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Trying to automate Directory content – data merge – inline merge

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    • March 30, 2016 at 2:34 pm #83511
      Neil Shand
      Member

      Hi,
      I’m trying to create a workflow to produce a clients trade directory. Used the excellent inlinemerge script last time round and it worked a treat.
      I also placed the ads inline which was a big help when they started chopping chunks out at the start of the book!
      This year I’m trying to take it a step further by trying to get ID to pull in some ads for me.
      My columns are 40mm and all the ads are 40mm wide but with various heights.
      I can get the basic listings working fine. I can get ID to pull the advert image file from the path in my Excel. But getting the 2 to work together is proving difficult.
      I hoped I could anchor the Advert image placeholder in the text and where an ad existed it would pull in and auto fit.
      I can almost get it work but can’t seem to get the image frame to autosize to the size of the ad.

      Any ideas? I accept this might not be possible within ID and InlineMerges capabilities.
      Any alternatives to pull my ad shapes into the text boxes and flow inline at the correct junctures?

      Many thanks in advance…

    • March 31, 2016 at 1:01 am #83522
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      Hi,
      Weird that Inline Merge would’nt take the anchored frame into account. However it remains a small utility that can have such limits. What I can recommend for advanced automated layouts especially if they are repetitive projects and require a high level of fidelity and smoothness is using a dedicated plugin such as EasyCatalog for example.
      FWIW
      Loic

      Accueil

    • March 31, 2016 at 2:59 am #83523
      Neil Shand
      Member

      Thanks Loic,

      It places the artwork fine now. The issue is getting the image frame in ID to auto fit to the ad shape. David B in another pots reckons it may not be possible.
      I’ll check out Easy Catalog but I doubt the client will spend the money.
      I was looking for a ‘press the button and go the pub’ workflow but it looks like I’ll need to work for my money after all.

      Your script is the business by the way. Already saved me hours and hours. Cheers.

      Neil

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