• Uploading an Address File
• Formatting an Uploaded File
• Creating CSV Files
• Use a Previously Uploaded File

Uploading an Address File (Top of Page)

Step 1: Click on "Step 1 - Click Here to Begin File Upload"

• ZIPM will open a new browser window. Make sure to keep the main ZIPM browser window open as well.
• Click on the Browse button, then locate the file name of the address file (in .CSV format) on your computer.
• If a Browse button does not appear on this screen, your browser does not support File Upload. If you use Internet Explorer 3.02, a free add-on is available at www.microsoft.com.
• Type in a Description of the file. This will help you identify the contents of the file.
• Click the Submit File button.
• When your file has been successfully uploaded, ZIPM displays a confirmation page.
• Close the confirmation page and return to the main ZIPM window to continue.

Step 2: Click on "Step 2 - Click Here After the File Has Successfully Uploaded" to continue. The next step is to format your database file (see below).

Formatting an Uploaded File (Top of Page)

After you have uploaded a file (see above), you need to assign the database fields to match the address fields you will use for your mailing.

• ZIPM shows the first 3 records in your database at the top of the screen.  First make sure that this is the list you want to use.
• Using the pull-down menus at the bottom of the screen, assign your database fields to the suggested corrseponding address layout.
• The "Variable Text" field is used for endorsement type information.  It is not to be used for address or name information.  This allows you a space to include information that will not be processed by the Post Office, but that will still be in the address block.  The information placed in this field must appear in your database.  An example of a variable text might be "See Us at Summerfest -  Aug. 12!"
• After you have assigned the fields, click the "Preview" button to update the Address Layout Preview with your actual database information.  Re-assign fields as necessary.
• After all of the address fields are assigned properly, click "Continue" to proceed.

Creating CSV (Comma Separated Value) Files (Top of Page)

Basic Guidelines

CSV (Comma Separated Value) files are ASCII database files that use commas to separate fields, and carriage returns to separate records.   Quotation marks are used to define text strings within the fields.  Avoid using tabs or commas within a text field, as this could create problems interpreting the fields correctly.

Using Microsoft Excel to Create a CSV Address File.

1. Open the spreadsheet you want to use.  Make sure the active woksheet is the one you want to use.
2. Choose "File...Save As..."
3. Choose a name and a location to save your file.
4. Choose "CSV (OS/2  or MS-DOS)" for the "Save as type:".
5. Click "Save"...and you're done!

Using Microsoft Access to Create a CSV Address File.

In order to export a CSV file from an Access database, you need to first be in the table view of the database you want to export. 

1. Open the database you want to use.
2. Choose "File...Save As/Export..."
3. At the next prompt, select "Save As...To an External File or Database" and click "OK".
4. Choose a name and a location to save your file.  Make sure to give the file a .CSV extension.
5. Choose "Text Files" for the "Save as type..." and click the "Export" button.
6. The Microsoft Export Wizard will then appear to walk you throught the rest of the way.  If the Export Wizard does not appear, cancel the export and return to Access.  Make sure that you are exporting a table and not a form.  Forms will not export correctly.
7. On the first screen of the Export Wizard, choose "Delimited" as the data type. Click "Next" to continue.
8. Next you will be asked what sort of delimiter to use.   Delimiters let databases know where one field ends and the next begins.   Choose "Comma" as the delimiter.  Do not click on "Include Field Names on First Row".  Choose the quotation mark (") for the Text Qualifier.  Click "Next".
9. On the next Wizard Screen, Access will confirm your filename and location.  Keep track of where you save this file, as you will need it for your upload.  Click "Finish" and you're done!

Use a Previously Uploaded File (Top of Page)

To use a Previously Uploaded File, simply choose the appropriate file from the list of uploaded files at the bottom of the page.  The address field assignment field will appear, allowing you to change any field assignments, if you need to.

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