Mail merge is a powerful tool that allows you to send personalized emails, letters, or other documents to a large group of recipients. While Microsoft Word is commonly used for mail merges, Google Docs offers an alternative approach. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explore how to create a mail merge using a Google Doc template. Let’s get started!

Mail Merge in Google Docs

What is Mail Merge in Google Docs?

Mail merge in Google Docs is a powerful feature that allows you to create personalized documents by merging a template with a list of data. Mail merge is handy for creating personalized letters, certificates, labels, or any other mass communication. Here’s how it works,

Template Creation

• Start by creating a Google Doc template. This template contains placeholders (called merge tags) for the data you want to insert.
• For example, if you’re sending personalized letters, you might have a merge tag like <<First Name>>.

Data Source

• Prepare a spreadsheet (usually a Google Sheets document) with the data you want to merge.
• Each row represents a recipient, and each column corresponds to a merge tag.

Merge Process

• In Google Docs, go to Add-ons > Mail Merge with Attachments > Start Mail Merge.
• Select your template and data source.
• Customize the email subject, body, and attachments (if needed).
• Click Run Mail Merge.

Personalized Output

• Google Docs will create individual documents for each recipient, replacing the merge tags with actual data.
• You can save these documents as separate files or send them directly via email.

How to Perform Mail Merge in Google Docs from Google Sheets

Google Docs doesn’t have a native mail merge feature, but using add-ons like Mail Merge for Google Docs simplifies the process. To perform a mail merge in Google Docs, follow these steps,

Step 1: Open Google Docs and Create Your Template Document (Google Doc)

• Open Google Docs and create your template document (e.g., an invoice, letter, or student grade report).
• Design the document with placeholders (merge fields) where you want personalized information to appear.

Choose your template

Step 2: Go to Extensions Select Add-Ons and Install the Mail Merge Add-On

To directly install the add on Click here

Step 3: Click on Extensions, Select Mail Merge and Click on Start

Step 4: Select Open Spreadsheet in the Right Mail Merge Menu

Choose “Open Spreadsheet” to select a Google Sheets file containing your data.

Mail Merge>> Open Spreadsheet

Step 5: In the sidebar, click the Mail Merge button

Step 6: Choose the document type (letters, envelopes, labels, or emails).

Step 7: Select recipients from your Google Sheets data.

• Customize individual messages using merge fields.

Choose the document Type >>Customize mail>>Click on Merge

Step 8: Generate Merged Documents

• Click “Merge” to create personalized documents.
• Export to PDF, Word, or print directly from Google Docs.

Export to PDF

Why Google Docs isn’t ideal for Performing Mail Merge?

For a simpler approach, consider using Google Sheets with GMass for Gmail mail merges. It streamlines the process and offers more flexibility. Google Docs isn’t ideal for performing mail merges due to a few reasons,

Lack of Native Mail Merge Feature

Unlike Microsoft Word, Google Docs doesn’t have a built-in mail merge feature. You’ll need to use third-party tools or APIs to achieve mail merges.

Complexity

Using tools like the Google Docs API or Google Apps Script can be complicated. Third-party add-ons like Autocrat, Avery Label Merge, or Smartsheet Merge serve just one purpose: running a mail merge.

Limited Functionality

Google Docs lacks the robust capabilities found in dedicated mail merge tools. These limitations make it less efficient for handling large-scale mail merges.

Conclusion

Google Docs doesn’t have a native mail merge feature, but using add-ons like Mail Merge for Google Docs simplifies the process. In the end, this guide help you to streamline repetitive tasks and create customized documents in minutes. Now you can focus on what matters – crafting impactful content that resonates with each recipient. Ready to leave the manual edits and hello to efficient communication? Start your mail merge journey in Google Docs today.

FAQs – How to Mail Merge in Google Docs from Google Sheets

How do I do a Google mail merge?

Use a Google Sheet with recipient info and a draft email in Gmail. Insert merge tags (@email, @name) to personalize each message.

How do you merge in Google Docs?

There’s no built-in mail merge in Docs, but you can use a mail merge add-on or copy-paste from a recipient list.

How do I do a mail merge document?

This refers to a document (often in Word) with merge tags for personalized letters. Google Docs doesn’t directly support this, but you can use workarounds.

How to create a mailing list in Google Docs?

While Docs itself isn’t for creating mailing lists, you can build a list with recipient information in a Google Sheet for use with mail merge tools.