====== CareFree Mail Merges ======

CareFree has the ability to export a mail merge template, with that template you can then create letters via Microsoft Office or some other compatible desktop publishing application. In this example we will be using Microsoft Office Word.

Once the letter has been created with the correct merge fields, its then possible to import that letter back into CareFree and use the system to create the letters for printing or emailing.

1. Go to **Letters** from the top menu bar in CareFree 

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2. To export a merge template change the **Source** drop down box to export clients, carers, staff etc.

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3. When the correct source has been selected tick __all__ sources on the left of the screen

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<WRAP round tip>
To tick all sources use the {{:2018-08-08_11h24_57.png?50|}} boxes to either tick all or un-tick all
</WRAP>

4. With all sources ticked, click on the preview button {{:wiki:2018-08-08_11h39_53.png?}}

5. The number of sources in your CareFree depends on how long this export will take. A progress bar will load indicating a visual of completion

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6. A prompt will appear letting you know where the merge export has been saved to

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<WRAP center round important>
Remember to note down this location as we will need it to create the mail merge document
</WRAP>

7. Open a new Microsoft Office Word document

8. Click into **Mailings**

9. Click into **Select Recipients**

10. Click **Use an Existing List...**

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11. This will open your file explorer, locate the document we exported from CareFree

12. Once you've located the correct file, the following prompt will appear

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13. Click **OK**

14. In the **Mailings** tab, use the **Insert Merge Field** to enter in what source information you want on the document

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15. Create your letter using the merge fields to enter the source information

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16. If the document is needed to be used multiple times, i.e. monthly, the document can be saved but ensure the document is saved as a Word Template. Save the word document as usual but in the **Save as Type** drop down change this to **Word Template**

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17. To run the mail merge ensure you have the correct merge document open, go to **Mailings**

18. Click **Finish & Merge**

19. Choose the most appropriate option, we recommend to **Edit Individual Document** to allow you to review the letters

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20. Ensure **All** is selected then click **OK**\\
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21. The mail merge will then complete all the merge fields with the exported information we retrieved from the  CareFree export

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<WRAP center round tip>
Each page of the merge will be an individual source allowing each page to be sent individually
</WRAP>