Access.2007.VBA.Bibl..

Choosing a Method for Merging Access Data to Word ............................................

The NewDocFromTemplateprocedure listed in the previous section lists Word document prop-

erties that can be filled with Access data. This is my preferred method for exporting Access data to

Word documents, but it is not the only method. You can also export Access data to Word book-

marks, or simply insert data into a Word document using the TypeText method. And then there is

mail merge, which is most suitable for merging data from very large numbers of records. Table 6.1

compares the advantages and disadvantages of these methods.

TABLE 6.1

Comparison of Four Ways to Merge Access Data to Word

Method Advantages Disadvantages

Bookmarks There is no need to open the properties You can’t insert the same bookmark twice
sheet; bookmarks are inserted directly in a template; to display the same infor-
into the template. mation in two or more places, you either
need to create another bookmark or use
Bookmarks are more familiar to Word a cross-reference field that references the
users than document properties. first bookmark.

Creates a separate document for each Users may inadvertently type into the

record, which allows easy customization text inside a bookmark, overwriting the

of specific documents. exported value.

There is no link to the Access database,

so documents can be opened even on

another computer.

Document Properties Data from a document property can be Requires creating document properties
displayed in multiple locations, using in the template, in the custom tab of
fields. the properties sheet.

Creates a separate document for each

record, which allows easy customization

of specific records.

There is no link to the Access database,

so documents can be opened even on

another computer.

continued

Working with Word Documents and Templates 6