Efficient Document Creation: Using Data Merge in InDesign

Getting Started

To begin, you need to understand the basics of integrating InDesign’s Data Merge feature with the CI HUB Connector. The amount and type of metadata you can work with depend on your source system, which could be a PIM, DAM, or cloud storage system like Dropbox.

1. Select Your Products: In the CI HUB panel, select the products you want to work with. You can sort the list to ensure the records are produced in a specific order if needed.
2. Export CSV: Click the CSV export button. You have two options:
   • Download Files: This will add the images to your export.
   • Open Export Folder: This brings up the folder where your export is saved, useful for later updates.
3. Prepare the InDesign: Connect the CSV export to InDesign Data Merge. Create text and image containers, drag the variables into them, and use the preview button to check your content.

By preparing your metadata correctly, you can make formatting changes quickly and ensure your layout is flexible for various output channels.

Single Record for Ads

Using a single record for ads can help you create personalized advertisements efficiently.

1. Connect CSV Export: Connect your CSV export with the InDesign document.
2. Preview and Check Records: Use the preview function to walk through records and ensure the layout looks good.
3. Utilize Metadata: For layouts with extensive metadata fields, use GREP styles for bullet points and other formatting needs.

With this setup, you can create ads with dynamic content tailored to each record in your CSV file.

Multiple Records for Precomposing

Precomposing is useful for creating layouts with multiple products, such as brochures or catalogs.

1. Create Layouts: Open an InDesign document and design a layout with products arranged as needed. For example, a brochure with a mood image on one page and products on the other.
2. Check Spacing: Ensure the spacing between columns and rows is consistent.
3. Preview Pages: Use the preview feature to see the final pages before generating the document.

This method helps in creating complex layouts quickly by precomposing multiple records into a single document.

Records with Alternate Layouts for Social Media

Creating social media posts in different formats (square, portrait, landscape) can be done efficiently using Data Merge.

1. Set Up Multiple Formats: Prepare merged documents for each required format (e.g., 20 products for square, portrait, and landscape).
2. Generate Documents: Let the CI HUB Connector produce the merged documents. This process may take a few seconds but results in multiple documents ready for social media use.
3. Export as PNG: Export the merged documents as PNG files suitable for social media.

This approach allows you to generate multiple social media posts in various formats in a fraction of the time it would take manually.

Using Records for Updating Content

Updating content in your document is straightforward with the CI HUB Connector.

1. Re-export Products: Select your products again and export the CSV file. If any images or text have changed, only those assets will be temporarily downloaded.
2. Update Data Source: Connect the new CSV export to InDesign Data Merge. You can either rename the new export or connect it directly.
3. Apply Updates: Use the “Update Data Source” function in InDesign to refresh the content.

This method allows you to update existing documents with new content quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

Using the CI HUB Connector with InDesign Data Merge enables you to:

• Use approved content seamlessly within your Adobe applications.
• Pre-compose products to simplify the layout process.
• Update content within seconds.
• Work smarter and save significant time.

By following these steps, you can streamline your document creation process and ensure your content is always up-to-date and formatted correctly.