After you create a letter template, click Design on the Edit Letter page to change the page setup, add merge fields and data tables, insert pictures, format the text, or print a letter preview. Remember to save the template periodically as you work.
For more information about changing the letter filters or details, read Edit Administrative Settings for Letters.
Before You Begin
Click Communications.
Click Letters.
From the list of letters, select the letter template that you'd like to edit to open the Edit Letter page.
Edit Page Size and Margins
To change the page setup:
On the Edit Letter page, click Page Settings.
In the Page Size/Margins pane, choose a page size or adjust the margins.
Click Update.
Add and Format Text
To change or add text to the letter, click inside the body of the letter and make your changes.
Use the editing toolbar to change the font, create lists, and align or indent the text. Highlight the text and click the appropriate button.
Tip: For best results, type all of your letter content first, including text, images, merge fields, and data tables, then apply font formatting last.
Review writing tips with The "You" Test and Writing at the Right Grade Level.
Add Merge Fields
Use merge fields in your letters to merge in data for each recipient. For example, the [Name] field merges the constituent's name into the letter.
Tip: Most report columns are available as merge fields. For more information about available report columns, read Report Columns and Filters. You cannot add the built-in Volunteer Activity and Volunteer Hours interaction fields as merge fields.
To add a merge field:
Click inside the body of the letter and position the cursor where you want to add the merge field.
Click the Insert Bloomerang Field icon.
Search for the desired merge field and select it.
Note: A merge field with no data appears blank in the finished letter.
Add a Data Table
Data tables are available for transaction-based letters only. The table lists details for each transaction.
Tip: When using a data table, make sure all transactions are listed together in one letter. To consolidate transactions in one letter, click Details, then click Create One Letter Per and select either Constituent or Household. The resulting data table will list transactions grouped by either constituent or household.
To add a data table:
Click inside the body of the letter where you want to add the data table.
Click the Insert Data Table icon.
Select how the data table should be aligned.
Click Add Column, then search for the field you want to add and select it.
(Optional) Drag and drop a field to rearrange the order.
(Optional) Click the alignment button on each column to change them.
(Optional) Click Delete to remove a field.
Click Insert.
To edit a data table, click the Insert Data Table icon again.
Add Images
Add your logo or promotional image to letters to add visual interest:
Click inside the body of the letter where you want the image to appear.
Click the Insert/Edit Image icon.
For more information about uploading and editing an image, read Edit Images in Letters and Emails.
Preview Your Letter
If this is the first time you are using a letter template, we highly recommend downloading a preview of your letter first. This helps you verify the letter's length, because the onscreen view is a close approximation, but is not exact. If you are using preprinted letterhead, confirm that the letter's text and images are placed correctly.
On the Edit Letter page, click Download Preview to download a PDF of your letter. Merge fields or data tables appear with "XXXX" in the fields.