Have just created my first high school reunion directory in mail merge from my excel data file and merges fine. Have lay-out format for letter size with two pages per sheet. I want to print a directory with back-to-back numbered pages and on PDF so I can have local Office Depot print, cut, and make spiral directories. I've tried the book binding and 2 sheets per page and it doesn't work.

Any help much appreciated.

This is more complicated than you would dream because when bound you do not want sequential pages in the printing. That is, on your first sheet you might want pages 2 and 47 on one side and 48 and 1 on the other side so that when it is bound with a staple or ring binder on half-size pages it will line up.

I assume that your merge is to a separate document rather than the printer (or pdf).

See Booklet printing: Or how to print a folded booklet with numbered pages half the size of your paper

Yes I tried to create a PDF and also sent the document to the printer. Nothing seems to work, what do you recommend? I just want to send a document that will be 2 pages on one sheet and correctly back-to-back when the 8.5x11" sheet in landscape is vertically cut. Help

Don't create a pdf. Create a Word document for further editing. i know of no automatic way to do this. I have never done it. The link I provided is the extent of my knowledge.

I think you may be misunderstanding the requirements.

From what I am reading, I believe the OP means 2 per sheet, front to back spiral bound. If this is the case, just use a separate odd/even header/footer, and let the printer duplex the document.

And, if the OP really means 2 per page (i.e. 4 pages per sheet - 2 front and 2 back for a bound document), you would still create the document the same way. Just let the printer handle the imposition of the document. (Alternatively, you could create a PDF- certain versions of Acrobat have an option that can impose the booklet depending on the printer, but you would still set up the Word document the same way)

Either way, you should let the printer handle the details of how to print and bind the document- that's what they do. I'd check with them first to see how they need you to set up your document, in case there are any special requirements.