Brother Printer Not Printing Envelopes Correctly – How to Fix It

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If your Brother printer is not printing envelopes correctly, the issue is likely due to incorrect paper settings, improper loading of envelopes, driver misconfiguration, or compatibility problems with envelope types. Use the steps below to resolve the issue and ensure accurate envelope printing.

Check Envelope Compatibility

Use Recommended Envelope Types
  1. Confirm the envelopes are supported by your specific Brother printer model.
  2. Avoid envelopes with:
    • Double flaps
    • Peel-and-seal closures
    • Embossed or overly textured surfaces
    • Thick seams

Refer to the User Manual

Check the printer manual or Brother’s support website for the list of supported envelope sizes and materials.

Load the Envelopes Correctly

Use the Manual Feed Slot (if available)
  1. Open the manual feed tray or multipurpose slot.
  2. Insert one envelope at a time, print side facing up.
  3. Adjust the paper guides snugly to the edges of the envelope.

Use the Main Tray (if applicable)
  1. Insert a small number of envelopes-5 to 10 max-to prevent jamming.
  2. Place them face down with the flap on the left or as recommended by the model.
  3. Align the guides securely but not too tight.

Adjust Print Settings in the Driver

Windows
  1. Open the Print dialog from your document.
  2. Click Printer Properties or Preferences.
  3. Set Media Type to “Envelope”.
  4. Select the correct envelope size (e.g., Com-10, DL).
  5. Under Paper Source, choose Manual Feed if using that slot.

macOS
  1. Go to File > Print, then open the Paper Handling section.
  2. Choose Scale to fit paper size if alignment is off.
  3. In Print Settings, set Media Type and Paper Size to match the envelope.

Align the Print Area

Modify Layout or Margins
  1. In your word processor (e.g., Word), go to Mailings > Envelopes.
  2. Adjust the delivery and return address positions.
  3. Use custom margins if text is not aligned properly or is cut off.

Test with a Blank Page

Print on a blank sheet with the same dimensions to check alignment before using real envelopes.

Update or Reinstall the Printer Driver
  1. Visit Brother Support and enter your printer model.
  2. Download the latest full driver and software package for your OS.
  3. Uninstall the old driver before reinstalling the updated one.
  4. Restart the computer and printer.

Avoid Print Jams and Smudging

Use the Right Print Side and Orientation
  1. Check that envelopes are facing the correct way per your printer’s tray diagram.
  2. Make sure flaps aren’t catching during feeding.

Enable Envelope Mode or Fuser Settings (Laser Printers)
  1. Some models allow adjusting the fuser temperature or envelope mode in the control panel or web interface.
  2. Set the media type to “Envelope” to prevent wrinkling or smudging.

Reset Printer Settings

If custom settings were saved or print quality has changed after updates:

  1. Access the printer’s control panel.
  2. Navigate to Initial Setup > Reset > All Settings.
  3. Reconfigure the envelope settings from scratch.

By following these steps, you should be able to correct alignment, paper handling, and printing issues specifically related to envelopes on your Brother printer.