Mail merge character limit

The joys of mail merge!

When using a mail merge, you may encounter character limits in your merge fields, which can affect the formatting and content of your merged documents. Here are some common character limits to be aware of:

  1. Word document character limit: In Microsoft Word, the maximum number of characters in a single cell is 32,767. If you exceed this limit, you may encounter errors or formatting issues.
  2. Excel cell character limit: In Microsoft Excel, the maximum number of characters in a single cell is 32,767. However, if you're using a formula or function, the character limit may be lower, typically around 255 characters.
  3. Mail merge field character limit: In Microsoft Word, the maximum number of characters in a mail merge field is 255. If you exceed this limit, you may need to use a workaround, such as concatenating multiple fields or using a separate document.
  4. Email subject line character limit: Most email clients have a character limit for subject lines, typically around 50-75 characters. Exceeding this limit may result in the subject line being truncated or not displaying correctly.
  5. Email body character limit: Some email clients have a character limit for the email body, typically around 10,000-20,000 characters. Exceeding this limit may result in the email being truncated or not sending correctly.

To avoid character limit issues in your mail merge, consider the following:

  1. Keep it concise: Keep your merge fields and text concise to avoid exceeding character limits.
  2. Use formatting: Use formatting options, such as line breaks or paragraph breaks, to make your text more readable and avoid exceeding character limits.
  3. Use concatenation: Concatenate multiple fields or text strings to avoid exceeding character limits.
  4. Use a separate document: If you need to include a large amount of text, consider creating a separate document and linking to it from your mail merge.
  5. Test and verify: Always test and verify your mail merge to ensure that it's working correctly and not exceeding character limits.

By being aware of these character limits and taking steps to avoid them, you can ensure a successful mail merge and deliver your documents with confidence.