First time job: data merge confusion
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Tagged: XML
- This topic has 3 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 6 years, 8 months ago by Masood Ahmad.
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July 27, 2017 at 9:27 am #96393Marcos AbdallahMember
So guys, I got called to a freelance partnership with a company and the first task is to make these product cards for an retail event. I confess that InDesign isn’t my forte, so I kinda lost.
They sent me two layouts to link with the data file.
Screenshot: https://i.imgur.com/t8Hlskc.jpg
So I have some questions:
1. What format should they send me the data file? .csv and .xml?
2. What’s that menu on the left of the picture? Should I worry about it?
3. What other file/info should I request to compete the task?
This is quite a simple task, right? I’ve never done this before so I’m kinda lost on how much work it will take and how much should I price it.
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July 27, 2017 at 6:29 pm #96400Mike WenzloffMember
Marcus, you have been thrown into the deep end of the pool…
XML isn’t for the faint of heart and there is a learning curve. There are likely YouTube videos for dipping your toes in before you jump. As well, Cari Jansen’s website has some good information and I think some sample files (or something you can follow along with). Here’s a URL for Cari’s web site:
https://carijansen.com/category/publishing/xml/
Read through the Reference material, then go through the exercise.
As to the questions:
1. As to whether one format is better than the other, it all depends on the job. I cannot really tell from your screen shot which I would prefer to use.
2. That’s the Structure Panel. If you do use XML format, that panel is what you need to use to set up the job.
3. Unless there are other design assets (logos, images, etc.), all you really need is the XML file and the dimensions of the final product. That part is no different than any other layout job. So if these product cards have bleed, you will need to both set up the document with the requisite amount of bleed (typically 0.125″ or 3mm depending on you location and print service) and also include bleed in you PDF export of the finished job. And depending upon your print provider, you should fins out what PDF type and format they require.
Beyond that, I would need to see the template(s) and the XML to advise further.
Mike
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July 28, 2017 at 12:57 am #96405Kai RübsamenMember
This can be real XML, but it would also be possible that it is datamerge on the masterpage!
However: There is no reason for XML. So:
1. Watch David Blatner Training on Data merge at lynda.com
2. They should sent you .csv-filesKai
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August 22, 2017 at 6:52 am #96973Masood AhmadParticipant
Hey Marcos, try this:
https://creativepro.com/getting-started-with-xml-in-indesign.php
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