How to create a Word directory using 4TOPS Mail Merge

This example shows how to create a mail merge directory template and process using the 4TOPS Mail Merge for Microsoft Access tools. Here we demonstrate the steps for making a telephone directory.

  1. Use the mail merge wizard to set up the process - no programming required
  2. Use the Template Designer to drag & drop the fields on your template
  3. Start using the mail merge process you created

Use the mail merge wizard to set up the process

You always need to have the database open with the form or datasheet you want to use the information from. (You should have already installed the Mail Merge Addin. If not see Installation and activation.)

1.1 Open the data source (table, query or form)

1.2 Start the Mail Merge wizard
1.2a Select the Mail Merge Ribbon

1.2.b Press the Word Mail Merge button

(Access 2003: on the Mail Merge menu: New > Word Mail Merge... )

 

This starts the Mail Merge Wizard.

1.3 Process

1.3.1 Select 'Email HTML'. (Mail Merge >  New >Email HTML. ) 

1.3.2 Give a name to the process.

1.3.3 Press Next  >.

 2. Use the HTML Editor to drag & drop the fields on your template

2.1.1 In 'Give template filename' a proposal for the template name is given. We accept the default.

2.1.2 In 'Based on' you can browse to an already existing template. We do - we already have a sort of directory.

2.1.3 Pressing the 'Create'-button opens the Template Designer. On the left the possible fields, on the right some of the fields put in place. (drag and drop )

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2.1  Give a name to the process indicating what type of email will be created.

2.2 Indicate if you want all records in the data source to be selected or only the current one (see also Select records to process / create documents from)

2.3 Press Next button (->)

3.1 To whom will the email be sent. This field can use expressions.

3.2 What should go in the Subject of the email. This field can use expressions.

3.3 Press Edit to start the HTML editor (or text-). You can insert Items such as fields and functions in the text. You can also insert images which are included in the email.

htmleditor email

3.5 Use Preview to see what the resulting email will be like.

3.6 Press Next button (->)

4. Press OK button. From now on the saved email process is visible from the Process Selection dialog and can be started from there.

2.2 Close the Template Designer (save changes)

2.3 On the wizard, skip the following screens, don't check automatic file naming or logging.

2.3.1 Press 'OK'

The template and mail merge process have been created.

 3. Start using the mail merge process you created

 In the case of phone list the records has to be ordered alphabetical. Do this in the database.

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3.1. Press 'Run' and evaluate the result with the selected data. OR

 Press 'Open the Process Selection dialog' on the What's next dialog. The next time you will be using the 'Existing' button on the Mail Merge ribbon (Access 2003: menu Mail Merge > Open...).