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{ NEXT }

Instructs Microsoft Word to merge the next data record (data record: A complete set of related information that corresponds to one row of information in the data source. All information about one client in a client mailing list is an example of a data record.) into the current resulting merged document, rather than starting a new merged document. The NEXT field (field: A set of codes that instructs Microsoft Word to insert text, graphics, page numbers, and other material into a document automatically. For example, the DATE field inserts the current date.) produces no printed result. Word uses this field when you set up a mailing label and envelope main document (main document: In a mail-merge operation in Word, the document that contains the text and graphics that are the same for each version of the merged document, for example, the return address or salutation in a form letter.) during a mail merge.

To list information from several data records in the same document, such as a membership directory or a price list, select the Directory main document type in step 1 of the Mail Merge task pane. The NEXT field is useful, however, to print a specific number of data records in one resulting merge document.

Insert a NEXT field after the first set of merge (MERGEFIELD) fields in the main document; otherwise, Word skips merging the first data record. Repeat the set of merge fields and the NEXT field in the main document only the number of times it takes to fill one page or to print the number of data records you want.

Note  NEXT fields cannot be used in footnotes, endnotes, annotations, headers, footers, or data sources (data source: A file that contains the information to be merged into a document. For example, the list of names and addresses you want to use in a mail merge. You must connect to the data source before you can use the information in it.). A NEXT field cannot be nested within any other field or used with the SKIPIF field.