InDesign Data Merge - Data Grouping or Page Breaks

I'm working on a plant catalog for a landscaper. I want to group the plants in the catalog by their plant type (i.e. Groundcovers, Trees, Shrubs, etc). Each plant name in the data source is assigned a plant type and I've sorted the data so the plant types are grouped together. I'm successfully using data merge to create a document with multiple records and I want to use the "Plant Type" as a header per group of plants that match that type. I'd be very happy if I could also create a page break between plant types. Is there a way to accomplish this with InDesign? I can accomplish this with Word's data merge but I'd much rather use InDesign.
Additionally, I'm currently using a text variable at the top of the page and thought this would be the solution to my problem but I'm only able to set this up using the "First on Page" option. This doesn't work well because I frequently have items at the bottom of the page that aren't in the same category as the first item on the page. I'm basically running a merge for every plant type then putting the separate documents together in a PDF... its a little time consuming but not impossible.
I hope I've explained my situation clearly. Any guidance will be appreciated.

Data Merge is very primitive. It doesn't do anything but put unlinked frames with data on the page.
That said, there are scripts, such as the text liner at Rorohiko.com that will link the frames in logical sequence, and paragraph styles can be set to start on next page, or you can add anther field to the data file and put a symbol or text sting into it only where you want a page break, then do a find change and repalce with the break after the merge.
Are you doing a lot of this? There are catlog pugins which might make your life a lot easier, but they're pricey.

Similar Messages

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 Feature in Master page in InDesign CS5

I really need some help, because I'm running out of time...
I'm trying to create a merged document by using the Data Merge Feature in InDesign CS5. Normally it works fine, but right now I'm trying to create one with a .csv file imported in de master page so I can update it later on. That should work, fine but after 16 hours I still dont have a merged document. According to InDesign we aren't even at 25%! It only 142 records spread out over 9 pages. What do I do wrong? Can anybody provide me with an answer?

Dutch Lauwie wrote:
Normally it works fine, but right now I'm trying to create one with a .csv file…
Dutch, does that mean that you normally use a different kind of file as a data source other than .csv? If so, which? I tried with both .csv and .txt (tab delimited text), and both worked fine for me on a simple test. Both allowd me to update the ID file after I had updated the data source.
Dutch Lauwie wrote:
…but after 16 hours I still dont have a merged document. According to InDesign we aren't even at 25%! It only 142 records…
How long does something like this usually take for you? Is this a very complicated document when compared to the documents you usually do? You may have some document corruption, so trying the same data file on a new document might be worth a try. You might also want to try trashing your InDesign preferences also.

Multiple data merge results on one page

Good morning everyone,
I am trying to set-up the menus for my upcoming wedding, where everyone has already chosen what they are having. I have created a .csv file with four columns - Name, Starter, Main, Dessert.
As I am printing these off at home, I want them to be half A4 size (105mm x 297mm), with two menus per page.
However, by doing the normal Data Merge, I end up with having the same menu twice on each page. So both menus on the page are for the same person.
How do I set it up so that I can have two different menus, the next entries in the .csv file, on the same page?
Thanks in advance.
Simon

Sounds like you tried to put two menus onthe page and run a multi-record merge.
To merge multiple records you use only one set of placeholders on your page. Put it in the upper left position. ID will duplicate it as many timeas as will fit using the spacing parameters you specify. It's often helpful to use an empty frame with no stroke to define the area to make setting the sapcing easier. Group it with your text frame(s).

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

Data merge multiple recrds per page

i am rying to place an illustrator file on an "in-design"page and have it print two up on one piece of paper with two seperate address then cut them apart to same money on my printer/contract
all the proper choices are available - IT SEEMS - but i can't get it to work the second record seems to be placed on the second document in my two up layout HELP PLEASE
thanks

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

Grouping and Page Break in ALV using Function Modules

Hi all,
I am trying to develop an ALV Report that will be grouped by vendor, some vendor information to be displayed on header. And, after each vendor;s records there should be a page break.
It should be something like this:
Vendor Number: 00012345454
Vendor Name: ABC Technologies, Inc
Vendor Country: USA
Item....Price...... Descriptopm
123....100,00......this is description
124....120.00......this is another description
PAGE BREAK
Vendor Number: 000123456545
Vendor Name: My Bank
Vendor Country: USA
Item....Price..... Descriptopm
223....32,00......this is my description
224....120.00......this is another description
Can anybody give some sample code for it ? I have tried a few codes from web, but they are not working.
Thanks.

Hi,
Try the following:
1. Build your sorting criteria. Pass this to ALV FM.
gs_sort-fieldname = 'VENDOR'.
gs_sort-group = '*'. "new page
gs_sort-up = 'X'.
APPEND gs_sort TO gt_sort.
2. Add event group level change. Pass this to ALV FM
gs_event-name = 'GROUPLEVEL_CHANGE'.
gs_event-form = 'GROUPLEVEL_CHANGE'.
APPEND gs_event TO gt_event.
Inside the form, retrieve your vendor details.
FORM grouplevel_change USING gs_lineinfo
                             gs_groups TYPE kkblo_grouplevels.
DATA: l_index     TYPE i.
IF gs_groups-level = 1.
    l_index = gs_groups-index_to + 1.
    READ TABLE gt_display INDEX l_index INTO gw_display.
ENDIF.
3. In the event top-of-page, display vendor details using write statements. For the first record, your structure (gw_display) will be blank, read from your data table first
FORM top_of_page.
IF gw_display IS INITIAL.
    READ TABLE gt_display INDEX 1 INTO l_display.
    IF sy-subrc = 0.
      WRITE: / l_display-vendor
    ENDIF.
ELSE.
    WRITE: / gw_display-vendor.
    CLEAR: gw_display.
ENDIF.
CALL FUNCTION 'REUSE_ALV_LIST_DISPLAY'
    EXPORTING
      i_callback_program       = sy-repid
      i_callback_pf_status_set = 'SET_STATUS'
      i_callback_user_command = 'USER_COMMAND'
      is_layout                = gs_layout
      it_fieldcat              = gt_fcat[]
      it_sort                  = gt_sort[]
      i_save                   = 'A'
      it_events                = gt_event
    TABLES
      t_outtab                 = gt_display[]
    EXCEPTIONS
      program_error            = 1
      OTHERS                   = 2.
Hope this helps.

Grouping - and page break

Post Author: Gerd
CA Forum: General
Hey,
i have a group and the situation looks like this
PageBeginn**************************************
A
NameA1   ValueA1
NameA2   ValueA2
B
NameB1 ValueB1
NameB2 ValueB2
H
NameH1 ValueH1
PageEnd*********************************
PageBeginn******************************
NameH2 ValueH2
NameH2 ValueH2
PageEnd*********************************
I want that there is no page break between a group. In the example above is a part of the group (H) on one page and a part
on the other page. How it is possible that the page break is not inside a group ?
I have set at the section (Section Expert)
GroupHeader --> to Keep Together
Details --> to keep Together
GroupFooter --> to keep Together
--> This doesn't works
thanks,

Hi,
Try the following:
1. Build your sorting criteria. Pass this to ALV FM.
gs_sort-fieldname = 'VENDOR'.
gs_sort-group = '*'. "new page
gs_sort-up = 'X'.
APPEND gs_sort TO gt_sort.
2. Add event group level change. Pass this to ALV FM
gs_event-name = 'GROUPLEVEL_CHANGE'.
gs_event-form = 'GROUPLEVEL_CHANGE'.
APPEND gs_event TO gt_event.
Inside the form, retrieve your vendor details.
FORM grouplevel_change USING gs_lineinfo
                             gs_groups TYPE kkblo_grouplevels.
DATA: l_index     TYPE i.
IF gs_groups-level = 1.
    l_index = gs_groups-index_to + 1.
    READ TABLE gt_display INDEX l_index INTO gw_display.
ENDIF.
3. In the event top-of-page, display vendor details using write statements. For the first record, your structure (gw_display) will be blank, read from your data table first
FORM top_of_page.
IF gw_display IS INITIAL.
    READ TABLE gt_display INDEX 1 INTO l_display.
    IF sy-subrc = 0.
      WRITE: / l_display-vendor
    ENDIF.
ELSE.
    WRITE: / gw_display-vendor.
    CLEAR: gw_display.
ENDIF.
CALL FUNCTION 'REUSE_ALV_LIST_DISPLAY'
    EXPORTING
      i_callback_program       = sy-repid
      i_callback_pf_status_set = 'SET_STATUS'
      i_callback_user_command = 'USER_COMMAND'
      is_layout                = gs_layout
      it_fieldcat              = gt_fcat[]
      it_sort                  = gt_sort[]
      i_save                   = 'A'
      it_events                = gt_event
    TABLES
      t_outtab                 = gt_display[]
    EXCEPTIONS
      program_error            = 1
      OTHERS                   = 2.
Hope this helps.

How to activate a different sub-report for each row in the data set as main report page breaks on each row of data in the main dataset

I am going to try asking this same question a different way as I have yet to find a working solution to my problem. I have a main report and then 8 sub reports. My main report has one data set and returns one row of data per account number. One
of the fields in the main data set is called AccountProf. My main report displays one page per Account number and then calls a different sub report based on that account's AccountProf value. The sub reports take in the account number as a parameter
and get multiple rows of data to display that accounts usage formatted differntly for each AccountProf (hence the 8 different sub report.
So far I can figure out how to do everything but setting the visibility property of each sub-reports when I have multiple accounts. If I use the following expression for the visibility property on each sub report, it makes all the applicable sub report
for all the accounts requested visible at once:
=IIF(Fields!AccountProf.Value= "USE_PLUS_DMD",False,True)
*The value in bold USE_PLUS_DMD is different for each sub report.
Here is a look at what the main report look like:
Here is the main reports data set:

Hi JasonDWilson77,
According to your description, there is a main report and 8 sub reports in the report, you want to set visibility of sub reports, if no value is passed to the parameter of sub report, the sub report will not be displayed. If that is the case, please refer
to the following steps:
1. Create a new parameter named NewAccountNumber, set its data type the same as @AccountNumber, select Allow multiple values, set Visibility to be hidden, then set all available values to default values.
2. Right-click the first sub report and open Subreport Properties dialog box, click Parameters in left pane, set name to AccountNumber, then click (fx) button, type the expression like below:
=Parameters! NewAccountNumber(0)
3. Click Visibility in left pane, select Show or hide based on an expression, then click (fx) button and type the expression like below:
=IIF(InStr(Join(Parameters! AccountNumber.Value), Parameters!NewAccountNumber.Value(0))>0 , false,true)
4. Modify parameter of other sub reports like step2.
5. Set visibility of other sub reports like step3.
If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.
Thanks,
Wendy Fu
If you have any feedback on our support, please click
here.
Wendy Fu
TechNet Community Support

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

Unable to group with page breaks when creating pivot table in BIP

Hi,
I'm using BIP 10.1.3.4 and I need some assistance with report with pivot tables. I used the wizard to successfully create the pivot table but i need to add a group and break the page on that group. Is there any way i can do this?
Thanks.

HI Bala,
I am Durgaprasad from Pune-INDIA, working as a OBIEE developer, I have one query which I mentioned below can you please go threw it.
I have done migration Discoverer Admin EUL Layer into OBIEE repository using below methodology.
Navigate to the <installdrive>\OracleBI\server\Bin directory. There are two important files in this directory: the migration assistant executable file named MigrateEUL.exe and a properties configuration file named MigrationConfig.properties.
Could you please help me how to migrate discoverer plus workbooks and worksheets into OBIEE Answers?
go through below link, It will show navigation steps for migrating of EUL from Discoverer to OBIEE.But i need migration of workbooks and worksheets from Discoverer into OBIEE Answers.
http://www.oracle.com/technology/obe/obe_bi/discoverer/discoverer_1012/discomigration/migrate_disco_biee.htm
This is very great full help to me …
Advance thanks for your suggestions.
Regards
Duraga Prasad.

Can I use InDesign's Data Merge for more than just address labels?

I am a Graphic Designing working on a new science exhibition in Melbourne, Australia.
I'm trying to streamline the way we import our label content into InDesign (currently cut and paste from Word which is slow and leaves room for error). I've been going down the path of having a macro developed which converts the Word content into a csv file so I can then import this into InDesign through data merge, however the import is falling over.
Through testing we can conclude that data merge doesn't like paragraph breaks, en-dashes and apostrophies (and possibly more we haven't come across) and will only import data up until one of these items occurs in the data. We've tested a number csv file formats however we can't find a solution.
Has anyone come up with a solution for this? My macro developer would be keen to get a hold of a working csv file that deals with these issues...
Thanks!

I have done what you are describing, with Word & InDesign, on a daily basis, for years. Word is not the best choice for this kind of workflow, of course, but if I had to choose between placing Word & doing a data merge with CSV, I'd be torn. Neither one is really the tool for the job. XML import would suit you better, but if you're already midstream in VBA development, there's no point in trying to describe why placing carefully styled RTFs and clearing overrides is better than writing VBA to clean up Word files and turn them into CSV.
(Look at style mapping in Import Options when placing a Word file for future projects.)
(Also: it's not extra codings that you want to apply in VBA, it's purging Word-specific "Symbols" and just using true Unicode values for em dashes and other typographical symbols.)

Indesign Cs4 Multiple record data merge

I am trying to create a response card.
The sizing is such that they lie three on a letter sized page, and fit into Number 9 envelopes. I've
data merged onto the one page (so three target/data boxes in each of the response cards) but when i select expo
rt and multiple records it doesnt work right. It generates three on a page of all the same
record, and then a page of three for each record. i need each record only once and i'd like to print them three to a page and then cut them.
advice? i am not very advanced with indesign, so specific steps would be much appreciated.
is there a way to print if i make just one card? it seems you can only do 2 or 4 to a page, not three

You set your fields three times on the page right?, delete instances 2 & 3.
Repeat - Set the first instance of all your design, eliminate everything else.
From the Create Merged Document panel, select "Multiple Fields" in Records per Document and adjust spacing on the Multiple Record Layout tab. (Hint, turn on preview)

How do you data merge a specified page from an .indd file

Hi,
I'm using ID CS6 creating a number of documents that will include various pages from other .indd documents; i see the best way for me to do this as a data merge.
I can get the data merge to work absolutely fine, pulling in relevant images and text etc, and also pulling in the relelvant .indd documents; what i can't do is specify which page of the .indd file i want to show, so i'm always getting the first page. Is there a way to specify a page to merge, as opposed to only the first one?
Thanks in advance...
P.S. I'm right in thinking you can't merge snippet files aren't I...as i can't get that to work...

I don't know of a way to specify a page of an ID document during a data merge. But interesting note: during my experimentation, the second page of the ID doc was being used in the data merge. Then after changing other variables in data merge workflow, the first page of document was used. I don't know what triggered the page change, and unfortunately can not repeat.

Multiple Data Merge - Problem Resolve... Sort Of

I've researched this issue all morning and found issues dating back to 2012 regarding the problems with Indesign's Multiple Record Data Merge. Many of the issues are answered with the basic set up. Create a new page as a single page and non facing page document. It appears that an earlier bug was resolved that caused data merge documents to be placed off center when produced. The issue that I was experiencing was similar to what I had seen but not covered or not answered when it appeared someone was posting a question about it.
I started with a single page document, non-facing page, no initial text box, and sized to 8.5'' x 11''. I'm layout out name badges 10-up on a page. I had a previous template that had some graphics in the background for alignment purposes. I created a blank master page and a record holder for the name badge then loaded my data source, placed my data entries, and styled accordingly. Upon creating a data merge I selected Multiple Record and then previewed the data merge and positioned the elements on the page using the data merge controls top, left and column placement commands.
The preview looked perfect. The problem came when I finished the final data merge. The resulting page was not correct and looked nothing like the preview. Records were strewn about the page and excessive amounts of pages were created. I spent 4 hours trouble shooting this, far more than this project was billed. At this point it was a mission. In a reply dated back around 2013 I found that someone had removed a layer from their document. I had no layers. The only thing that was not a part of the actual data merge was the graphics that I had on the page for positioning that were not tied to the data merge at all.
I decided to delete these graphics and try to apply the data merge again. The results were perfect. I'm deducing from this experiment that the data merge needs to be done on a blank page. Which is counter productive to the Indesign mater page template. Any elements on the page need to exist as a a part of your data entry group and no other elements on the page. You only create one data entry group in the top corner of the page then use the data merge panel to position and duplicate. Otherwise, you will get a single page for each record you have with each record set 10-up in my case.
Recap:
Create a single non-facing page document with no intial text box. (if you have more than one page the Multiple Records option will be grayed out)
Only have 1 layer in this document
Set a single data entry set/group on the master page.
Do not include any other graphics. Put them in after the data merge.
Click the Create Merged Document button in the data merge panel
Select "Multiple Records" from the drop down list
Click the Multiple Record Layout tab at the top of the Data Merge panel
Click "Preview Multiple Record Layout" at the bottom of the Data Merge panel so you can see the Entry Sets with the data in place
Use the Margins and Layout or Records inputs to position the elements on the document (see note below)
Click OK when everything is in place the way you like it.
After the data merge is complete you will have a new document that should look like you want it to. Now you can go into this document and start adding your design elements.
NOTE: Positioning the content without the base graphics can be tough if not impossible. What I did in this situation is placed my positioning guides on the page then went through Steps 1-9 to set up the document for merge. Once my settings were set I then clicked "Cancel" and deleted my positioning guides and graphics. The problem I was having was due to these elements being on the page. Once I created the document I then pasted my template guides back into the final data merged master page for production.
Request to ADOBE: Fix this issue so we can design our layouts and position our data merge elements without having to backtrack.

If you insist in multi-record data merge, you can have static/variable graphic and text components work. But, create a 3.5 x 2 frame (3.75 x 2.25 card w/bleed) around all of these components, and make sure nothing extends beyond this bounding frame. If the composition prevents you from enclosing all components, then make a PDF of content that is imported in as one graphic.
Another suggestion: don't combine the functions of variable data merge with imposition.
Create a 1up layout of business card to data merge the variable info.
From this file, export to PDF.
Then impose the individual cards with: an imposition app, PDF plug-in, Indesign script, or even manual placement into another document.

InDesign Data Merge - Data Grouping or Page Breaks

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