Creating a Merge Document

The HowNow merge document system can create and populate Microsoft Word documents with data extracted from the contacts area in HowNow Online. 


Before a merge document (merge letter) can be created it is necessary to create a document which includes the bookmarks required to enable the merging of data. The bookmarks currently available are: 


HowNowFirmName

The firm name of the owner of HowNow Online
HowNowEntityName

Client name

HowNowFullAddressAll lines of client address
HowNowAddress1Client Street
HowNowAddress2

Client City

HowNowAddress3Client State
HowNowAddress4Client Postcode
HowNowFullName Contact full name
HowNowClientCodeClient code
HowNowEmailContact email
HowNowFirstNamesContact given names
HowNowLastNameContact family name
HowNowSignoffSign-off entered when creating a merge document
HowNowSubjectSubject entered when creating a merge document
HowNowDateEOM The date of the end of the current month in short form
HowNowDateEOMF The date of the end of the current month in full
HowNowDateEOY The date of the end of the financial year in short form
HowNowDateEOYF The date of the end of the financial year in full
HowNowDateYear The current year in number form
HowNowDateFYear The current financial year in number form
HowNowTodaysDate Today’s date in short form (dd/mm/yyyy)
HowNowTodaysDateF Today’s date in full (dd month yyyy)
HowNowTimeThe current time in the format HH:MM AM/PM


How to insert bookmarks into a Word template:


1.Type the HowNow bookmark name or field details into the document where it is required. 
2.Select the text and press CTRL+C to copy it. 

3.Type Alt, I, K to display the bookmark editor (or select from the menu Insert > Bookmark). 
4.Press Ctrl+V to paste the selected text into the bookmark name field.  
5.If a bookmark is used more than once make the bookmark name unique by adding an underscore (_) and a number to the end of the name. 
6.Press Enter to save the bookmark and close the bookmark editor.  


Your document will look like this:


Document with HowNow Merge Fields






Once the file has been created, add it to the Templates area in HowNow and ensure you have ticked "Has Merge Fields". The template can then be used for creating documents for clients.


The resulting document with look like this:







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