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Mail Merge List of Docs in Make

Deprecated Module

This module will be deprecated soon. Migrate to Generate Documents Multiple for enhanced batch document generation with better performance and expanded features.

What this module does

PDF4me — Mail Merge With Data String List of Docs merges a Word or PDF template with a JSON array of data records inside a Make scenario — producing one personalized document per array object. Set Merge Output File to Yes to receive all documents combined into a single PDF, or No (default) for a zip archive of individual files. Typical uses include bulk contract generation, mass invoicing, certificate batches, and personalized letter campaigns.

Authenticating Your API Request​

Every PDF4me module in Make requires a valid Connection. Create or select one that holds your PDF4me API key so the scenario can authenticate batch document generation requests securely.

Get your API Key

Important Facts You Should Not Miss​

⚠️ This module is deprecated
This module is being deprecated. For new scenarios, use Generate Documents Multiple — it offers better performance, improved memory management for large datasets, and extended format options.
JSON array — one object = one document
Merge Data must be a valid JSON array. Each object in the array generates one document. Field names in each object must exactly match the mail merge placeholder names in your Word or PDF template.
Two output modes: combined PDF or zip
Set Merge Output File to Yes for a single PDF containing all documents in sequence. Set to No (default) for a zip archive with one file per data record — use Make's Archive module to extract and an Iterator to process individually.
Make PDF4me Mail Merge With Data String List of Docs module showing File mapped from prior step, Merge Data JSON array, and Merge Output File set to No

File receives the template binary; Merge Data receives the JSON array — one object per document. Merge Output File controls whether output is a combined PDF or a zip archive.

Parameters​

Required: Connection, File, and Merge Data — all three must be provided. Merge Output File defaults to No (zip archive).

ParameterRequiredWhat it doesExample
ConnectionYesPDF4me API connection. Click Add and paste your API key if connecting for the first time.Your PDF4me connection
FileYesBinary content of the Word or PDF template. Map from a preceding download module such as Dropbox Download a File.1. Data
Merge DataYesJSON array of data records. Each object generates one document. Field key names must exactly match the mail merge placeholder names in the template.[{"Name":"John","Co":"Acme"}]
Merge Output FileNoControls the output format. Yes = single combined PDF of all documents. No (default) = zip archive with one file per data record.No

Quick Setup​

  1. Add PDF4me → Mail Merge With Data String List of Docs to your Make scenario.
  2. Select Connection (or click Add to create one with your API key).
  3. Map File to the binary output of the preceding template download module.
  4. Set Merge Data to a JSON array — each object's keys must match the merge field names in your template exactly.
  5. Set Merge Output File to Yes for a single combined PDF or leave as No for a zip, then click Save and run.
Migrate to Generate Documents Multiple

For new scenarios, use Generate Documents Multiple — it supports the same JSON array approach with improved batch performance, better memory management for large datasets, and extended format options.

Workflow Examples​

Workflow ExamplesCommon Make scenario patterns using Mail Merge With Data String List of Docs.
Monthly contract renewal batch
  1. A scheduled trigger fires on the first of the month.
  2. A CRM query returns all contracts expiring within 30 days as a JSON array.
  3. Mail Merge List of Docs merges the contract template with the array — one renewal document per client.
  4. Make's Archive module extracts the zip; an Iterator emails each client their personalised renewal contract.
End-of-month mass invoice generation
  1. A scheduled trigger fires on the last day of the month.
  2. Google Sheets returns all unbilled orders as a structured JSON array.
  3. Mail Merge List of Docs runs with Merge Output File set to Yes — producing one combined PDF of all invoices.
  4. The combined PDF is uploaded to Dropbox for the finance team to review and distribute.
Course certificate batch generation
  1. An LMS webhook fires when a cohort completes a course, passing all student names as a JSON array.
  2. Google Drive downloads the certificate Word template.
  3. Mail Merge List of Docs generates one certificate per student in the array.
  4. The Archive module extracts the zip; an Iterator applies a digital signature and emails each certificate to the respective student.

Frequently Asked Questions​

What format should the Merge Data JSON array use?+
Merge Data must be a JSON array of objects — for example [{"Name":"John","Company":"Acme"},{"Name":"Jane","Company":"Beta"}]. Each object generates one document. Key names must exactly match the mail merge field placeholder names in your Word or PDF template — casing matters.
What is the difference between Merge Output File Yes and No?+
Yes combines all generated documents into a single PDF in sequence — useful for batch printing or review. No (the default) outputs a zip archive containing one separate file per data record. Use Make's Archive → Extract Archive module and an Iterator to process each file individually.
How do I access individual documents when the output is a zip?+
Add Make's built-in Archive → Extract Archive module after the merge module and point it at the Doc Data output. After extraction, use an Iterator to loop through the individual files — upload each to cloud storage, email to the recipient, or apply further transformations as needed.
Is this the recommended module for new batch document scenarios?+
No — this module is deprecated. For all new scenarios use Generate Documents Multiple, which provides enhanced batch processing, better memory management for large JSON arrays, extended format support, and improved error handling.
Which template formats does this module support?+
The module supports Word documents (.docx, .doc) with standard mail merge fields and PDF documents with fillable form fields. Both template types accept the provided JSON array and generate one output file per data object.

Get Help​

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