> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.sdocs.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/template-architecture/inserting-merge-fields.md).

# Inserting Merge Fields

Learn how merge fields work in S-Docs, then choose the right guide for Template Editor, Microsoft templates, or focused troubleshooting.

Use this section to learn how merge fields bring Salesforce data into an S-Docs template.

Merge fields act as placeholders for record data.

When you generate a document, S-Docs replaces each field with the right value.

Start here to choose the guide that fits your template type and experience level.

{% hint style="info" %}
If you are new to merge fields, start with **Get Started With Merge Fields**.

Use **Merge Fields With Template Editor** for standard S-Docs templates.

Use **Merge Fields With Microsoft Templates** for DOCX, PPTX, and XLSX files, where merge fields must stay inside square brackets.
{% endhint %}

### Start with the path that fits your goal

If you are new to merge fields, start with the beginner guide.

If you are adding fields in the S-Docs editor, use the Template Editor guide.

If you are building a Microsoft template, use the Microsoft guide for the bracket syntax.

If you need a specific fix or formatting pattern, use the additional resources.

<table data-card-size="large" data-column-title-hidden data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th>Title</th><th>Description</th><th data-card-target data-type="content-ref">Target</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Get Started With Merge Fields</strong></td><td>Start here if you are new to Salesforce merge fields and want a simple introduction.</td><td><a href="/quick-start/template-building/how-to-auto-fill-customer-data-into-templates.md">Auto-fill customer data in Document Templates</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Merge Fields With Template Editor</strong></td><td>Learn the standard merge field syntax, how to insert fields, and which attributes to use most often.</td><td><a href="/sdocs/template-architecture/inserting-merge-fields/merge-fields-with-template-editor.md">Merge Fields With Template Editor</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Merge Fields With Microsoft Templates (DOCX, PPTX, XLSX)</strong></td><td>Use the bracket-based syntax required for Word, PowerPoint, and Excel templates.</td><td><a href="/sdocs/template-architecture/inserting-merge-fields/merge-fields-with-microsoft-templates-docx-pptx-xlsx.md">Merge Fields With Microsoft Templates (DOCX, PPTX, XLSX)</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Additional Resources</strong></td><td>Jump to focused articles for apostrophes, mailing addresses, deep relationship paths, and rich text output.</td><td><a href="/sdocs/template-architecture/inserting-merge-fields/additional-resources.md">Additional Resources</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### What you can do with merge fields

* Insert record values into templates.
* Pull fields from parent and related records.
* Apply formatting for dates, numbers, and rich text.
* Use the right syntax for S-Docs and Microsoft templates.

### Browse by topic

* [Get Started With Merge Fields](/quick-start/template-building/how-to-auto-fill-customer-data-into-templates.md)
* [Merge Fields With Template Editor](/sdocs/template-architecture/inserting-merge-fields/merge-fields-with-template-editor.md)
* [Merge Fields With Microsoft Templates (DOCX, PPTX, XLSX)](/sdocs/template-architecture/inserting-merge-fields/merge-fields-with-microsoft-templates-docx-pptx-xlsx.md)
* [Additional Resources](/sdocs/template-architecture/inserting-merge-fields/additional-resources.md)

### Related note

Use [Format Data with Template Attributes](/sdocs/advanced-template-logic/template-attributes.md) when you need to control how merged values display after insertion.


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