How to add first name on mail merge

To add a first name to a mail merge, you'll need to use a field merge code in your document. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Assumptions:

• You have a list of contacts with first names and last names in a spreadsheet or database.
• You have a word processing software like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or LibreOffice.
• You have a mail merge template set up with a table or a placeholder for the recipient's information.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Create a mail merge template: Open your word processing software and create a new document. Set up a table or a placeholder for the recipient's information. For example, you can create a table with two columns: "First Name" and "Last Name".
2. Insert a merge field: Click on the "Insert" menu and select "Quick Parts" or "Fields" (depending on your software). In the "Field names" list, select "FirstName" (or "First Name" if your software uses a different naming convention).
3. Position the merge field: Place the merge field in the table or placeholder where you want the first name to appear. You can also use the "Format" menu to adjust the font, size, and alignment of the text.
4. Link the merge field to your data source: Go to the "Mailings" tab (in Microsoft Word) or the "Insert" menu (in Google Docs or LibreOffice). Select "Mail Merge" or "Insert Merge Field" and choose your data source (e.g., a spreadsheet or database).
5. Select the data source: Choose the spreadsheet or database that contains your contact list. If prompted, select the column that contains the first names.
6. Preview and test: Preview your mail merge document to ensure that the first names are correctly inserted. Test the merge by clicking on the "Preview Results" button (in Microsoft Word) or the "Insert Merge Field" button (in Google Docs or LibreOffice).
7. Finalize the merge: Once you're satisfied with the results, finalize the mail merge by clicking on the "Finish & Merge" button (in Microsoft Word) or the "Insert Merge Field" button (in Google Docs or LibreOffice).

Tips and Variations:

• Use the "Merge Field" button to insert multiple merge fields, such as both first and last names.
• Use the "Format" menu to adjust the font, size, and alignment of the text.
• Use the "Mail Merge" wizard (in Microsoft Word) or the "Insert Merge Field" wizard (in Google Docs or LibreOffice) to help you set up the mail merge.
• If you're using a database, make sure to select the correct table and fields before linking the merge field to your data source.

By following these steps, you should be able to add a first name to your mail merge document using a field merge code.