Match fields in mail merge

The magic of mail merge!

In a mail merge, you need to match fields from your data source (e.g., a spreadsheet or database) with the corresponding fields in your document template. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you match fields:

Step 1: Identify the fields in your data source

Open your data source (e.g., a spreadsheet) and identify the fields you want to use in your mail merge. These fields should contain the information you want to insert into your document template.

Step 2: Identify the fields in your document template

Open your document template (e.g., a Word document) and identify the fields where you want to insert the data from your data source. These fields should be marked with a merge field code (e.g., <<First Name>>).

Step 3: Match fields

To match fields, you need to link the fields in your data source with the corresponding fields in your document template. Here are a few ways to do this:

Method 1: Use the Mail Merge Wizard

1. Open your document template and go to the "Mailings" tab in the ribbon.
2. Click on "Start Mail Merge" and select "Step-by-Step Mail Merge Wizard".
3. Follow the wizard's prompts to select your data source and match the fields.
4. The wizard will automatically match the fields for you.

Method 2: Use the "Insert Merge Field" feature

1. Open your document template and place your cursor where you want to insert the data.
2. Go to the "Mailings" tab in the ribbon and click on "Insert Merge Field".
3. Select the field from your data source that you want to match with the current field in your document template.
4. The merge field code will be inserted into your document template.

Method 3: Use the "Merge Field" dialog box

1. Open your document template and place your cursor where you want to insert the data.
2. Go to the "Mailings" tab in the ribbon and click on "Merge Field".
3. In the "Merge Field" dialog box, select the field from your data source that you want to match with the current field in your document template.
4. Click "OK" to insert the merge field code into your document template.

Tips and Tricks

• Make sure the field names in your data source match the field names in your document template.
• Use the "Merge Field" dialog box to match fields if you have a large number of fields to match.
• Use the "Insert Merge Field" feature if you want to insert a single field at a time.
• Use the Mail Merge Wizard if you're new to mail merge or need help matching fields.

By following these steps and tips, you should be able to match fields in your mail merge and create a personalized document template.