How to Merge Documents in Microsoft Word

This updated guide examines How to Merge Documents in Microsoft Word and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1

Merging Multiple Documents

1. Open the Word document you want to merge into. To do so, double-click on the blue app that's shaped like or contains a " W ," click on File , click on Open… , and select the document.
2. Click in the place where you want to insert the next document.
3. Click onInsertin the menu bar.
4. Click onFile…near the bottom of the drop-down.
5. Select the document you want to merge into the open Word document.
6. Click onInsert. The new document will be merged into the open Word document in the location you click on.
   • Word documents and most RTF documents will retain their original formatting when merged. Results will vary for other types of files.
   • Repeat these steps for each document you want to merge.

Method 2

Merging Two Versions of Single Document

1. Open the Word document you want to merge versions of. To do so, double-click on the blue app that's shaped like or contains a " W ," click on File , click on Open… , and select the document.
   • A Word document will have multiple versions if you've enabled Tracking on the Review tab.
2. Click on theReviewtab at the top of the window.
3. Click onCompare. It's in the upper-right part of the window.
4. Click onCombine Documents….
5. Select the "Original document" from the labeled drop-down menu.
6. Select the "Combined document" from the labeled drop-down menu.
7. Click onOK. The two versions will be combined into a single, new Word document.
8. Click onFileandSavein the menu bar.