Which of the following is TRUE about the mail merge data source in MS Word?
AIt must always be created in MS Excel
BIt can only contain text, not numbers
CIt can be an access database, Excel sheet, or word table
DIt is stored only in Word's Normal dotm template
Answer:
C. It can be an access database, Excel sheet, or word table
Read Explanation:
Mail Merge Data Sources in MS Word
Understanding Data Source Options for Mail Merge
- Mail Merge in Microsoft Word allows users to create personalized documents like letters, emails, labels, and envelopes efficiently.
- A crucial component of Mail Merge is the Data Source, which contains the recipient information (names, addresses, etc.).
- MS Word supports several types of data sources for Mail Merge, offering flexibility for different user needs and data storage methods.
Supported Data Source Formats:
- Microsoft Excel Worksheet: Data organized in rows and columns within an Excel spreadsheet is a common and highly compatible data source. Each row typically represents a record (a recipient), and each column represents a field (like 'First Name', 'Address', 'City').
- Microsoft Access Database: For larger or more complex datasets, an Access database (.mdb or .accdb file) can be used. This allows for more advanced data management, including queries and relationships between tables.
- Word Table: Data can be directly entered or pasted into a table within a Word document itself. While simpler for small lists, it is less robust for managing large amounts of data compared to Excel or Access.
- Other Sources (Less Common/Advanced): MS Word can also connect to other data sources such as Outlook contacts, text files (delimited or unformatted), and even SQL Server databases, although these often require more advanced setup.
Key Considerations for Data Sources:
- The first row of the data source is typically treated as the header row, containing the names of the fields. These field names are used to insert personalized information into the main document.
- Ensure data consistency and accuracy within the data source to avoid errors in the merged documents.
- The data source must be accessible by MS Word when performing the mail merge operation.
