John Garrett re-imports the csv file into Adobe Illustrator using the Variable Importer script, and he shows how to set the script to use the "No Auto-Binding" option. After importing, he demonstrates the manual method of binding the variables to the objects on the artboard by using the Variables Panel.
- [Voiceover] In this video,…we're gonna import again, but this time,…instead of auto binding by name or by node,…we're gonna choose no auto binding…and do that step manually.…I'll load the variable importer…by choosing it from the file scripts menu.…Then I'll load the csv file.…I'll set the auto binding to no auto binding…and click import variables.…Now these imports are going much faster…because I'm starting from my save preset…which we can see in the current preset field.…
That means all my settings and file directives…were already chosen when I load csv file.…I'll click the okay button to finish the import.…When the import is finished, if we check…our variables panel, we can see a list of the variables…showing in the variables column,…which previously was blank.…However, the objects column is now blank…because the auto binding feature wasn't active…in order to match them up for us.…Another thing that's different after the import…is the dataset dropdown.…It's populated with the dataset names we chose…within the variable importer script…
Author
John Garrett
Released
4/26/2016Designer John Garrett appreciates the many different types of variables and their practical uses, including generating business cards and direct mailers. In this course, he explains how to use variable data including managing linked images, graphics, tables of data, and graphs. He covers the entire workflow, from setup to exporting dynamic batches.
- Setting up Illustrator files
- Using Appearances
- Setting up data sources
- Importing data
- Managing linked variables
- Binding and using prepend paths and presets
- Using the Variables panel
- Naming data sets
- Generating multiple versions with batch exporting
Skill Level Advanced
Duration
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Introduction
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1. Exploring Variable Data
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What Is Variable Data?1m 12s
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Different types of variables4m 16s
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2. Setting up Illustrator Files
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Naming objects4m 25s
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Using area type2m 32s
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Using point type1m 57s
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Using variable data graphics4m 50s
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3. Setting up a CSV Document
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Setting up data in Excel3m 25s
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Saving a CSV file3m 11s
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4. Importing using Variable Importer Script
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Opening Variable Importer3m 19s
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Creating and using presets1m 32s
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Testing and importing a CSV2m 22s
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5. Working with the Variables Panel
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Uploading data sets4m 8s
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Dealing with overset text3m 41s
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6. Exporting and Reviewing
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Creating a save action3m 25s
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Conclusion
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Next steps1m 12s
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Video: Binding imported variables manually