Data Merge - many records, good alternative?

Hello,
I need to data merge 780 records. And to top it all off, each record will be two pages...So we're looking at a total of 1560 pages. I know InDesign data merge isn't meant for this many records.
I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good alternative. Perhaps a plugin or another program?
Thanks a lot,
kdubbie

I think Data Merge could handle it just fine, but if there is other static content on these two pages, you'd be far better off finding a printer with VDP capabilities. The Data Merged doc requires processing ALL of the content on each page before printing it where a true VDP solution like XMPie would process the static data once, then insert the varialbe data into the print stream.
Are you concerned about the merge itself, or printing it after?

Similar Messages

IDCS6 MACOSX JS: Data Merging many txt files one after another

Hello everybody.
I have a situation where I have to data-merge many text files to the one actual indesign "base" file. The formats of the databases are all the same, the point of difference is a code in the second field of the database that refers to a mailing zone (not a zip/postcode, a "distribution centre" code that has 56 or so possibilities). I would prefer to data merge one file and then somehow split the resulting PDF via Acrobat, but the length of the resulting mailing zones is inconsistent and something that can't be done though the "split document" feature in acrobat.
The database starts out as one massive file but using a one-line code, can be split into its mailing zones into separate text files.
My ultimate question: is there any way to data merge more than one file at once (e.g. one after another) and give them their names based on the names of the input text file?
Ole Kvern had a script to Data Merge one file without the UI. I have altered the last line slightly so that it outputs to a PDF based on [High Quality Setting]:
if(app.documents.length != 0){
        var myDocument = app.activeDocument;
        app.dataMergeOptions.removeBlankLines = true;
        //Select a source file.
        var myDataFile = File.openDialog("Select a data file")
        var exported = "file location(redacted for the sake of this post)"
        if(myDataFile != ""){
                myDocument.dataMergeProperties.selectDataSource(myDataFile,);
                myDocument.dataMergeProperties.exportFile(exported,"[High Quality Print]",);
I figure the answer has to do with the variable "myDataFile" and rather than being simply open a dialog, it would be somehow selecting an array of text files, but this is where I am out of my depth.
Any insights or other thoughts that may not involve trying to do many merges at once but may somehow revolve around one large merged PDF?
Many thanks
Colin

I've answered my own question, but the answer lies outside of Adobe InDesign – it uses bookmarks within Adobe Acrobat.
1) Data Merge the art/data to one large PDF file.
2) In the resulting PDF file, manually search out the mailing zones and apply bookmarks to each first instance only of each mailing zone. In this case, it is a manual process of find/replace to find one of 70 possible mailing zones that may be used in any database. Each bookmark should be named with its respective code. It is a manual process, but it would take 5 minutes so this is acceptable.
3) Using "Split Document" from the pages panel, make sure the "top level bookmarks" radio button is checked, and in the Output Options make sure that the "Use bookmark names for files" radio button is checked.
I'm aware that this was a rather obscure question that only a fraction of users on this forum may wish to know an answer for, but hopefully this workaround helps someone else in a similar situation.
Colin

Data Merge: Multiple records in a Multiple Page Document

I looked in the InDesign help and under Limitations for merging multiple records it reads:
You cannot merge multiple records if the data fields appear on a document page in a document with multiple pages, or if data fields appear on multiple master pages.
I'm using InDesign CS 5.5. I produce a 4-page newsletter printed on both sides as a booklet, folded and stapled and each folded page size is 8.5 x 11 (a four page booklet on 11×17 paper) I want to print our 250-name mailing list on the outer cover but have discovered that it only prints the whole thing then staples it or I need to manually print each issue per name.
Is there a way around this? If we have to use a third party software, would you let me know what to look for? Any suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks for your help.
Amy

How many names are you trying to put on each newsletter? I suspect only one, and that you've misiniterpreted the Help file. That warning applies to putting multiple records from the data file on the SAME page, like a sheet of labels.
Just so you know, using Data Merge to do a mailing where you are addressing multiple copies of a static document is potentially VERY inefficent. Data Merge needs to make a page for every page that will be printed, so if you have a 4-page newsletter with 1,000 subscribers you will wind up with a 4,000 page document just to get the name and address on one page, and your printer will be re-processing all those duplicate pages for each newsletter. If you have a commercial grade copier/printer there may be a variable data printing module availble for it that will merge your list at print time so you need only send a 4-page file and print 1000 copies (or you can send the job out to a printer who can handle this kind of work), or if you want to print in-house anddon't have VDP capabilities, I recommend doing two files.
The first file should be the side of the sheet that doesn't change. Print that first as a single page doing x plus a few extra copies (in case of jams in the printer when doing the second half) where x is the number of newsletters you need. The second file is the other side of the sheet with the addresses, which you do as the Data Merge, and will end up as x pages. After printing the first side, flip the stack and reload so you are printing on the blank side, then send the merge document, asking for one copy.

Data Merge - Multiple Records on 1 Page

Ok, I've searched the forum for this question. There are still similar answers, but my issue is unique.
I am trying to make an invoice that shows how many services they bought, how much those services cost and how much they owe.
I exported a CSV file of 1,500 customers from a separate program.
The issue is that the .CSV file sorts each service on a different row.
E.G.
          A                   B                    C               D          E          F
1   Service 1     John Smith     12345 street     city     state     $100.00
2   Service 2     John Smith     12345 street     city     state     $25.00
3   Service 3     John Smith     12345 street     city     state     $50.00
4   Service 4     John Smith     12345 street     city     state     $75.00
5   Service 1     Jack Brown     12345 street     city     state     $100.00
6   Service 2     Jack Brown     12345 street     city     state     $25.00
7   Service 1     Mary Johnson 12345 street     city     state     $50.00
8   Service 1     Nick Stewart    12345 street     city     state     $75.00
(colors just indicate different clients)
Rows 1 - 4 needs to be on one page, 5 - 6 on the next page and so forth. Is there a way to filter it so similar files get sorted onto the same page? All rows with "John Smith" would be filtered in sequence onto the same page. Does anyone know how to do this?

CarrionMisery wrote:
Ok, I've searched the forum for this question. There are still similar answers, but my issue is unique.
I am trying to make an invoice that shows how many services they bought, how much those services cost and how much they owe.
I exported a CSV file of 1,500 customers from a separate program.
The issue is that the .CSV file sorts each service on a different row.
E.G.
          A                   B                    C               D          E          F
1   Service 1     John Smith     12345 street     city     state     $100.00
2   Service 2     John Smith     12345 street     city     state     $25.00
3   Service 3     John Smith     12345 street     city     state     $50.00
4   Service 4     John Smith     12345 street     city     state     $75.00
5   Service 1     Jack Brown     12345 street     city     state     $100.00
6   Service 2     Jack Brown     12345 street     city     state     $25.00
7   Service 1     Mary Johnson 12345 street     city     state     $50.00
8   Service 1     Nick Stewart    12345 street     city     state     $75.00
(colors just indicate different clients)
Rows 1 - 4 needs to be on one page, 5 - 6 on the next page and so forth. Is there a way to filter it so similar files get sorted onto the same page? All rows with "John Smith" would be filtered in sequence onto the same page. Does anyone know how to do this?
As Peter S. notes, your database program needs to output the data differently. It's possible that InDesign's Data Merge isn't the best approach for the best control over the final form of this material.
For example, you may find that you need a total of all invoices for that customer at that address in that time period, so you'd have to reprogram the database output for that result. Perhaps you'd need more detail about the individual items and sub-items on each invoice, so again, reprogram. And, you may find that you want more control over the typographic appearance of the information on the page. Back to the drawing board again!
Exporting from the database to InDesign Tagged Text is an alternate approach that may be useful, and exporting to XML is another. James Maivald's book on XML for InDesign Users has good examples. I'm not aware of any specific material on tagged text, but InDesign's Help should have some information that could get you started. Google searches for InDesign XML database output, and InDesign tagged text database output, are two useful search phrases.
HTH
Regards,
Peter
Peter Gold
KnowHow ProServices

Data Merge, multiple records, one text box, one page

I need to my data to merge in one text box on multiple lines.
Example:
My TXT file:
Name
Mary
Bob
Paul
I want my InDesign file to look like this: (one text box, one page)
Mary
Bob
Paul
I don't want multiple pages or multiple text boxes. I hope this makes sense.
TIA

Sorry, that's not how it works in Data Merge.
Your list will require multiple records per page, or a restucturing of the data (a better choice, in this case) so you have Name1, Name2, Name3 or something similar.
Have you considered just placing the text file?
How many records are you really using?

Data Merge Multiple Records Per Page Greyed Out

I am using InDesign cs5.5. I am attempting to create a catalog with the data merge option. I am attempting to do a data merge from the Master Page.
As you can see in the image, I have inserted my fields from the data source file. All images, original file, and data source file are in the same folder. I am inserting this info on the left sheet of the master file. When I select "Create Merged Document" the "select multiple records per page" is greyed out, however, there is plenty of room on the page for the 8 records I want it to show. See image below.
After watching tutorials, reading, etc. I made sure that my document does not have facing pages. I deleted my "page 2" to avoid that conflict. I made sure that the placeholder "allows overwrite from the master". I also deleted my "cache"/settings" by doing "ctrl, alt, shift" when reopening the program. I read that it may be because the files need to be on the right hand sheet of the master, however, when I move my info to the right sheet, I get the following message.
I have watched the tutorial videos, read the entire help section regarding data merge, and have correctly created my data source file. I've tried everything I've seen on the forums, apart from uninstalling and reinstalling. Please tell me that someone can help me figure this out as soon as possible. I'm in crunch time!
Thanks a lot.

Thanks Peter. That helped me un-grey the multiple records. I was able to complete a data merge, however, this is what happens.
As you can see in this image, I have the margins setup the way I prefer, and the data merge previews correctly.
Once I click to merge, this is the new document I get - it's only putting one record per page (even though the multiple records per page is selected), and it inserts this layout, not onto actual pages in indesign. It looks reall odd.
And when you scroll down,
Any suggestions on fixing this?
Also, my InDesign freezes up when I try and do a merge of my entire sheet (182 items). The images above are when I tested doing just records 1-32.
Thanks in advance and thanks for being so prompt yesterday. Very helpful.

Data Merge several records on single page?

I'm working on a large layout of grad photos with names, years and pictures.
I'm trying to data merge my excel spread sheet so I can have all the images, names and years on a single page. There are around 4000 images total (spread through 5 layouts), so I don't want to have to place all the photos individually, type names and years individually, then re-arrange when we need to add additional images.
My issue is that the same data is reapeating in all the fields on the page. Even when I create a new page, the same data is appearing.
If I preview the data, I can scroll through each one, but only one ever displays at a time. The multiple data per page option is grayed out in the data merge window every time I try. I'm using InDesign CS4.
Is there something I'm doing wrong, or is there another way to approach it?

I agree it seems as if you have duplicated data in your source though I can't gray out the multiple data page option if I try. Perhaps there is something to poick up with this clip. Good Luck & let us know how you make out.
http://www.theindesigner.com/podcasts/tid43_theindesigner_43.mp4

Data merge - multiple records per document

I am trying to do a data merge to have 4 addresses per page. I have my main page setup with the merge fields. When I select create merged document, the "records per Document Page" drop down is greyed out. I cannot select multiple records.
What am I missing?
Thanks,
Phil

I guess I still do not understand how this works. I would like the multiple addresses to print 4-up on a page so that I can cut a letter size page in to fourths for postcards. The attached image shows my main document.
Phil

CS4 Data merge: Multiple records One template Multiple docs

I have 112 BCs to data merge, I'd like to import 10 records at a time, into one business card template, and end up with 10 documents. Then I can name them and go on my merry way to the next 10. Is this possible? If I import them all at once I'll have 112 open docs and that's just wrong on a myriad of levels..
Thanks for any help!

Take a look at the Data Merge Panel menu for the Content Placement Options, and enable and set the number desired in the Record Limit per Document field.
This makes the assumption that all your BC data is in one source file for the merge.

Data Merge Multiple Records Per Page

I am working on a directory of 235 names. All the information, ie., name, addresses, emails, phone numbers etc. are in an excel file.
What I need is not each name on individual pages. Is there a way to have the data flow together, like a phone book.
Thank you

If you want to data merge into one text frame without the fuss of stitching lots of frames together, check out a script by Loic Aigon called Inline Merge: http://support.ozalto.com/downloads/inlineMerge.zip
For more information, see a write-up on InDesignSecrets: http://indesignsecrets.com/data-merge-into-inline-anchored-objects-so-they-flow-in-a-story .php/comment-page-1
Colin

Export data merge document records as seperate files

I've seen quite a few threads about this matter and Indesign CC 2014 still doesn't seem to be able to do it.
I'd like to export a data merge project (in my case 600 books of 50 pages with photo's and text) to seperate pdf's. I could generate new documents or make a single pdf and breake these up, but I'm afraid this will be either buggy or very time consuming (having to save 600 files manually). So I'd hope Indesign could get a native feature to automatically save 600 seperate files. A plus would be if the file name could be defined by a data set variable from the same document.

This forum is actually for discussing the merits of new feature requests rather than an official channel to submit a request to the team. For that, use Adobe - Feature Request/Bug Report Form and make as strong a case as you can for why this will benefit a large user segment.

Data merge multiple records

i am attempting to put together a catalog of over 400 products. each page is to contain 32 products, 4 columns each with 8 rows.
each cell will contain both text (product number, price, description, etc.) and images.
i have constructed a template of how i want the page to look in regards to columns and rows.
i have also selected the date source and mapped the fields.
i have been able to go as far as to merge the document of multiple records.
however, instead of the records all showing up on the same page, each one has its own page.
how can i fix this?

First, make sure that you have only one instance of your data fields per page. The multiple record options will fill in the rest. Next, there can be nothing else on the page; everything on the page will be repeated.
There are two ways to handle the other page items (headers, footers, page numbers, etc.)
1) Put those things on the Master page, and only your Data Fields and accompanying items on the document page.
or
2) Add the other page items after the merge is done.

Data Merge/Multiple Record Layout...Can you change the order?

I just had to do a mail merge with 4 postcards on a single letter size sheet. Getting them to print with 4 different addresses per sheet using the Multiple Record Layout wasnt the problem. You can choose for them to go in order from left to right or top to bottom. Ok, thats all good.
The problem I found was after cutting them, its impossible to keep them in order without doing a manual shuffle of all the cards. Is there a way to have it print in an order so when they are cut, the 4 stacks can just stack on top of each other and stay in a proper order? (using CS5)

Well you cant really resort the excel file to work that way, not quickly or easily at all anyway.
Currently it prints like this (representing the 4 corners of the page:
page 1
1    2
3   4
page 2
5    6
7    8
page 3
9    10
11   12
etc...
There is no way to keep these in order after cutting without manually going through it...not fun when you have several hundred pages. What makes a world more sense is to have it print like:
page 1
1    4
7    10
page 2
2    5
8    11
page 3
3    6
9   12
This way after its cut, the top left corner stack can go right on the top right corner stack, which goes on the bottom left corner, then bottom right corner. Now you have a full stack in numerical order.
Is it safe to say that InDesign cannot do this?

Help! Error when data merging multiple records per page

I managed to get one record per page to display great.
When I try to insert the text box into my master page and run to create multiple entries per page it gives me only one result:
Any ideas on where I'm going wrong?

Before merge
After Merge

Is there a way to name the .indd files created by a data merge with values in the CSV file

I have a data merge document that is set to single Record per Document page and 1 page per document. In my CSV file I have a field for Part Number. If I run a data merge with 10 records I end up with 10 .indd files. I need a way so that the resulting .indd files are named the same value that is in the Part Number field.

Loic has provided a link for my original piece, and I've written up some follow-up pieces for indesignsecrets.com:
http://indesignsecrets.com/data-merging-individual-records-separate-pdfs.php
http://indesignsecrets.com/data-merging-individual-records-separate-pdfs-part-2-scripting. php
So there are several ways to get unique name PDFs from an indesign Data Merge. However, none of these 3 articles will truly answer your question of how to get unique indesign filenames using the database. I can see a practical purpose for this as merging business cards directly to PDFs is great, but I can be guaranteed that while on proof, there will be alts to the business cards that need to be done outside the merge, meaning specific records need to be exported to indesign files for further manipulation.

Data Merge - many records, good alternative?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for