Word
Word
Mail Merge in Microsoft Word is a useful tool that allows you to create multiple
personalized documents (like letters, labels, or envelopes) that have the same layout but
different information for each recipient. For example, if you want to send a letter to 50
people, you don’t have to write 50 separate letters—you can write one letter and use
Mail Merge to automatically fill in details like the recipient’s name and address for each
one.
How Mail Merge Works:
Mail Merge combines two things:
1. Main Document: This is your template, such as a letter or an invitation. It
contains the fixed text that stays the same for every recipient, like "Dear [Name]"
or "Sincerely, [Your Name]."
2. Data Source: This is a file (like an Excel sheet or a list) that contains the variable
information you want to personalize, such as names, addresses, or other details.
Each row in the file represents a different person or entry.
Steps to Perform Mail Merge:
1. Prepare Your Document:
o Start by creating the main document in Word (e.g., a letter, envelope, or
labels). Write the content that will remain the same for every recipient.
2. Prepare Your Data Source:
o Create a list of recipient information. This could be in an Excel spreadsheet
or a table in Word. Each row represents a person, and each column holds
a type of information (like first name, last name, address).
3. Start Mail Merge in Word:
o Go to the Mailings tab in Word and click Start Mail Merge. You can
choose the type of document you are creating (Letters, Labels, Emails,
etc.).
4. Link the Data Source:
o Click on Select Recipients and choose where your data is stored. This
could be an Excel file, an Outlook contact list, or a Word table.
o Word will then connect your main document with the data source.
5. Insert Merge Fields:
o Place your cursor where you want to add personalized information, such
as the recipient’s name or address. Then click on Insert Merge Field in
the Mailings tab and choose which field (column from your data source)
you want to insert.
o For example, you can insert <<First Name>>, <<Last Name>>, and
<<Address>> into your letter. These will be replaced by the actual names
and addresses when you perform the merge.
6. Preview Your Document:
o After inserting the merge fields, you can click Preview Results to see what
the document will look like with the actual data.
7. Complete the Merge:
o Once everything looks good, click on Finish & Merge. You can choose to
print the merged documents or create separate Word files for each
recipient.
Example of Mail Merge:
Main Document (Template):
Dear <<First Name>> <<Last Name>>,
Sincerely,
Event Organizer
Data Source (Excel File):
First Name Last Name Address
John Doe 123 Maple St
Jane Smith 456 Oak St
Result (After Mail Merge):
Dear John Doe,
Sincerely,
Event Organizer
Sincerely,
Event Organizer
Why is Mail Merge Useful?
Saves Time: Instead of manually typing individual letters or emails for each
recipient, Mail Merge allows you to create them automatically.
Reduces Errors: Since the personalized data is pulled directly from your data
source, it reduces the chances of typos or mistakes.
Professional: It helps in creating a professional, consistent look while
personalizing the content for each recipient.
Mail Merge is commonly used in businesses for sending bulk letters, invoices,
invitations, or marketing materials while still giving the personal touch.
Difference between save & Save as
Criteria Save Save As
Updates the current document Saves the document with a new
Function
with changes name or location
Use when you want to create a copy
Use when you want to save
When to Use or change the file name, type, or
changes to the same file
location
Allows you to give the file a new
File Name Keeps the existing file name
name
Allows you to choose a new location
Location Saves in the same location (folder)
(folder)
Keeps the same file format (e.g., Allows you to change the file format
File Format
.docx) (e.g., .pdf, .doc, .txt)
Shortcut Key Ctrl + S F12 or File > Save As
To quickly update the current To create a new version or save in a
Purpose
document different way
You want to save your report as
You’ve been working on a report
Example both a Word document and a PDF
and want to save the progress
file
What are the various ways to create icon on the desktop. How icons are
different from icons available in MS office toolbar?
Ways to Create Icons on the Desktop
1. Creating a Shortcut for an Application:
o Right-click on the desktop.
o Select New > Shortcut.
o Browse to find the application (.exe file).
o Name the shortcut and click Finish.
2. Creating a Shortcut for a File or Folder:
o Right-click on the desktop.
o Select New > Shortcut.
o Browse to the desired file or folder.
o Name the shortcut and click Finish.
o Alternatively, right-click the file or folder, select Send to, then Desktop
(create shortcut).
3. Creating a Website Shortcut:
o Open your web browser and navigate to the website.
o Copy the URL from the address bar.
o Right-click on the desktop and select New > Shortcut.
o Paste the URL in the location field, name the shortcut, and click Finish.
4. Creating a System Shortcut (e.g., Control Panel):
o Right-click on the desktop, select New > Shortcut.
o Type a command (like control for Control Panel).
o Name the shortcut and click Finish.
5. Creating a Shortcut to a Drive:
o Open File Explorer and locate the drive.
o Right-click the drive and select Create Shortcut (if prompted, choose to
place it on the desktop).
6. Drag and Drop from File Explorer:
o Open File Explorer.
o Locate the file or folder, click and drag it to the desktop, then release the
mouse button to create a shortcut.
7. Using the Right-Click Context Menu:
o Right-click on the desktop, select New, and choose Folder, Shortcut, or
a document type.
8. Using Command Prompt (for advanced users):
o Open Command Prompt and use the command mklink to create shortcuts
programmatically.
Differences between Desktop Icons and Icons in MS Office Toolbar
Feature Desktop Icons MS Office Toolbar Icons
Provide quick access to Offer quick access to frequently used
Purpose applications, files, folders, and commands and features within MS Office
websites. applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Perform specific actions like formatting text,
Opening applications or files
Functionality inserting images, saving, or printing
directly.
documents.
Can be customized (add/remove icons) using
Users can create, delete, and
Customization the "Customize Ribbon" or "Quick Access
move desktop icons freely.
Toolbar" options.
Located on the desktop, which
Located in the toolbar or ribbon inside an MS
Location is the main screen of the
Office application (e.g., Home, Insert tabs).
operating system.
Visibility Visible on the desktop at all Only visible when you open a specific MS
times unless hidden. Office application.
May appear as buttons with icons and text
Often displayed with a distinct
Appearance labels, typically found in the toolbar or ribbon
icon and label.
interface.
Example Application icons like Chrome, Bold, Italic, Save, Insert Table, or Page
Recycle Bin, or My Layout icons in Word/Excel.
Documents.