Skip to main content
View our latest release notes here

Search

Insert Merge Fields and Map Content Controls in a Precedent

Daniel Martin
  • Updated

Overview

Mapping OneLaw and InfoSheet fields can be done in two ways: either by inserting merge fields or by using content controls. This article explains how to insert merge fields and map content controls when building templates and precedents in OneLaw. These tools connect your Microsoft Word document to Infosheet and system data, so the assembled document is complete and accurate. The steps below describe OneLaw-specific behaviour and do not cover general Microsoft Word training.

Who can do this

  • System Administrators
  • Template Administrators

Before you start

  • Check you have Template Administrator access in Word.
  • Ensure you have a base template or precedent open in Microsoft Word
  • Ensure you understand the high-level difference between merge fields and content controls
  • If you need to configure signature placeholders, see: Configure Signature Placeholders and Rules in a Precedent.
    Signature placeholders use content controls but follow separate rules.

Steps

  1. Insert merge fields
    Use merge fields when you want OneLaw to insert fixed text, formatted values, date switches, or conditional IF logic into the assembled document.

    Access

    OneLaw Templates tab > Merge Field Names
    A screenshot of the OneLaw Templates tab in Microsoft Word with the Merge Field Names button highlighted. This shows where to select OneLaw Templates > Merge Field Names to open the Merge Fields Names document

    Result: A new Word document opens containing all available merge field names.

    A screenshot of the OneLaw Merge Field Names document showing two categories of fields: OneLaw system fields, such as OP.DocumentId, and Infosheet fields from the Conveyancing Infosheet, such as Conveyancing.Deposit. The image demonstrates how system fields appear first with the OP prefix, followed by Infosheet fields grouped under their Infosheet name.

    • OneLaw fields appear first, prefixed with OP.
    • Attached Infosheet fields appear last, prefixed with the Infosheet name (for example, Conveyancing.)

    Add merge fields to the document

    • Copy the required merge field name.
      A merge field example from the Merge Field Names document showing the field OP.DocumentDate.
    • Paste it into your base template or precedent at the correct location.
      Merge field_in document.png
      Result: The merge field will populate during document assembly using data from Parties, Matters, and Infosheets.

      Note: For more advanced merge field formatting - such as applying capitalisation or changing date formats - see Microsoft’s Format field results article for guidance.

  2. Map content controls
    Use content controls when you want data to appear in the assembled document but remain editable. Content controls insert Infosheet or OneLaw field values into an editable content control, but do not update Infosheets when edited.

    Access
    OneLaw Templates tab > Editor
    New Template_OneLaw Templates_Editor.png
    Result: The XML Mapping pane opens on the right.

    Create Precedent_OneLaw Temlates_Editor_XML Part.png

    Use one of three supported mapping methods

    Method 1: Drag a field into the document

    Action:

    • Drag a field from the XML Mapping pane directly into the document.
      A screenshot showing a field being dragged from the XML Mapping pane into the document. The MailingName field from the Recipient group is being dragged to a placeholder area in the template. This illustrates Method 1: dragging a field into the document to insert a new mapped content control.

      A screenshot showing the newly inserted content control in the document. The placeholder text “Click here to enter text” appears where the field was dragged from the XML Mapping pane, demonstrating the result of inserting a content control.

      Result: A new content control is inserted and automatically mapped in the document.

    Method 2: Map a placeholder content control using “Map to Content Control”

    Action: 

    • Select the placeholder content control in the document.
      A screenshot showing an existing placeholder content control selected in the document. The highlighted “Click or tap here to enter text” control will be mapped using the Map to Content Control option in Method 2.
    • In the XML Mapping pane, right-click the required field.
    • Select Map to Content Control.

      A screenshot of the XML Mapping pane showing a right-click menu on the Salutation field. The option “Map to content control” is highlighted to illustrate selecting this command in Method 2.

      Result: The placeholder content control becomes mapped to the selected field.
       

    Method 3:  Insert a new content control using “Insert Content Control”

    Action: 

    • Place the cursor where the control should be inserted.
      A screenshot showing the cursor positioned in the document where a new content control will be inserted for Method 3. The cursor is placed in front of the salutation placeholder
    • Right-click the required field in the XML Mapping pane.
    • Select Insert Content Control, then choose the control type.

      A screenshot of the XML Mapping pane showing a right-click menu on the Salutation field. The Insert content control submenu is open, and the Text option is highlighted to illustrate selecting a content control type in Method 3.

      Result: A new content control of the required type is inserted and mapped to the selected field.

      Note: Fixing a mapping mistake
      If you map a field to the wrong content control, you don’t need to delete and recreate it.
      Select the content control, then right-click the correct field in the XML Mapping pane and choose Map to Content Control.
      This will remap the existing control to the correct field.
       
  3. After mapping a content control (optional)
    After mapping, you can name the content control to make maintenance easier:
    • Select the mapped content control.
      A screenshot showing a mapped content control selected in the document. The highlighted “Click here to enter text” control is ready to be named using the Developer tab.
    • Go to Developer tab > Select Properties.
      A screenshot of the Developer tab in Microsoft Word with the Properties button highlighted. This shows where to select Developer > Properties to name a mapped content control.

      Result: The Content Control Properties window opens.
    • Enter a meaningful name in the Title field.
    • Click OK.
      A screenshot of the Content Control Properties window with the Title field completed as “Recipient mailing address.” This illustrates where to name a mapped content control before selecting OK.

      Naming can help with complex templates, repeated field type uses, and documents with conditional structures.

Result

You have inserted merge fields and mapped content controls in your base template or precedent. These elements will populate correctly during document assembly and support either fixed or editable data, depending on the method you used.

 

Recommended articles

Related to