Data Merge: Preview Work?

[kevs1]

Version: 2004
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger)
Processor: Power PC

In Data Merge Manager, the preview does not seem to work at all.

I see the number move, 1,2 etc, next record, or last record etc -- with red arrows, but nothing changes in my letter. The first and last names do not plug in, nothing changes

 

[CyberTaz]

Have you clicked the View Merged Data button (<<ABC>>) to the left of the
First Record button?

HTH |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[kevs1]

Thanks Bob, that seemed to do the trick -- did not see that. Would be nice if it just did that automatically no?

 

[CyberTaz]

From your perspective, perhaps, but for the majority of those who use mail
merge, No, because that isn't the primary function of the feature. When
working in the Form document itself it's typically more common to need to
see the fields. Previewing data there is just an Option - a convenience for
checking how your editing may have affected the layout of the document. If
it "did that automatically" it would be a hassle for everybody else to have
to turn it off

If you're interested in actually previewing the final result or the records
themselves use the Merge to New Document button.

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[kevs1]

thanks Bob, ever notice in Merge section, those little buttons, often tooltips wont work? It's really annyoying me.