Directory merging across, not down

[cjg.groups]

Hello, is it possible to do a directory merge where each column is a
complete record from the data source, and each row is a field? This
would effectively merge the data across the screen instead of down.

For example:
Each column is a product. Each row is an attribute of the product.

Product 1 Product 2 Product 3
Shape Round Square Triangle
Color White Blue Green
Size Big Small Big


This table design is needed because the data field names are long,
making them fit better as row headers. And there are few records, so
the table will not extend beyond the right side of the page.

Thanks.

 

[Doug Robbins - Word MVP]

If the number of records is such that there will only be one row of data,
you could start with a Letter type mail merge main document in which you set
up a one row table with the necessary number of columns and insert the merge
fields into the second through nth column with a <<Next Record>> field
before the first merge field in the 3rd through nth column.

Insert the Shape, Color and size into the first column.

If the data from each field is going to take up a different number of rows
from record to record, after executing the merge, you would need to make
some adjustments do that things line up.

An alternative might be to Edit>Paste Special>Transpose in Excel and then
copy and paste the data into Word.

--
Hope this helps.

Please reply to the newsgroup unless you wish to avail yourself of my
services on a paid consulting basis.

Doug Robbins - Word MVP