How to mail merge in libreoffice
LibreOffice has a built-in mail merge feature that allows you to combine a main document with a data source to create multiple versions of the document. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use mail merge in LibreOffice:
Prerequisites:
- Make sure you have LibreOffice installed on your computer.
- Create a main document (e.g., a letter, invoice, or report) in LibreOffice.
- Prepare a data source (e.g., a CSV file, an Excel spreadsheet, or a database) containing the information you want to merge into the main document.
Step 1: Prepare the Data Source
- Create a new CSV file or open an existing one.
- Add the data you want to merge into the main document. Each row should represent a single record, and each column should represent a field (e.g., name, address, phone number).
- Save the CSV file.
Step 2: Create a Mail Merge Document
- Open your main document in LibreOffice.
- Go to Tools > Mail Merge.
- In the Mail Merge dialog box, select Create a new mail merge document.
- Choose a template or start from a blank document.
- Click OK to create the mail merge document.
Step 3: Set Up the Mail Merge
- In the mail merge document, go to Tools > Mail Merge.
- In the Mail Merge dialog box, select Set up the mail merge.
- Choose the data source you prepared in Step 1 (e.g., the CSV file).
- Select the fields you want to merge into the main document.
- Click OK to set up the mail merge.
Step 4: Merge the Data
- Go to Tools > Mail Merge.
- In the Mail Merge dialog box, select Merge the data.
- Choose the output format (e.g., PDF, DOCX, or ODT).
- Select the output location (e.g., a folder on your computer).
- Click OK to merge the data.
Step 5: Review and Save the Results
- LibreOffice will create multiple versions of the main document, each with the merged data.
- Review the results to ensure they are accurate and complete.
- Save the merged documents to a folder on your computer.
Tips and Variations:
- You can use LibreOffice's built-in database, Base, to create a database-driven mail merge.
- You can also use LibreOffice's macro feature to automate the mail merge process.
- If you're using a large data source, you may want to consider using a more powerful mail merge tool, such as LibreOffice's built-in database, Base, or a third-party add-on like Mail Merge Pro.