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I'm working on a python script which analyses excel file and based on than filling in docx files with multiple variables using mailmerge library. For string values all is working fine but I have a problems with inserting image into a file. As I have to choose from 7 images for now as a workaround I just created 7 templates and I'm choosing the correct template based on some conditions but in the near future I will have more combination of images inside docx file and then creating like 50 templates is not a good option.

On google i found out that images can be inserted into docx file with below structure:

{ INCLUDEPICTURE "{ MERGEFIELD 1.png * MERGEFORMAT }" * MERGEFORMAT }

but I cannot make it work for me. Is it possible to insert path of a image into it and then Word would use it to insert an image? something like that:

{ INCLUDEPICTURE "{ path_to_image * MERGEFORMAT }" * MERGEFORMAT }

from mailmerge import MailMerge
document = MailMerge(template.docx)
document.merge(path_to_image="C:\\image.png")
document.write(document_name)

Thanks!

bgr88
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    Do you absolutely need to use `mailmerge`? I found this other package which seems to support adding pictures to documents: https://python-docx.readthedocs.io/en/latest/ – Pasa Jan 18 '19 at 22:43
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    Thank you for your reply. Mailmerge is not a requirement so I was looking into Python-docx package but altough insertng images works fine it looks like that I cannot insert it in very specific position in an existing document. For python-docx I can add image at the bottom, in the New table etc but not in a template that already has many information inside - client mass communication in my scenario - at least I couldnt find how to use it that Way. – bgr88 Jan 19 '19 at 03:17

2 Answers2

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1. No PNG files: You cannot insert .png files. You can only insert .jpg files.

2. Use Absolute filepaths: Ensure you are using an absolute filepath with double slashes, e.g: C:\\temp\\sample.jpg

3. Inserting the code into MS Word: The code that you insert into Word, must be inserted in a particular way:

i. In your MS Word template, press: ALT + F9

ii. Hold CTRL while pressing F9

iii. Enter:

{ INCLUDEPICTURE "{INSERT MERGE FIELD HERE}" \*MERGEFORMAT\d }

Highlight all the {INSERT MERGE FIELD HERE} characters, then select your merge field name from the top toolbar. Once selected the field name will be inserted inside curly brackets. Do not simply copy and paste the merge file from another section. You must create them all individually.

iv. Press: ALT + F9 to return to normal edit mode.

v. Complete your mailmerge for individual documents

vi. If your images don't show up, select all (CTRL + A) and press F9 to refresh. There may be some delay while the Word file is updating. If an image still won't show, click on it specifically and press F9. If the image still won't show, you have a problem in step 1 or 2.

Deskjokey
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  • for step 2, `++` is that a double click? – Eduards Oct 09 '19 at 09:37
  • Typo. Should have been + F9 (as in hold control while pressing F9) – Deskjokey Oct 16 '19 at 05:33
  • I was a bit stuck yesterday trying to replicate this answer, and perhaps my comment will help others out: INCLUDEPICTURE should be added via Insert -> Quickparts -> add field -> IncludePicture and enter the name there (for example as in the answer the "Insert Merge Field Here", then highlight "Insert ... Here" and click again on Insert -> Quickparts -> add field -> Mergefield and add the same name for the item there. – usario121233 Aug 12 '21 at 20:07
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For anyone reading this, I don't think it's possible to have the mailmerge fully update without any human interaction. Python can correctly input the absolute filepath (assuming format is correct as in usario1223's comment above) but the user must still go into Word and press F9 to 'update' mergefields.

This was a huge headache for me but I believe it is impossible. There is a reason that this is listed as a 'wishlist' item in the library's docs.

Ryan Mahuron
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