Mail Merge - What is a mail merge?

Definition of MAIL MERGE:

A function found in word processing software such as Microsoft Word, in which a single template document is used to create multiple documents based on information drawn from a data source.

A mail merge has four basic steps; creating a template document, creating a data source, adding placeholders in the template document for the variable information, and merging the template and the data source.

The template document determines the structure of all of the final documents; it includes both the content that will be common to all of the documents and the placeholders for the variable information (the content that is unique to each document, such as an address). The data source is usually a spreadsheet (e.g. Microsoft Excel) or database (e.g. Microsoft Access) that includes a field or column for each piece of variable information.

When the template document and the data source are merged, one document is created for each row in the spreadsheet or database, with the values in the relevant field or column of the spreadsheet or database filling in the placeholders in the template document. This creates a complete document that is personalised to each recipient.

A mail merge can be used to print labels with a standard layout and/or content while adding personalised details during the merge; a mail merge is an excellent way to print address labels, but can also be used to create personalised name labels or gift tags or to print product labels that include standard text alongside the relevant product details for each item.

Here is the Harvard-style citation to use if you would like to reference this definition of the term mail merge:
Label Planet (2020) What is a mail merge? | Mail Merge Definition. Available at: https://www.labelplanet.co.uk/glossary/mail-merge/ (Accessed: January 1, 2024).