C mail merge

A classic!

Mail merge is a feature in Microsoft Word that allows you to combine a main document with a data source, such as a spreadsheet or a database, to create multiple versions of the document with unique information. This is often used for tasks such as:

1. Creating personalized letters or emails to a large number of recipients.
2. Generating reports with customized data.
3. Creating labels or envelopes with unique information.

Here's a general overview of the mail merge process:

Step 1: Prepare your data source

• Create a spreadsheet or database with the information you want to use in your mail merge.
• Make sure the data is organized in a table format with each row representing a single record.

Step 2: Create your main document

• Open Microsoft Word and create a new document.
• Type in the main content of your document, using placeholders for the information you want to merge from your data source.

Step 3: Set up the mail merge

• Go to the "Mailings" tab in the ribbon.
• Click on "Select Recipients" and choose "Use an existing list" or "Type new list".
• If you choose "Use an existing list", select the data source file (e.g. Excel spreadsheet).
• If you choose "Type new list", enter the data manually.

Step 4: Merge the data

• Click on "Finish & Merge" to merge the data with your main document.
• Choose the output format (e.g. Word document, PDF, email).

Tips and variations

• Use the "Merge Fields" feature to insert placeholders for the data in your main document.
• Use the "Insert Merge Field" button to insert a field that will be replaced with the corresponding data from your data source.
• Use the "Update All Fields" button to update the fields in your main document with the new data.
• Use the "Mail Merge Wizard" to guide you through the process and provide additional options.

Some common mail merge fields include:

• FirstName
• LastName
• Address
• City
• State
• Zip
• Email
• Phone

By using mail merge, you can automate the process of creating multiple documents with unique information, saving you time and effort.