Editing Merge lists

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'''Navigation:''' [[Main_Page]] > [[Contacts]] > [[Lists]] > Merge lists

= How do I merge lists? =

Merging lists in ActiveCampaign is a necessary action for organizing your contacts efficiently. This feature allows users to transfer contacts from one list to another, while ensuring that there are no duplicates in the destination list. Merging lists is particularly useful for streamlining marketing efforts and maintaining an organized contact database.

== Why It Matters ==

Understanding how to merge lists is crucial for managing your contacts effectively. By combining lists, you ensure that your contacts are targeted appropriately without sending them redundant or conflicting communications. This feature promotes better engagement and organization within your marketing efforts, ultimately leading to improved campaign outcomes.

== How to Access This Feature ==

To access the Merge Lists feature, you need to navigate through the following steps:

1. Click on '''Contacts''' in the main navigation menu.
2. Select '''Lists''' to view the Lists overview page.

== Step-by-Step Instructions ==

Here’s how to merge lists in ActiveCampaign step-by-step:

1. **Navigate to the Lists Overview**
   - Click on '''Contacts''' > '''Lists''' to go to the Lists overview page.

2. **Select a List**
   - Click on the list that contains the contacts you wish to move to another list.

3. **Edit Contacts**
   - The status dropdown will show '''Active''' by default. Click the '''Edit All''' button to proceed.

4. **Open the Bulk Edit Tool**
   - The Bulk Edit tool will open. Click '''Add to a list'''.

5. **Choose Destination List**
   - Click the dropdown and select the list you wish to add contacts to. This list will be considered as the destination list.

6. **Confirm Addition to List**
   - Click the '''Add to list''' button. 

   *As a best practice, it is also recommended to apply a '''tag''' to these contacts during this step. This will help you distinguish them from other contacts in the destination list. You can do this by clicking the '''Add a tag''' option in the Bulk Edit tool, typing the tag name into the field provided, and then clicking '''Add tag'''.

7. **Apply Changes**
   - Click the '''Apply Changes''' button to proceed.

8. **Confirmation of Changes**
   - A confirmation modal will appear. Click '''Apply changes to contacts''' to finalize.

9. **Final Confirmation**
   - A second confirmation modal will appear. Click '''OK''' to complete the process.

== Configuration Options and Settings ==

While merging lists, there are several important configurations to consider:

- '''Bulk Edit tool''': This function allows you to add contacts from one list to another efficiently.
- '''Tags''': Optionally, you can add tags to help manage contacts in your lists.
- '''Active Status''': It is advisable to only add contacts with an '''Active''' status to prevent bounces and spam complaints.

== Best Practices and Tips ==

1. **Always Check Contact Status**: Ensure that you are merging contacts that are marked as '''Active'''. Contacts that are unsubscribed, unconfirmed, or bounced can lead to communication issues.

2. **Use Tags**: When adding contacts to the destination list, use the tagging feature. Tags help you manage and identify contacts more easily in your campaigns.

3. **Avoid Deleting Original Lists**: Do not delete the original list after merging. Deleting a list results in losing all associated data, including reports and statistics. 

4. **No Duplication of Contacts**: Remember that contacts will not be duplicated in the destination list if they are already present.

5. **Check Your Campaign Statistics**: Be aware that campaign statistics associated with the original list will not be combined with those in the destination list.

== Troubleshooting ==

If you encounter any issues while trying to merge lists, consider the following:

- Double-check that you are selecting an active list before performing the merge.
- Ensure that you have the appropriate permission levels to edit lists if you face access issues.
- If changes do not appear to take effect, refresh the Lists overview page and re-check the destination list.

== Related Features ==

- [[Contacts]]: Learn more about managing your contacts effectively.
- [[Lists]]: Explore ways to organize your lists and the features available to you.

== FAQ ==

'''Q1: Can I merge lists if my contacts are not active?'''
A1: It is not recommended to merge contacts that are not marked as '''Active''', as this can lead to bounces and spam complaints.

'''Q2: What happens to the original list after merging?'''
A2: The original list will still remain, but contacts will be added to the destination list. It is advisable not to delete it as you would lose associated data.

'''Q3: Will contacts be duplicated in the destination list?'''
A3: No, contacts will not be duplicated. If they are already present in the destination list, they will not be added again.

'''Q4: Can I add tags during the merging process?'''
A4: Yes, you can apply tags to contacts while adding them to the destination list to help identify them later.

'''Q5: How do I confirm the changes after merging lists?'''
A5: After adding contacts to the destination list, you will receive confirmation modals where you need to affirm your changes.

'''Q6: Is it possible to remove contacts from the original list at the same time?'''
A6: Yes, you can use the '''Remove from list''' action in the Bulk Edit tool concurrently as you add to the new list.

'''Q7: What key items are lost if I delete the original list?'''
A7: By deleting the original list, you lose all data associated with it, including reports, campaign statistics, and contacts not added to the destination list.

By following the instructions outlined above, you will efficiently manage your contacts in ActiveCampaign through the merging process.
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