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Using data merge to create a catalogue

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    • November 19, 2019 at 9:22 am #1198083
      Peter Mullen
      Member

      Hi

      I m looking at using indesign to produce a series of catalogues.
      I was considering data merge, exporting an excel file from a product database and then link that to a template.
      It was suggested that I connect directly to the database, however is INDD server needed for this?

      What are the considerations for setting up this job? There could be multiple page layouts and the data could be around 10,000 products.

      Any advice or warnings would be greatly appreciated.

      :)

    • November 19, 2019 at 9:53 am #14323678
      David Blatner
      Keymaster

      No, InDesign Server is not required for this. But Data Merge will almost certainly be too basic for a catalog. I would suggest watching something like my video course called “InDesign: Data Merge” here: https://linkedin-learning.pxf.io/kXD9z

      But you’re probably going to want to work with a tool such as EasyCatalog (from 65bit) or InCatalog or Cacidi Extreme, or with a service such as Pagination.com

    • November 19, 2019 at 11:52 am #14323676
      Peter Mullen
      Member

      Thanks for the info David. Ill take a look at the video.
      I had already researched Pagination and 65bit, so will revisit.

    • November 19, 2019 at 3:20 pm #14323570
      John Gagliardi
      Member

      Hi Peter, in my experience, the more structured your layouts, the easier database publishing becomes. Currently, I’m exporting data from our database with xml tags and using a custom plug-in to flow copy and images onto the page. It’s nothing fancy, but way cheaper than a commercial package. Years ago, I used plug-ins from Meadows Publishing Solutions to tag each element being imported, which worked well for unstructured data and charts. I believe they are still available from Meadows. Hope this info helps.

    • November 20, 2019 at 1:33 am #14323566
      Peter Mullen
      Member

      That’s great info. Thanks John

    • November 21, 2019 at 9:28 am #14323556
      John Kriho
      Member

      Yes, Meadows is still going strong, with plenty of experience in automated catalog production! We’d be happy to set up a webinar demo for you any time. Please send an email to sales@meadowsps.com, or visit us at http://www.meadowsps.com. Thanks!

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