Word Document Import Error Caused by Merged Cells in Tables

Published Date: May 29, 2026
Validated: Yes 
Audience: Everyone
Products and Versions Covered: 

• Jama Connect® version 9.28 and above
  • Cloud/CVC

  • Self-hosted

     

Summary

When importing items into Jama Connect® from a Microsoft Word document where each table row represents an item (for example, requirements), the import can fail if the Word table contains merged cells. 

Symptoms

• A Word import that previously worked begins failing for a specific document/table.
• The failing Word table contains merged cells (for example, a header or grouped section created by merging cells across columns).

Cause

Jama Connect® supports importing Word tables using specific table import styles (including importing where each row becomes an item). Word tables that include merged cells can break the assumptions of the table structure needed for row-based mapping (consistent columns/fields per row), which can lead to an import error.

Resolution

Fix the Source Word Table (Recommended)

1. Open the Word document you are importing.
2. Locate the table being used for the import (especially the area around where the import fails, if known).
3. Remove merged cells:
   • Split any merged cells so that each row has the same number of columns.
   • Ensure the “header” row (if used) has a single value per column and aligns consistently with the rows below.
4. Save the Word document.
5. Re-run the Word import into Jama Connect® using the same table import style (for example, each row as an individual item, if that is your intended format).

Prevention / Best Practices

• Keep Word tables structurally consistent when importing (avoid merged cells, uneven columns, or complex table layouts), especially when importing with the “each row becomes an item” style.

• If you need complex table formatting for documentation purposes, consider importing the content in a simpler structure first, then applying formatting after import (where appropriate).

   

Additional Resources 

• How Various Word Layouts Will Look When Imported into Jama Connect®
• Add and edit tables with rich text editor
• Success Programs
• Success Catalog
• Datasheets
• Request a Solution Offering or Training from the Success Catalog

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