What is a .OLS file?
An OLS file is a special type of file used by Microsoft Publisher, which is a program often used for creating documents like newsletters, brochures, and other types of publications. The ".OLS" at the end of the file name stands for Microsoft Office List Shortcut. This file doesn't contain the actual mailing list information itself. Instead, it acts like a shortcut or a link to where the real list of email or mailing addresses is stored. This list of addresses is used for sending out mass emails or mailings directly from Microsoft Publisher, a process known as mail merge. Mail merge is helpful when you want to send the same document, like a newsletter, to many recipients but with personalized details for each.
The mailing list that the OLS file links to can be in various formats that Microsoft Publisher accepts. This means you could have your list of recipients in a simple format like a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet or other compatible formats, and the OLS file will help Publisher recognize and use this list.
To open an OLS file, you need to have Microsoft Publisher. As of my last update, Microsoft Publisher 365 is the latest version that supports opening this type of file. When you open an OLS file in Publisher, it doesn't open the list itself. Instead, it helps Publisher find and use the list of recipients you have prepared for your mail merge project. This makes managing and using your mailing lists easier and more efficient, especially if you regularly send out publications to a list of recipients.
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