes about thirty seconds. Here’s how to get it right the first time, with exact directions for the most common Epson and HP models.

The Two Things That Matter Before You Load Anything

Before you slide a single envelope into the machine, two settings must match your paper. First, the printer driver on your computer needs the correct envelope size (like No. 10) and paper type set to “Envelope.” Second, many printers — especially Epson models — ask you to confirm or change these same settings on the printer’s own LCD panel after loading.

Beyond settings, the envelope itself must be in good shape. Epson explicitly warns against loading envelopes that are curled, folded, or too thin. Those flimsy envelopes that came with a cheap stationery set? They’ll jam. If your stack feels hard to feed, press each envelope flat before loading, or feed them one at a time through the manual slot.

One more trick that works on most models: send the print job to the printer first, then load the envelope. HP officially recommends this order for its LaserJet models, and it prevents the printer from grabbing paper before you’re ready.

Epson Envelope Orientation by Model

Epson uses three different feed paths across its lineup, so check your model number below before loading. Getting this wrong is the single biggest cause of smeared ink and jammed flaps.

Epson WorkForce WF-3640

This model offers two ways to feed envelopes. The rear feed slot accepts one envelope at a time: load it short edge first, flap facing down, with the flap edge to the right. Insert it until the printer pulls it in automatically. Alternatively, the paper cassette supports No. 10 envelopes (4.1 × 9.5 inches). Load the stack printable side down with the flap edge pointing right, then select “Envelope #10” as the Paper Size and “Envelope” as the Paper Type on the LCD.

Epson ET-2400, ET-2840, and ET-4810

The EcoTank series mostly uses the rear paper feeder. On the ET-2400, load up to ten envelopes in the center of the paper support, printable side up, with the flap edge to the left. After loading, confirm the paper size on the LCD when prompted.

Epson WorkForce WF-110

HP LaserJet Models: Let the Driver Do the Work

HP’s LaserJet Pro M402, M403, MFP M426, and M427 use the manual feed option rather than the main paper tray. The official HP procedure is straightforward: in the print driver, select the manual feed option and choose your envelope size and type. Then send the job and load the envelopes into the tray after the print job reaches the printer.

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