Common Errors & Fixes

This page covers the most frequently reported issues. If your problem isn't listed here, check the FAQ or contact us.

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🔴 My data columns are not showing up

Symptom: You uploaded a file but see no columns in the Data Source panel, or the merge field dropdown is empty.

Fixes:

1. Check your header row. Column headers must be in Row 1. If you have a title or blank rows above your data, delete them.
2. Check the file format. Make sure you saved as .xlsx or .csv — not .xls (old Excel) or .numbers.
3. Re-upload the file. Go to the Data Source tab, click the trash icon to remove the old file, then upload again.
4. Google Sheets users: Click the Sync/Refresh icon next to the filename to pull the latest structure.

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🔴 The PDF is blank / labels are empty

Symptom: You download the PDF but it opens as blank pages.

Fixes:

1. Try a different browser. Some browsers block PDF generation. Chrome is most reliable.
2. Disable ad blockers. Some ad blockers interfere with PDF generation. Try in an Incognito window.
3. Check your design. Switch to Single View and verify there are elements on the canvas. If the canvas appears empty, your template may not have loaded — try reloading the template.
4. Wait for images to load. If your design uses dynamic image URLs, the PDF may generate before images finish loading. Wait for the preview to show images, then export.

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🟡 My merge fields show {{Name}} instead of real data

Symptom: The exported PDF shows the literal text {{Name}} instead of actual names.

Fixes:

1. No data connected. Go to the Data Source tab and check that a file or sheet is connected. If it says "No data", import your file.
2. Column name mismatch. The text inside {{ }} must exactly match your column header — including capitalisation and spaces. If your header is first name (lowercase), your merge field must be {{first name}}.
3. Re-bind the field. Click the text element, then in the right properties panel, toggle Data Binding off and back on, and re-select your column.

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🟡 Images are not loading / showing a broken icon

Symptom: Image elements show a grey box or broken image icon in the preview.

Fixes:

1. For dynamic image URLs: Ensure the URL is publicly accessible and uses https://. URLs behind a login or firewall won't work.
2. For local batch-linked images: These links are temporary (stored in browser memory). If you refreshed the page, you need to click Batch Link Images again in the Data Manager column header.
3. File too large: Keep images under 5MB. Compress at TinyPNG before uploading.

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🟡 Labels are misaligned when printed

This is the most common issue. The cause is almost always your printer's "Fit to Page" or "Scale to Fit" setting.

Fix: In your print dialog, set Scale to 100% (or "Actual Size") and ensure "Fit to Page" is unchecked.

For a detailed guide: Troubleshooting Print Alignment

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🔵 Google Sheets: "Authorization Failed"

Symptom: A pop-up appears but fails, or nothing happens when you try to connect.

Fixes:

1. Allow pop-ups. Your browser is likely blocking the authorization window. Look for a pop-up blocked icon in your address bar and allow it for sheetstolabels.com.
2. Try Incognito mode. Browser extensions can interfere with Google OAuth. Open an Incognito window and try again.
3. Clear cookies. If you've previously denied access, Google may have cached the refusal. Go to your Google Account permissions and revoke SheetsToLabels access, then try connecting again.

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🔵 "I added a new row/column but it's not appearing"

Fix: Your data is cached after the initial import. To refresh:

• Go to the Data Source tab.
• Click the ↻ Sync icon next to your file/sheet name.
• New rows and columns will pull in without affecting your design.