Data Merge - can you merge everything into one text box? (for directory)

[VicoDrive]

I am building a neighborhood directory (name, address, phone, email, kids names, etc...) and everything is currently in a spreadsheet.  I know how to do data merging with multiple records appearing on a single sheet except when you do this, each listing appears in its own text box.  Is there any way to have this merge done to where everything merges into a single text box so I can flow them betweeen multiple pages?  Some listings have more information than others so it will look better this way that it would as individual text boxes because there will be large gaps between some of them, like those without kids.

[DBLjan · Accepted solution]

EZ: Just place your cursor into the text frame, and click your fields in the data-merge window.

[VicoDrive]

Are you forgetting any information?  From what you describe, it will only put one record per text box per page like normal.  I want all records to fill one text box like a phone book

[Cyndee M]

I've found that the best way to do this (I create a community directory annually) is to do the mail merge in Word with the directory option and then to place that Word file into ID for additional formatting. Gives you one text box for the whole thing. You can map styles from Word to ID to simplify formatting.

[VicoDrive]

Didnt know there was a directory type merge in Word, I will look into that!  Never worked with styles in Word though.  That sounds like it may all work out, thanks!

[Colin Flashman · Accepted solution]

You can do it, but it is a workaround. If the database changes, you're going to be doing it all over again.

I outline the technique here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTcvNQTYgrA