Winword mail merge

The classic WinWord mail merge!

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. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Prerequisites:

1. Microsoft Word 2010 or later version
2. A data source (e.g., Excel spreadsheet, Access database, or a CSV file)

Step 1: Prepare your data source

1. Create a data source with the information you want to use for the mail merge. This can be an Excel spreadsheet, an Access database, or a CSV file.
2. Make sure the data source has the following:
   • A header row with column names (e.g., "Name", "Address", "Phone Number")
   • Data rows with the actual information you want to use for the mail merge

Step 2: Create a new Word document

1. Open Microsoft Word and create a new document.
2. Type in the main content of your document, including any placeholders for the data you want to merge.

Step 3: Set up the mail merge

1. Go to the "Mailings" tab in the ribbon.
2. Click on "Select Recipients" and choose "Use an existing list" or "Type new list".
3. If you choose "Use an existing list", select the data source file (e.g., Excel spreadsheet or Access database).
4. If you choose "Type new list", enter the data manually or import it from a file.

Step 4: Merge the data

1. Click on "Finish & Merge" in the "Mailings" tab.
2. Choose "Edit Individual Documents" to create a new document for each record in the data source.
3. Word will merge the data into the main document, replacing the placeholders with the actual information.

Tips and Variations:

• Use the "Insert Merge Field" button to insert placeholders for the data in your document.
• Use the "Merge" button to merge the data into a single document.
• Use the "Edit Individual Documents" option to create a new document for each record in the data source.
• Use the "Save & Print" option to save the merged documents to a file or print them directly.
• Use the "Mail Merge Wizard" to guide you through the process and provide additional options.

Common Issues:

• Make sure the data source file is in the correct format and location.
• Check that the column names in the data source match the placeholders in your document.
• If you're using an Excel spreadsheet, ensure that the data is formatted correctly and that the header row is not included in the data.

By following these steps and tips, you should be able to successfully perform a mail merge in Microsoft Word. Happy merging!