Mail merge using an Excel spreadsheet

Mail merge using an Excel spreadsheet

Step 1: Prepare data in Excel for mail merge



The most important step in the mail merge process is to set up and prepare your data. You'll use your Excel spreadsheet as the data source for the recipient list.



Here are some tips to prepare your data for a mail merge. Make sure:

• Column names in your spreadsheet match the field names you want to insert in your mail merge. For example, to address readers by their first name in your document, you'll need separate columns for first and last names.
• All data to be merged is present in the first sheet of your spreadsheet.
• Data entries with percentages, currencies, and postal codes are correctly formatted in the spreadsheet so that Word can properly read their values.
• The Excel spreadsheet to be used in the mail merge is stored on your local machine.
• Changes or additions to your spreadsheet are completed before it's connected to your mail merge document in Word.
  
  
  
  Notes:
  • You can import information from your Excel spreadsheet by importing information from a comma-separated value (.csv) or a text (.txt) file and use the Text Import Wizard to build a new spreadsheet.

Step 2: Start the mail merge

• In Word, choose File > New > Blank document.
• On the Mailings tab, in the Start Mail merge group, choose Start Mail Merge, and then choose the kind of merge you want to run.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Choose Select Recipients > Use an Existing List.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Browse to your Excel spreadsheet, and then choose Open.
• If Word prompts you, choose Sheet1$ > OK.
  
  
  
  Note: Now the Excel spreadsheet is connected to the mail merge document you???re creating in Word.
  
  Edit your mailing list
• You can limit who receives your mail.
• Choose Edit Recipient List.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• In the Mail Merge Recipients dialog box, clear the check box next to the name of any person who you don't want to receive your mailing.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Note: You also can sort or filter the list to make it easier to find names and addresses

Step 3: Insert a merge field

• You can insert one or more mail merge fields that pull the information from your spreadsheet into your document.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  To insert data from your spreadsheet in an email message or a letter
• On the Mailings tab, in the Write & Insert Fields group, choose Insert Merge Field.
• In the Insert Merge Field dialog box, under Fields, choose a field name (column name in your spreadsheet), and then choose Insert.
• Repeat these steps as needed, and choose Close when done.
• Choose File > Save.

Step 4: Save your mail merge



When you save the mail merge document, it stays connected to your data source. You can reuse the mail merge document for your next bulk mailing.

• Open the mail merge document and choose Yes when Word prompts you to keep the connection.