Connecting a Data Source
Data Sources
Writer fetches data from the source document and places it in the merge template to generate separate output documents for each record. The source document can be anyone of the following:
CSV or JSON file
Use a CSV file- comma separated file which contain a series of values separated by commas (,) in a series of rows as your data source.
A JSON file is a substitute for XML file that's more user friendly. It supports data structures like array and objects. Please use to this sample JSON file as a reference to try mail merge with JSON as the data source.
Limitations
Image fetch | Supported |
Record fetch limit | 10,000 |
Subform limits | Table limit: 15 Column limit for each table: 15 Record for each table: 1000 |
Zoho Contacts
Zoho Contact as the data source fetches all contact information of the selected contact(s) within your organization- every detail like first name, last name, email, etc and import them as separate fields inside your merge template.
For example, let's say the HR sends emails to employees regarding salary revision. Here the HR could choose Zoho Contacts as the data source. With this, the contact details of the employees like name, email, etc., are imported into Writer as separate fields that can be placed anywhere in the merge template.
Limitations
Image fetch | Supported |
Record fetch limit | 10,000 |
Subforms | Not supported |
Zoho Sheet
Upon having Zoho Sheet as the data source, Writer collects data from the spreadsheets and imports them as merge fields. The header or the value in the first row of each column is taken into account as a merge field and the corresponding records under these headers are associated with them which you'll see in the merged document.
For example, let's say the sales team has to allot appraisal for all the sales representatives in the team. They could use a Zoho Sheet to store all the sale details against each representative like number of products sold, amount of sales made in each quarter, etc. These column headers are treated as separate merge fields and the values can be used in formulas to calculate each representative's sales which can be further used for making decisions on appraisal.
Limitations
Image fetch | Supported |
Record fetch limit | 10,000 |
Subforms | Not supported |
Zoho Forms
An interactive form built in Zoho Forms can be used as a data source for mail merge in Writer. All fields in the form are imported as a separate field in Writer also. You can place these fields anywhere in your merge template. On merge, all the responses of the form are merged and personalised documents are generated as per your template configuration.
For example, let's say a fitness survey is taken by the Physical Wellness Committee in your organization. A Zoho Form can be used for the survey where responses on weekly, daily physical activity of the members can be collected. Picking this form as the data source in Writer during mail merge will merge the responses collected on the Form and generate personalised documents.
For example, let's say a fitness survey is taken by the Physical Wellness Committee in your organization. A Zoho Form can be used for the survey where responses on weekly, daily physical activity of the members can be collected. Picking this form as the data source in Writer during mail merge will merge the responses collected on the Form and generate personalised documents.
Limitations
Image fetch | Supported |
Record fetch limit | 10,000 |
Subform limits | Table limit: 15 Column limit for each table: 15 Record for each table: 1000 |
Zoho Creator
Build a form using the form builder in Zoho Creator and use the form as your data source in Writer for mail merge. This will import all configured fields in the form into Writer as individual merge fields that can be placed anywhere across your merge template. Using Zoho Forms and a Creator form as the data source work the same way.
If your form in Zoho Creator contains subforms, capture the main form and subform fields' relationship as a JSON object and use this JSON as the data source during mail merge. Click here to learn more.
If your form in Zoho Creator contains subforms, capture the main form and subform fields' relationship as a JSON object and use this JSON as the data source during mail merge. Click here to learn more.
Limitations
Image fetch | Not supported |
Record fetch limit | 10,000 |
Subform | Not supported |
Zoho CRM
Use CRM data like Leads, Accounts, Contacts, and Potentials to create merged documents in Writer. Use a CRM module as your data source to pull all records from the module and place them as merge fields inside Writer.
Limitations
Image fetch | Not supported |
Record fetch limit | 10,000 |
Subform limits | Table limit: 5 Column limit for each table: 15 Record for each table: 100 |
Mapping fields to data source fields
Fields you've created or imported should be connected or linked to the respective fields in your data source in order to fetch the correct data when merging. Make sure all the fields are connected to the data source. You will be indicated if there are unmapped fields in the document. Click Map Now and link them to the data source.
Manage Data Source
Switch between source documents or remove the selected data source in order to start over with a new one.
- Click
and choose to change or remove the data source.
Neither of these options will remove the inserted fields from the document.Filter records in a data source with huge volumes of data. Click here to learn more.
Zoho CRM Training Programs
Learn how to use the best tools for sales force automation and better customer engagement from Zoho's implementation specialists.
Zoho DataPrep Personalized Demo
If you'd like a personalized walk-through of our data preparation tool, please request a demo and we'll be happy to show you how to get the best out of Zoho DataPrep.
- Zoho Workerly Home
- Forums
- Connect With Us:
- Zoho Recruit Home
- Forums
- Connect With Us:
Still can't find what you're looking for?
Write to us:
support@zohoforms.com
Zoho Sheet Resources
Zoho Forms Resources
New to Zoho Sign?
Zoho Sign Resources
Sign, Paperless!
Zoho SalesIQ Resources
New to Zoho TeamInbox?
Zoho TeamInbox Resources
New to Zoho ZeptoMail?
Zoho DataPrep Resources
Design. Discuss. Deliver.
New to Zoho Workerly?
New to Zoho Recruit?
New to Bigin?
New to Zoho CRM?
New to Zoho Projects?
New to Zoho Sprints?
New to Zoho Assist?
Related Articles
How to merge documents with Main & Subform data from a Creator App?
To create templates to be merged with Creator App containing a main form and sub forms, first capture form fields and Subform field relationships as a JSON object as shown below. Download the sample JSON data. Step 1 : Prepare Template Log in to ...How to merge documents with main form data of Zoho Creator App?
To merge Writer Documents with Zoho Creator application's main form data , follow the below steps. Create or open the required document. Click More Options(☰) > Automate > Merge Template Select Zoho Creator as your data source and wait while Writer ...How to change the format of date type merge fields?
To change the format of date type merge fields before inserting into the document, follow the below steps: 1. Click on the gear icon next to Manage Fields. 2. Now change the type of the field to date and click on Configure. 3. Now under Input Format, ...Configure Workflow In Zoho Creator With Writer's Mail Merge
Integrate Creator and Writer to watch your merged documents created in Writer using the data from Creator. By integrating Creator with Writer, you can: Perform custom functions with Writer's mail merge by configuring workflows in Creator. Extract ...How to add Zoho Creator subform fields to Writer template?
Due to limitations in the Creator API, subforms in Creator will not be listed in Writer. However, as a workaround you can do the following: 1. Prepare JSON with your form and subform fields as shown in this article step by step. 2. Import this JSON ...