How to create dynamic lists and tables with repeat blocks in merge templates
Overview
Repeat Blocks in Zoho Writer’s Mail Merge help you duplicate blocks of content like rows in an invoice or items in a list based on multiple records in your data source. This is useful for generating dynamic documents such as purchase orders, offers, or event lists.
Prerequisites
- Merge Template must be connected to a valid data source (Zoho Sheet, Zoho CRM, Zoho Creator, etc.)
- The source should contain a list or subform with repeatable entries
Steps
- Open the template and click Merge > Advanced Fields > Repeat
- Choose a repeat type:
- Simple Repeat – Repeats content blocks as paragraphs
- Table Rows – Repeats rows (best for invoices or item lists)
- Table Columns / Cells – Repeats columns or cells for compact layouts
- Select the field or subform to repeat and click Insert Repeat
- Format the block (e.g., add headers, adjust spacing or table design)
- Click Save & Proceed > Preview Merge to view the output
Additional Note
- If using Repeat as Columns with over 6 records, you’ll see a warning. Switch to Rows if needed.
- To assign an incrementing number to each entry, insert the Auto-number field before the repeated block. This is useful for numbering items, tasks, or rows in a table.
Troubleshooting
1. Error/Symptom: Repeat block doesn't appear in the output
Possible cause: The selected field wouldn't be a list or subform
Recommended solution: Choose a field that contains multiple entries, such as an array or subform in your data source.
Possible cause: The selected field wouldn't be a list or subform
Recommended solution: Choose a field that contains multiple entries, such as an array or subform in your data source.
2. Error/Symptom: Output layout looks broken or misaligned
Possible cause: Placeholders inside the repeat block could be incorrectly positioned or the table is not formatted properly
Recommended solution: Revisit the template layout and ensure all merge fields are placed within the designated repeat block or table cell.
Possible cause: Placeholders inside the repeat block could be incorrectly positioned or the table is not formatted properly
Recommended solution: Revisit the template layout and ensure all merge fields are placed within the designated repeat block or table cell.
3. Error/Symptom: Subform data doesn’t repeat as expected
Possible cause: The subform might not be properly mapped to the template
Recommended solution: Verify that the subform is configured correctly while setting up the repeat block
Possible cause: The subform might not be properly mapped to the template
Recommended solution: Verify that the subform is configured correctly while setting up the repeat block
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