WD: Leading Spaces and Tabs Removed with Inserted Database

ID: Q122558

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c

SUMMARY

Microsoft Word removes leading spaces and leading tabs from your data records when you insert or merge an external database. In contrast, Word does not remove leading spaces when the data source is created in Word.

CAUSE

By design, Word removes leading spaces and leading tabs from external databases.

WORKAROUND

Use either of the following methods to add the missing spaces to your merge document.

Method 1: Insert Extra Spaces

Insert extra spaces in the main document. These extra spaces should immediately precede the appropriate merge field.

Method 2: Create a Conditional Merge Field

Create a conditional merge field to include spaces. The following merge field example will insert five spaces if {mergefield name} equals John.

   {If {mergefield name} = "John" "     "}

The following merge field will insert five spaces and the result of the {mergefield name} in your document:

   {If {mergefield name} = "John" "     {mergefield name}"}

Additional query words: merge database datasource data source data records leading spaces blank

Keywords          : kbdta winword kbmerge word6 
Version           : WINDOWS:6.0,6.0a,6.0c
Platform          : WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbprb
Solution Type     : kbnofix

Last Reviewed: June 5, 1998