---
type: faq
title: "What file format should I use for merge data when ordering personalized prints?"
description: "Personalized or variable-data prints pull from a data file, and CSV is the format to use for merge data. Provide your merge data as a CSV file."
resource: https://www.4over4.com/faqs/prepress-files/what-file-format-should-i-use-for-merge-data-when-ordering-personalized-prints
tags: ["Printing Terms Glossary", "faq"]
generated:
  by: "process:4over4-mapp-build"
  at: 2026-10-20T21:01:19.542Z
timestamp: 2026-10-20T21:01:19.542Z
sources:
  - resource: https://www.4over4.com/faqs/prepress-files/what-file-format-should-i-use-for-merge-data-when-ordering-personalized-prints
    title: "What file format should I use for merge data when ordering personalized prints?"
status: stable
---

# What file format should I use for merge data when ordering personalized prints?

Personalized or variable-data prints pull from a data file, and CSV is the format to use for merge data. Provide your merge data as a CSV file. Include exactly the fields you want printed, such as names and addresses. Keep one record per row with a clear header for each column. Match the fields to the placeholders in your print-ready document.

[Order Event Badges](https://www.4over4.com/product/event-badges)

## Related questions

- [What file format should I use for canvas prints?](https://www.4over4.com/faqs/prepress-files/what-file-format-should-i-use-for-canvas-prints)
- [What file format should I submit for printing-can I use a scan?](https://www.4over4.com/faqs/prepress-files/what-file-format-should-i-submit-for-printing-can-i-use-a-scan)
- [What file format do I need for specialty finishes like spot UV or foil?](https://www.4over4.com/faqs/prepress-files/what-file-format-do-i-need-for-specialty-finishes-like-spot-uv-or-foil)
- [What file formats should I use when submitting files for printing?](https://www.4over4.com/faqs/prepress-files/what-file-formats-should-i-use-when-submitting-files-for-printing)
- [Do I need to set up my adhesive vinyl prints with bleeds?](https://www.4over4.com/faqs/prepress-files/do-i-need-to-set-up-my-adhesive-vinyl-prints-with-bleeds)
- [How can I know that the flips on my 3D Lenticular prints will look fine?](https://www.4over4.com/faqs/prepress-files/how-can-i-know-that-the-flips-on-my-3d-lenticular-prints-will-look-fine)