Creating Merge Documents

To perform a mail merge automated export, first create the data source for the mail merge document (create the CSV file in InterAction that contains the data you want). Then you will create the merge document (letter, label, etc.) in Microsoft Word and tell the program where to find the data source so that the data source can be merged into your merge document.

Setting up a Data Source for the Mail Merge Document

In order to add placeholders to your merge document, you must have a data source (CSV file) created. In most cases, this can be done by setting up your export instructions and performing a quick export. However, if you are going to use export extensions to alter the export data file and add additional columns, you need to do more.

To create a data source that has all of the correct information included, do the following:

1. Begin setting up your automated export form as though the merge document was already created. You must specify the following:

   • Export instructions

   • Export data file

   • Any export extensions you wish to configure

2. Choose Export.

   InterAction performs the export and runs the export extensions on the data file - producing a CSV file with all the specified columns. Use this file to create your merge document. You can then go back to Automated Export later to complete the automated export form.

3. Choose Cancel to exit, then choose Yes to confirm.

For more information on how to create or edit an automated export, see Creating or Editing Automated Export Forms.

Create a Merge Document in Microsoft Word

The Microsoft merge document is the document where you will be importing the exported data. In Microsoft Word, create the merge document. Type the static text (for example, the body of the letter) and insert the merge fields where InterAction data will be merged. For more information on creating a merge document in Microsoft Word, consult the documentation provided with your version of the software.