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How do I import an Excel file (.XLS) into DAZzle Plus or Designer?

There are several ways of importing an Excel file into DAZzle Plus/Designer. The simplest and easiest way to do this would be to convert then import the file as a DBF file.

To do this:

1. Open your file in Excel.
2. Are there field headers (e.g., "NAME", "ADDRESS") in the first row of your database?
       a. If so, continue to step 3.
       b. If not, you will need to create field headers.
           i. Click on cell A1.
           ii. On the menu bar, select Insert then Rows.
           iii. Type in field headers for each column that describes the data contained thereunder.
              NOTE: DO NOT USE SPACES IN YOUR FIELD HEADERS. Use underscores instead.
3. You need to create two more field headers in addition to the ones you already have. Create the field headers DEL_POINT and RTRN_CODE. These columns are necessary so that you can save the delivery point digits and return codes (the latter of which tells you if an address is CASS-certified or not).
4. Hit CTRL + A. Your entire database should be selected (i.e., everything should be highlighted).
5. On the menu bar, select Format, Column, AutoFit Selection. The contents of every cell should be fully displayed. (Excel will only save the data that's displayed.)
6. Click on cell A1 (so that everything is no longer highlighted).
7. On the menu bar, select File then Save As.
8. Change "Save as type" to DBF 4 (dBASE IV) (*.dbf). The "File name" should now read your file name with a .DBF extension (instead of .XLS).
9. Look at the top at "Save in" and make a note of which directory you're saving this file into (e.g., "My Documents").
10. Click Save.
11. You will get a message warning you about the file formats and that it might be lost. Don't worry about it, it's okay. Click Yes.
12. Close Excel.
13. Run DAZzle Plus/Designer.
14. On the menu bar, select Dial-A-ZIP then Dial-A-ZIP List From File.
15. Change "Files of type" to dBase III/IV.
16. Locate then double-click on the DBF we created above. You should now be at the dBase III & IV File Options screen.
17. Map all of the database fields from the left-hand side (your import file) to the right-hand side (the DAZzle fields). Be sure to map the DEL_POINT field to "Delivery Point" and RTRN_CODE to "Return Code".
18. After you have finished mapping, click on the Next button a few times to scroll through your records and make sure that each one reads properly (in the Sample Address box).
19. Click OK to begin the Dial-A-ZIP process.
20. After you have done verifying the addresses, you can print them out by selecting File then Print List From File and following the same procedure that you did for a Dial-A-ZIP From List (steps 14-18).