How to Split Word Mail Merge Documents and Email Individually
Question details
The user needs to split a mail merge into separate documents and email them individually, but the split command is missing in their current version of Word 365.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating personalized documents via mail merge, saving them as individual files, and distributing them separately via email.
- Observed behavior
- The "Split the Mail Merge" command cannot be found in the Word 365 interface because it was originally provided by a previously installed third-party add-in rather than a built-in feature.
Ensure your main mail merge document is fully set up, formatted correctly, and properly connected to your data source (such as an Excel spreadsheet) before attempting to split the merged results.
Install a Third-Party Mail Merge Add-in
Since Microsoft Word does not have a native feature to split mail merges into individual files and email them, installing a trusted add-in is the most efficient solution.
Many users do not realize that the "Split the Mail Merge" button they used in the past was actually part of a third-party add-in installed on their computer or corporate network. Reinstalling the add-in will restore this functionality.
Search for a reliable Word mail merge add-in, such as "Individual Merge Letters by Graham Mayor" or other highly-rated Microsoft Office add-ins designed for splitting documents.
Download the add-in file to your computer. If it is in a ZIP folder, extract the contents to a memorable location on your hard drive.
Open Word, go to the Developer tab (or File > Options > Add-ins), select "Word Add-ins" from the Manage drop-down, click "Go", and then click "Add" to locate and activate your downloaded add-in file.
Navigate to the Mailings tab or the new custom tab created by the add-in, and use the newly restored command to split your documents and send your personalized emails.
Use a VBA Macro to Split and Email
If you cannot or prefer not to install third-party add-ins, you can use a custom Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macro to automate the splitting and emailing process.
Try WPS Office for Your Document Needs
If managing complicated add-ins, missing features, and macros in Microsoft Word 365 is becoming a hassle, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, lightweight, and completely free alternative for processing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
- 3. Open your files: Launch WPS Writer and simply open your existing Word documents to continue your work without formatting loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the "Split the Mail Merge" command missing in Word?
Microsoft Word does not include a native "Split the Mail Merge" button. If you had this feature before, it was provided by a third-party add-in installed on your previous setup. Upgrading to a new computer or a newer version of Word 365 often leaves these custom add-ins behind.
Can I email mail merge documents as PDF attachments natively in Word?
Natively, Word allows you to send mail merges as HTML email bodies or standard attachments, but it lacks advanced features for splitting and sending highly personalized PDF attachments individually. To achieve this, you must use a VBA macro or a dedicated mail merge add-in.
Are there free add-ins available to split mail merge documents?
Yes, there are several community-created add-ins available online, such as Graham Mayor's Individual Merge Letters, which allow you to split and email documents separately. Always ensure you download these tools from trusted sources to keep your device secure.
