Mail Merge is a term used in computing that refers to the process of creating multiple documents or labels from a single template. The spelling of this term follows the conventions of English spelling rules. The word 'mail' is pronounced as /meɪl/ and refers to the communication through the postal service. On the other hand, the word 'merge' is pronounced as /mɜːrdʒ/ and means to combine two or more things into one. Together, Mail Merge is pronounced as /meɪl mɜːrdʒ/. This process is widely used in offices and businesses worldwide to automate the process of creating forms and labels.
Mail merge is a computer term that refers to the process of combining a document or template with a data source to create personalized, customized documents. It is commonly used in word processing applications, such as Microsoft Word, to automate the production of form letters, envelopes, labels, or any other type of document that requires repetitive information.
In mail merge, a main document is created as a template, which contains fixed text and placeholders for variable information. This variable information is retrieved from a data source, such as a spreadsheet or a database, which contains the specific details to be inserted into the main document. The data source typically consists of a list of recipients and the corresponding personalized information, such as names, addresses, or any other relevant data.
During the mail merge process, the software matches the placeholders in the main document with the corresponding data from the data source, and automatically inserts the appropriate information into each instance of the document. This allows for efficient and accurate production of personalized documents in bulk, saving time and effort for the user.
Mail merge is widely used in businesses and organizations for various purposes, including mass mailings, customer communications, invoicing, and marketing campaigns. It is an effective tool for creating professional-looking documents with personalized content, providing a streamlined method for generating large quantities of customized materials with ease.
The word "Mail Merge" is a combination of two separate terms: "mail" and "merge".
The term "mail" comes from the Old English word "male" or "mǣl", which means "bag" or "wallet". Over time, the meaning of "mail" has evolved to refer to the system of sending letters or packages through a postal service.
The term "merge" comes from the Old French word "merger" or "marger", which means "to immerse" or "to dip into". In English, "merge" refers to combining or joining different elements or entities into a single entity.
When these two terms are combined, "mail merge" refers to the process of combining a database or a list of recipients with a template to create individualized letters or emails that can be sent in bulk.