Word 2007: Fill template with placeholders as <<FirstName>> with FileMaker field value

Microsoft Word [2007] is ubiquitous but instruction how Word and FileMaker can collaborate are scarce or nonexistent.

#1 Example file from Jay Welshofer to generate a word document with XML/XSLT. Nice to see it can be done but not easy enough "for the rest of us".

Download Link Example File

How to build a template with header and other bells and wistles without spending hours?

#2 Solution from chapsoft.com:

Chapsoft

It works. But every time you change a template you have to go through the tedious process to generate the appropriate XSLT.

#3 Example file from Jay Welshofer to generate a RTF document:

An XSLT stylesheet and supporting XML files that creates a sample RTF document including images.

Download Link Example File

Word 2007 unfortunately splits typed words with formatting code. It is not possible to substitute text strings as "<> <>" with the Troi File plug-in. Troi Homepage

#4 WordConnector Plugin:

gbpro Homepage

A Word 2007 plug-in should be the solution but it is not as easy to use as it should be. The plug-in should work with the template without touching a specially configured MICROSOFT WORD 2007.

[color:red]HOW IT SHOULD BE [WITH WORD 2007]

Make your template in .doc or docX format and simply type in placeholders "[color:green]<> [color:green]<>" [no bookmarks, just simple typed in placeholders]

In FileMaker type in the name of the template with its path, type in the name of the new merged Word 2007 document and merge the placeholder fields with the fields in your FileMaker solution.

Who can help?

Sincerely Ralph