How do I print Avery 8160 labels with first name before last name in Contacts on Mac?

Question

Level 1

32 points

How do I print Avery 8160 labels with first name before last name in Contacts on Mac?

My "contacts" application is set up with the first name, then the last name. That is my selection under "preferences". and that is the way they appear in my "contacts". However, when I print a label (Avery 8160) it prints with the last name first, then the first name. Opposite of what I want. Everything I've tried has not changed this. What am I missing?Thank you for your replies.

Tahoe 26.1

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Issue with printing labels

iMac, OS X 10.11

Posted on Nov 17, 2025 2:39 PM

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Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

155,180 points

Nov 19, 2025 1:24 PM in response to sisters 4

If I understand you correctly, that's bizarre. To be clear though, you are not using any Avery software to print? Not any of their "Design & Print" products?

I understand you are just using a template, and that should be ok. If you remain flummoxed, you can download their template for Pages, and use it to print:

https://www.avery.com/templates/8160

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Answer 2

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,176 points

Nov 19, 2025 1:52 PM in response to sisters 4

Interesting. Using Tahoe 26.1 and with Contacts Settings:

and selecting the Avery 8160 label, I get first name before last name as expected when printed on the label sheet. Each Contact entry is originally entered in that format as well.

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Answer 3

sisters 4 Author

Level 1

32 points

Nov 19, 2025 12:19 PM in response to leroydouglas

It's not Avery that's the problem. The problem is how to get labels printed with the first name first then the last name. It has to do with the Apple contacts software. The contacts can be shown by first name first, or last name first. No matter how you choose to display them, when you print labels they print with last name first.

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Answer 4

Nov 19, 2025 11:43 AM in response to sisters 4

sisters 4 wrote:

My "contacts" application is set up with the first name, then the last name. That is my selection under "preferences". and that is the way they appear in my "contacts". However, when I print a label (Avery 8160) it prints with the last name first, then the first name. Opposite of what I want. Everything I've tried has not changed this. What am I missing?Thank you for your replies.

Tahoe 26.1

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Issue with printing labels

For third party —if in doubt search the developers website or contact their: Support/Help/FAQ/Known issues/compatibility/updates…

Contact a third-party vendor - Apple Support

ref: https://www.avery.com/help/product-support

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Answer 5

sisters 4 Author

Level 1

32 points

Nov 20, 2025 11:17 AM in response to John Galt

yes, that is correct. Open contacts. select contact(s). Select print from the drop down. In the next window select Labels. select Avery label # you want. The left panel will show the name with the last name first, instead of the first name first. It's got to be something I'm not aware of...probably something simple.

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Answer 6

sisters 4 Author

Level 1

32 points

Nov 20, 2025 11:08 AM in response to VikingOSX

Yes, VikingOSX, I understand this. The thing is no matter which way this is set, the label will still be printed with the last name first. There's something I'm missing, but can't find what it is!

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Answer 7

sisters 4 Author

Level 1

32 points

Nov 20, 2025 1:54 PM in response to VikingOSX

Interesting. I'll give it a try once again.

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Answer 8

John Galt

Level 10

155,180 points

Nov 20, 2025 1:47 PM in response to sisters 4

In Contacts Settings > General, try selecting the opposite choice in Show First Name. In other words if Before last name is selected, select Following last name instead. Then, print. Do the names still appear as last name, first name?

Then, revert the selection. Same problem?

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Answer 9

sisters 4 Author

Level 1

32 points

Nov 22, 2025 12:21 PM in response to John Galt

I believe I'v tried everything! Here's what finally worked. When entering a new contact it asks to enter the first name and then the last. In spite of the prompt to enter the name this way, I entered the last name were the first should go and the first where the last should go. Now, under general settings I choose first name following last name. Now the label prints properly; first name, last name. I've no idea why...but it works! So be it. At least I can print labels as the should be. Thank you for your help

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