Using the XML merge (.docx)

If you are using Word 2007 or above (or you are using an older version, but you have installed the file format convertors included in the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack) you can merge using the .docx Word format. This allows you to perform quicker merges using the XML technology introduced in Microsoft Word 2007 and removes the need for compiled documents1. Everything required for the merge to take place is held in a single template (created by developers) using XML to store the merge variables. It is particularly useful for documents that contain a large number of document commands, e.g. IF statements, etc.

Important: The XML merge only applies to letters, i.e. documents merged through Word. It does not apply to Excel spreadsheets, Outlook messages and forms (Laserform or Oyez).

The XML merge works alongside the legacy .doc merge functionality so that you can continue to use this process if you prefer or you are using an older version of Word. The merge process is identical whichever format you use. However, please read the following information to assist you in using the XML merge:

When a merge is initiated from within Legal Enterprise, you are prompted to select the merge template on which to base your document. At this point you can filter the list of available templates by file type, so that you can easily see the .docx files. In addition, .docx files are displayed using the Word 2007 icon.
Merged .docx documents are displayed in Document Management and are also visible in Legal Enterprise through the History and Document Viewers, alongside .doc files. In Document Management it is possible to hide .docx templates from view (View > Hide Precedents (.docx)) and in the History Viewer you can filter them out (using the Filter button).
The History Viewer/Filter and Document lookups use the current file association for documents to determine the description to display. For example, if documents (.docx) are associated with Word 2007 then it will read "Microsoft Office Word Document" and if a previous version then "Microsoft Office Word 97 - 2003 Document" will be displayed.
When using the Merge button in Legal Enterprise (e.g. in the Purchase Ledger, etc.) or merging the posting slip details when posting an accounts or time transaction (e.g. posting an ODDB, etc.) the appropriate merge is run depending on whether the document template attached is a .doc or a .docx.
The XML merge (.docx) can be initiated from within Word without the need for Legal Enterprise to be running.

Notes

The XML format (.docx) is intended for anyone using Word 2007 and above. If you are using Word 2007 or 2010, then you can use the .doc format or the .docx format.
The legacy format (.doc) is intended for anyone using older versions of Word. If you are using Word 2000 or 2003, then you can only use the .doc format. However, you can still take advantage of the XML merge by installing the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack. This contains file format convertors which will allow you to use the .docx format.
(Developers) When compiling Word templates you can now choose to save them in .docx format to take advantage of the XML merge. For more information refer to the Template Design in the Developer Tools Guide. (Get the PDF).
(Developers) A utility is available so that you can, if you want to, convert your existing compiled documents (.doc) into documents compatible with the XML merge (.docx). For more information regarding this refer to Converting templates (.doc to .docx) in the Developer Tools guide. (Get the PDF).
Templates in the .docx format can also be used to merge consolidated bills, cheques, or mailing lists.
1Compiled documents are created by your developer when they compile templates. The document compiler takes all the merge fields and converts them into Word merge fields. It also stores a list of all the variables used in a document. This produces a compiled document (prefixed with [Compiled]) which you then use for future merges.