Automatization and data merge in CS3

Hi there,
Let me first sketch the problem. As an organization we publish a weekly booklet with a calendar and information about things about to happen, etc. This is all made in InDesign with a header on the first page (only on the first page), followed by the calendar and then a big text field on multiple pages with all the different subjects (and not in different text fields because it's the only way to be able to add an extra topic without having to move all the fields automatically). All the different topics are sent to us by mail, but it's a very time consuming job to sort them all out and some topics are easily forgotten.
So, our goal is to let people add topics on the server, which returns - when the deadline is due - us a txt file with all the information (title, text, author, email, calendar item yes or no, calendar information, ...) needed. We then tried to use Data Merge to do the job, but this messes the pages up (the header we only want on the first page comes on every other page as well), it's not so easy to make the calendar items separately and instead of putting all the topics in order in the big text field it creates a new page for every topic.
Is there an efficient way of doing this job, or are we overlooking some options to make it work with Data Merge? Thanks!

That sounds to be beyond the capabilities of DataMerge. Investigate setting up an XML structure and importing your data
as a tagged XML file.
k

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Data Merge then Split Documents

Hey everyone,
I'm using InDesign and Data Merge to create business cards for our printer, but we of course have the recepients proof them first.
I was wondering if there was a way where after the Data Merge, I could separate every 2 pages into their own PDF (front and back of card).
Even more awesome would be if the PDF filename could be "<<FirstName>><<LastName>>-BC-proof.pdf"
Thanks!

in Acrobat X, there is a feature under the pages panel called split pages which lets users split a PDF into various sizes, whether it be based on amount of pages or file size.
As for titling the PDFs appropriately, the above method won't do that, BUT i'm sure i've read about this somewhere before on this very forum. Do a search of this forum for Data Merge Split or something similar... if I find it I'll post it here.

Data Merge (ID) then Split Documents with Filename

Hey everyone,
I'm using InDesign and Data Merge to create business cards for our printer, but we of course have the recepients proof them first.
I was wondering if there was a way where after the Data Merge, I could separate every 2 pages into their own PDF (front and back of card).
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Thanks!

Created this desription for someone looking to help, may clarify:
So here’s my workflow and goal result for these files.
I am creating special business cards for a handful of people in our company. And since our print vendor usually handles proofs and approvals per individual, I’ve got to try and replicate that process for this piece.
I created an InDesign file with the fields I need to populate from a spreadsheet with all their contact information.
Data Merge works like it should, and my merged document contains the front and back of each card for each individual in the handful of people. But now, I need to send out a copy of each for the recipient to approve.
Another helper here has been manually splitting the documents and sending them out for approval, but I’d very much like to streamline the process (from merge, to proof, to approval, to printer). And the printer will likely be needing these in separate files for shipping reasons.
So now that I have a merged document, my goal would be to export every 2 pages with a filename of the “<<LastName>><<FirstName>>-COE_BC_PROOF.pdf” so our helper can get them sent out for approval.
A second step may be to re-do this process with bleed for the printers (or if that seems too much, the proofs will just include bleed and what not so we can forward them straight to the printer).
So wadda ya think?

Word data merge into UnDesign

I was sent a letter and data merge of a letter constructed in Word taddressed to 1000+ parents in our school district. They asked to have that letter placed on the district letterhead that was constructed in InDesign CS 5.5.
I set up that number of pages in InDesign, placed the letterhead on the master page, but cannot get the Word doc to flow into InDesign so that the pages match on both documents. Any suggestions?

If you are looking for an exact match in appearance between the Word doc and the ID doc, I'd recommend printing the Word file to PDF (or postscript file and distill), then place the PDF into a new ID file. I recommend using Scott Zanelli's script to do the PDF import: InDesignSecrets » Blog Archive » Zanelli Releases MultiPageImporter for Importing both PDF and INDD Files

Tables & Data Merge

Does anyone know if the following listing can be done using data merge within tables or do I need a third party plugin?
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.frankjuval.com/clients/tables/DOC004.jpg" /></a>http://www.frankjuval.com/clients/tables/DOC004.jpg
<br />
<br />I've done both tables and data merge before but never in this scope.

It sounds like you have binding issues with your table. Can you send the form and instructions on how to recreate the problem to [email protected] and I will have a look when I get a chance.
Paul

Data Merge Newbie Questions

I'm mainly a web guy but I have a client who wants me to create a PDF that would be a directory of restaurants offering discounts to his dining club. It'll change frequently so I was thinking Data Merge in ID CS4 but after reading a number of articles on InDesign and Data Merge I'm not totally sure it's what I want.
Here's what I want to do. Create a template listing a name of establishment, street address, phone number and discount. Button should be overlayed above all this information with a link to the website for the establishment, if there is one. Should be like a webpage. A repeating record of information. Probably listing 20 establishments per page until it runs out of records. Can InDesign do this? Is there a tutorial that explains how? Or is Acrobat 9 better suited to do this?

The repeating bits of information on the page is perfect for data merge.
But I don't believe that Hyperlinks or Buttons can be programmed to accept Data Merge information.
This means that the final step of creating the interactivity would have to be done manually.
I think you could create the button or link using JavaScript. But I don't know nuttin' about that.

Data merge with conditional text

I'm new to InDesign scripting. Very new, in fact. I'm willing to learn, but my main motivation at present is to solve a particular issue. Surely this issue has come up before. I'd love to know if anybody has encountered it or if it is possible to accomplish through scripting.
I want to merge data onto a gift pledge card. The exact text on the gift card will depend on the data being imported. For example, somebody who has given in the past will receive a message such as, "Thank you for your gift of $xxx." However, a person who has NOT given into the past will receive the message, "Please consider giving this year." The condition is the field prior_gift. If it's above 0, then the first message is displayed.
This seems like a natural use for scripting, but, in my searches so far, I've found no references to using conditional text and data merges together in scripting. So, would this be a relatively simple task to accomplish?
Thanks for any help you can give!

the data merge feature with indesign only brings in text which was in the original data file itself - it doesn't know how to parse or interpret it to behave differently upon seeing certain results. that is, it doesn't run database queries such as if-else statements - it will only import text which was originally in the data file.
however, there are plug-ins to indesign that CAN do this but they cost BOATLOADS. are you printing this yourself or are you sending this to a commercial printer? if the latter, have you discussed your print solution with the printer, as they may have a plug-in that can do this type of data merging, and all you would have to do is provide the printer with a packaged native file, along with the data and instructions as to what has to change... and for goodness sake see a proof of it!!!

Data Merge Cannot do Multiple records

Hello,
I am trying to create mailing labels in design cs5. I have used excel and saved it as a csv file. I go to Indesign and then windows/Utilities and data merge. I created a 3 column document and made a 1"X 2 5/8" text frame. I placed the info into the new label I created on the upper left side of the first column. I hit preview and see the info there. All is fine so far. I then click the create merged document. I specify I want multiple records and I hit ok but nothing happens.
What I see is the info goes back to <<Company>>, <<Address>>, <<Town>>, <<Phone>> when I try to create multiple records. I only see my info when Im in preview but it switches back to Company, Address, etc when it refuses to produce multiple records.
Please help because this is driving me nuts

Are you seeing the multiple records in Preview?
No new doc is created?
have you tried this: Replace Your Preferences

Multiple data merges on one page

I have created a postcard that I need to be sent out to clients. To save money, we have put three postcards on one 12 x 18 sheet of paper. I am trying to put three data merges on each sheet for customers addresses. Is this possible? I can provide an image if necessary.

Hi ryaniscreative,
This is absolutely possible, I do this often for variable data nametags on Avery labels. However, our printer should be able to automatically get this done for you if you are printing this digitally. Our Cannon printers have the capability position files (front and back) 2-up, 3-up, etc. I am sure this is the case for most digital printers on the market. Ask your printer and they should do this automatically, in which case you would build the file at full-size and Data Merge as normal.
Never-the-less, here is how to do it manually:
1. Create your 12" x 18" document in InDesign CC(2014).
2. Drag your postcard art into the 12" x 18" document and create Crop Marks manually for this postcard template art.
3. Position this postcard template art to the upper left corner of the document.
4. Map all of your variables as normal to this one postcard template art on both pages to your .CSV file.
5. In your Data Merge Palette, and in the Drop Down Menu in the Upper Right Corner, select Create Merged Document.
6. Under the Records for Document Page section, select Multiple Records and then at the bottom of the dialog box select Preview Multiple Record Layout.
7. Click on the Multiple Record Layout tab.
8. Adjust the margins and column spacing in the dialog boxes according to your intent of positioning and the specs of the design.
9. Hit OK to have InDesign begin creating a merged document out of all of your list variables.**
**If you want to simply generate a PDF then in Step 5, instead of selecting Create Merged Document, hit Export to PDF.
NOTE: This can only be done with a one-sided design. If you need to print graphics on the other side of the postcard (for mailing purposes of course) you will have to do this process again exactly the same way, in a separate InDesign document and then manually create new pages between the existing front side pages and paste in place, from one InDesign document to the other.

CS3 Data Merge - Missing Fileds in Data Merge Dialog Box

Indesign CS3 5.0.1, XP SP2
Hi all,
I have a document that I have applied a Data Merge to.
I use a table in Excel 2003 with contact details, name, address etc...
When I open the Automation> Data Merge Dialog box I no longer see the list off all the fields as in Excel.
However, I can preview and create the mail merged document and place items using tags e.g <<Field 1>>.
When I try to remove the Data Source InDesign always crashes But I can relink to a new Data Source, this does not solve the problem.
Thank-you all for your time and help!
Alu

>>Did you perform the merge? Once you do, ID creates a new document. Which document are you looking at?
I am using the original document, not the product of the mail merge.
>>I assume it's a CSV file. ID can't use and Excel file for data merge.
Correct.
I have tried saving the document as an .inx file and then re-opening, but I still cannot view the .csv data merge fields from the Automation> Data Merge dialog box.
Any Ideas? - thx for the response Bob & K

Indesign CS3 Data Merge "Merge Records" Command. Help?

I'm looking to automate the merging of a mountain of records. I have 587 tab-delimited text files with 40 records each. I want to process these via Data Merge using a single pre-designed template with built-in placeholders and variable data fields, including a variable barcode graphic. In the end, I want to create 704 multi-page, 6-up per page, indesign files with merged data, and 704 multi-page PDFs.
Here's where I am at. Using a combination of AppleScript, TextWrangler and InDesign CS3, I am able to set up a loop where I can open the single template, save it to a new file with a new name, change its data source to the appropriate text file, and as a test, make a PDF of the template using the correct export preset. What I cannot seem to do is get the template to perform a "Create Merged Document...".
In InDesign CS3's AppleScript dictionary there is a command called "Merge Records" under the Data Merge section. It appears to do exactly what I am after. But when I try to use it (and the good Lord knows I have tried numerous permutations), it only returns errors like "Adobe InDesign CS3 got an error: active document doesn't understand the merge records message."
Anyone know what I am doing wrong? I have set up a separate AppleScript for testing purposes that opens up the template, saves it under a new name, and attempts a "merge records" command. Here it is. Maybe someone smart out there can tell me what I am doing wrong.
set templatePath to "Welch_Jobs:0_JOBS:280019_Churchill:WPC FILES:Workup:280019_6up_master template.indt" as text -- the main template file that will be modified, saved with a new name, then merged with its data to create a new merge file
set newTemppath to "Welch_Jobs:0_JOBS:280019_Churchill:WPC FILES:Workup:goody.indd" as text
tell application "Adobe InDesign CS3"
open file templatePath
tell active document
save to newTemppath
merge records
end tell
end tell
I have this feeling that this is a command that is actually unsupported. Google searches have been fruitless except for one poor soul who can't get it to work either. I have, however, seen that a similar JavaScript command exists called "DataMerge.mergeRecords". If it is impossible to do this via AppleScript, is it possible to make a JavaScript that will do it, and access the JavaScript with a "do script" command in the main AppleScript? If so, how would I accomplish this? What whould the JavaScript look like, and where do i need to put it?
I would greatly appreciate any help you, dear reader, can give me on this.

Well, did you look at the dictionary?:
merge recordsv : Merges records and produces an optional overset report.
merge records
data merge
output overset report file alias or
text] : The path to the file in which to store the overset report.
Note also that it's part of the Preferences Suite, not the Datamerge suite. Do you see differently?
Anyhow, you're clearly not calling it with a data merge parameter.
I also have a suspicion that it needs to not be inside a "tell active document" but it probably doesn't matter.
But my AppleScript is rusty.

Dose Indesign CS3's Data Merging List not surpport double byte language?

Please help?
Dose Indesign CS3's Data Merging List not surpport double byte language? But Indesign CS2 works well with Chinese Language!
Thanks
David

I just did a test, in IDCS3 with a mixed English/Traditional Chinese/Simplified Chinese/Korean tab-delimited text file, and after some coaxing, it worked like a charm.
1) I did it with a Unicode-encoded tab-delimited text file. When I went to "Select Data Source," I checked the "import options" box so that I could specify that the text file was Unicode. (What encoding is your data merge source file?)
2) When I hit Preview, I realized that I'd set the generic form letter in a font that had no Korean support, so I had to select an appropriate font with Korean glyphs. (Are you using a font in ID that has Chinese support? I assume so.)
So, yes, Data Merge works with Chinese characters. I didn't test it with csv, but I will if you're stuck using it. If you're starting with an Excel file, it's not hard to get it to spit out a tab-delimited Unicode text file.

CS3/OSX 10.5 - data merge directly to PDF

g'day there
i'll ask this question anyway despite expecting the answer "no, use CS5".
in InDesign CS3, when using the data merge feature, is there any way to export the merged data directly to PDF like one would in CS4/CS5, as opposed to merging to a new indesign file and making the PDF from there? i use CS3/CS4/CS5 in my workplace and export data merges directly to PDF when using CS4/CS5, but the machine that i am on 90% of the time has CS3 and my workload has an increasing amount of VDP art which is not just in the hundreds of results, but in the tens of thousands.
to me, the obvious answer is of course to swap machines, install CS4/CS5 on my machine, give the artwork to another operator who has CS4/CS5... but for the sake of this post imagine that these solutions could not be used.
in my situation, i'd imagine that this answer would either lie in a scripted solution or a third party plug-in such as XMPie. Maybe the solution lies outside of indesign and with VDP software which may be available on the EFI Fiery RIP maybe?
any ideas, or should i plead my case to management to pony up the cash for an upgrade? I figure whatever answer there is, money will have to change hands at some point.

Tell management they're going to pay one way or the other.
Bob

ID.CS3: Make Data Merge more useful?

Data merge is a useful function of Indesign but its scriptability is limited. I've searched this forum and found some scripts that run a pre-linked ID document. I'm trying to script the linking of fields with known text strings.
Looking at the dictionary I see that the only thing that has read/write is properties.
My attempt to see what properties I can read/write seems to only point to its own reference.
Is this part of data merge (assignin fields to text strings) just not scriptable? thanx, sam

OK, here is my latest attempt to take what Olav's javascript uses and apply it to Applescript. I'm stuck on applying the myNamePlaceholder as notedby by myNamePlaceholder:
It yields no placeholder. But I believe I've done it right because I've followed the record generated when I manually make a placeholder and get the data merge text placeholders of document 1. What am I missing?
thanx, sam
set myTextFile to ("path:to:working:date.txt") as alias --I'm using a text file that works manually.
tell application "Adobe InDesign CS3"
set {find text preferences's find what, find change text options} to {"[Sample Name]", nothing}
tell document 1
tell data merge properties
select data source data source file myTextFile
set myDataMergeProperties to properties
end tell
set allObj to (find text)
set objCt to count of allObj
repeat with thisObj from 1 to objCt
set NameObj to item thisObj of allObj
set myStory to parent of NameObj
set myFrame to parent text frames of NameObj
set NameObjOffset to item -2 of insertion points of NameObj --of myFrame
set dmFcount to count of every data merge field of data merge 1
repeat with i from 1 to dmFcount
if field name of data merge field i of data merge 1 is "FirstName" then set myNamefield to object reference of data merge field i of data merge 1
end repeat --dmFcount
set myNamePlaceholder to {story offset:NameObjOffset, field:myNamefield}
set {myNamePlaceholder} to end of data merge text placeholders
return properties of data merge text placeholders
--yields {} if I have no placeholders manually made. If I have manually made a placeholder, it yields only the manually made placeholder. What am I missing?
tell myStory
end tell
end repeat -- iterate over each instance of obj
end tell --doc1
end tell --app

I have 20,00 images in my iphoto they have all been merged into one event. How do I restore them to the original events and dates? them

I have 20,00 images in my iphoto they have all been merged into one event. How do I restore them to the original events and dates?

Load the backup from before this happened
LN

Automatization and data merge in CS3

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