Merging with Two Data Sources

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated July 5, 2025)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003

Minh asked if there is a way to do a merge of two data sources with a single merge document? Word allows you to merge a single data source with a merge document, but he couldn't find a way to merge more than one data source.

The reason you can't find the option is that it doesn't exist. Word doesn't provide a facility for multiple data sources. You can, however, do two separate merges, changing the data source between the two passes. Provided that the merge fields are the same in both data sources, you would end up with two merged documents created from each pass. You could then combine the two documents together via a simple copy and paste.

If you are looking for a way to include different merge fields from each of the different data sources, there is no way to accomplish that—at least that we've been able to find.

WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (3337) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. Learn more about Allen...

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